When you’re facing an issue with your foot, it might be time to see a podiatrist, a medical professional who treats a variety of foot conditions among all ages. Some podiatrists specialize in different areas such as surgery, pediatric, sports, medicine, or wound care.
If you experience any foot discomfort, it’s best to consult a podiatrist for proper assessment. The foot is a durable mechanical structure comprised of bones, joints, muscle, tendons, and ligaments. With the continuous load that the feet have to endure, they require regular care, and a trip to a podiatrist can help deal with issues and ensure good overall health.
Here are the common foot problems that might require treatment:
1. Heel Pain
The usual cause of heel pain includes over-exertion, wearing ill-fitting shoes, and over-stretching. The Achilles tendon attaches the calf muscles to the heel bone.
Heel pain has various causes such as bursitis, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, Achilles tendinitis, or Severs disease. In some cases, pain from a different part of the body might also contribute.
If you experience severe pain and swollen heels, consider checking with a professional near you. If you’re in Queensland, Australia, Sunshine Coast Podiatry and other similar podiatric clinics should help you determine the cause of your heel pain.
2. Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis involves the plantar fascia, a tissue running along the base of your foot, linking the heel to the toe, forming the foot arch. Pain or discomfort arises in this tissue once it overstretches or strains, resulting in small tears which lead to inflammation and pain.
In most cases, pain manifests upon getting out of bed in the morning or after a long period of sitting down. The discomfort can be a brief, stab-like sensation to a continuous throbbing ache. The pain often settles after walking for a few minutes.
Most people with plantar fasciitis recover after several months with primary treatment involving rest, application of ice, and stretching. Pain medications can also help lessen the pain and inflammation. Some of the therapies for the condition include physical therapy, using night-time splints, and orthotics.
3. Achilles Tendinitis
Foot pain can also be due to Achilles tendinitis, which affects the Achilles tendon. The Achilles tendon is the biggest tendon that allows you to move your foot up and down.
Achilles tendinitis develops due to overuse or repetitive strain on the Achilles tendon. As a result, there’s inflammation of the tendon, which triggers pain, ranging from mild to severe and can disrupt your daily activities or participation in sports.
Other Types Of Foot Problems
There are also other common foot problems that a podiatrist can help with. Here are some of them:
Blisters
Blisters are one of the most common foot problems, but there are ways to prevent them. When there’s excessive friction on foot due to constant rubbing your skin will eventually tear under the surface and fluid forms as a protective mechanism, resulting to a blister bubble, which prevents further damage to the skin and lower the chances of infection.
Corns And Calluses
A callus forms once the skin hardens because of too much pressure. It often develops at the heels and under the balls of the feet. In most cases, they are larger than corns and don’t trigger any discomfort. On the other hand, corns develop in one part of the foot, forming a solid lump while the surrounding inflamed skin may cause pain.
Ingrown Toenail
An ingrown toenail is also a common foot problem for many people. An ingrown toenail forms when the nail reaches the edge of the nail curve and grows into the adjacent skin, resulting in swelling and inflammation. If not properly managed, you’re at risk for infection. The condition can be recurring and typically affects the big toe.
Athlete’s Foot
You can acquire athlete’s foot from swimming pools, changing rooms, and public showers. Unfortunately, these areas are suitable environments where the tinea fungus thrives. If you suspect that you have the condition, you’ll notice that your foot is red, itchy, dry, and scaly. Don’t overlook this foot condition since it may spread to the toenails, which could be challenging to fix.
Conclusion
Maintaining the health of your feet is essential for your general health. Sometimes, various types of foot problems could develop due to the constant use of your feet, which may be a minor concern to a recurrent issue that requires proper treatment. Depending on the type of problem you’re experiencing, consulting a podiatrist should be something to consider. If you’re suffering from these common foot problems, you may consult a podiatrist for proper treatment and a good outcome.