You may need to see a podiatrist when you have joint foot pain. Visiting a podiatrist can help you determine the root cause of your discomfort and may even prescribe treatment to alleviate your symptoms. There are several reasons why you should seek out a podiatrist. The following are just a few. You should visit a podiatrist if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Arthritis: This is a common condition affecting 33 different joints. Arthritis is a common cause of foot pain. Inflammation of these structures can interfere with blood flow to the foot. Other possible causes of foot pain include injuries or medical conditions that affect blood flow. Sesamoiditis is the inflammation of the structures surrounding the two small bones underneath the big toe joint. Plantar fasciitis is an overuse of the ligament-like installation underneath the length of the foot.
Shin splints: These painful, sharp, or burning pains can occur in the shins and feet. Various factors can cause shin pain, including ill-fitting shoes and wearing high heels. Podiatry treatment for shin splints may include physical therapy, stretching exercises, or custom orthotics. If you are experiencing pain due to heel pain, you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
Ingrowing Toenails: In-toeing is a common condition in babies and toddlers. It typically passes by age 5, but it can cause problems in toddlers. A podiatrist can perform stretching exercises to treat ingrown toenails. The outer margin can also be surgically removed. Your doctor can recommend a treatment plan for ingrown toenails. You can also consult with a podiatrist if you suspect a toe problem.
There are many non-surgical treatments available for foot and ankle pain. During a visit to a podiatrist, you may be prescribed padding or orthotics. Your podiatrist may recommend physical therapy for your condition. Some conditions can be treated right in the office by a podiatrist, using a syringe to administer pain medication, nail splitters to remove toenails, scalpels to cut off skin around toenails, or even liquid nitrogen to freeze plantar warts.
Inflammation of the plantar fascia is one of the most common causes of heel pain. This thick band of tissue attaches to the bottom of the heel and fans out into the ball of the foot. Plantar fasciitis can be treated with physical therapy and orthotics. In more severe cases, a night splint may be prescribed to stretch the calf and arch of the foot. You may also need stretching exercises to help with the inflammation.
If a general health condition causes foot pain, you may want to see your family doctor for treatment. Antifungal medication can treat a nail infection, while a podiatrist can treat arthritis and gout. You should consult a podiatrist if you’re suffering from one of these conditions. If you suspect that you have any of these conditions, it is essential to get medical treatment as soon as possible.
