Have you been living with lower limb pain or unsightly condition for quite a while now? Before applying an ointment or some other medicines you just heard from somebody, you need to understand the real problem. The ideal professional who will help you is a podiatrist, like Feet In Motion.
What Does a Podiatrist Do?
Podiatrists are healthcare professionals who were trained to diagnose and treat abnormal conditions of the feet and lower limbs. They render foot health services, such as relieving pain, treating infections, and preventing and correcting deformities to keep patients active and mobile. In addition, they will educate you and your family about the best ways to care for your feet and what kind of shoes you should use.
Common Foot Problems
Below are some common foot problems that podiatrists deal with. Click here to learn more about other foot problems.
1. Bunions
This is a bony bump, which occurs at the base of your big toe’s joint. It forms when some of the bones at the front part of your foot go out of place. As a result, the tip of your toe gets pulled towards the smaller feet forcing the joint of your big toe to stick out. A visible signal is a sore and red skin over the bunion. This illness can grow from foot structures you inherited, health conditions such as arthritis, and wearing tight and thin shoes.
To help avoid bunions, select the proper shoes. They should have a wide toe box, no pointy feet, and space between the end of the shoes and the tip of the longest toe.
2. Corns and Calluses
These are thick or hard areas of the skin, which could be painful. Even though they’re not that serious, they need to be managed by a trusted foot care provider when you have additional health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, or other circulation problems.
You may do the following to avoid these problems:
- Wear thick, cushioned socks.
- Use soft insoles or heel pads on your shoes
- Wear wide, comfortable shoes with a soft sole and low heels that do not rub.
- Use a moisturizer to soften the skin.
- Use a pumice stone or foot tile regularly to remove hard skin.
3. Sports Injuries
Any part of your body can suffer from sports injuries, including the bones, muscles, and connective tissues. However, the knees and ankles are more prone to sports injuries. Some causes include:
- Failure to warm up properly before exercising.
- An accident such as a heavy blow or fall.
- Not resting after too much working out.
- Using inappropriate equipment or inadequate technique when exercising.
You don’t usually need to see a professional in case of a minor accident. Instead, rest the affected area and apply an ice pack for the first 48 to 72 hours to prevent further problems and reduce swelling. Most of all, use painkillers like ibuprofen or paracetamol for pain. In case of major injuries, including dislocation or broken bone, visit the nearest podiatric clinic. One of your options may be wearing custom foot orthotics to address the issue.
4. Toenail Problems
Toenail problems, including ingrown toenails, thickened toenails, and fungal nail infections, are common foot issues. While they’re not serious, they can be painful and require a long time to treat.
Here are tips for managing these problems:
- Soak your foot in warm water thrice or four times daily for several days to soften your toe’s skin and block the nail from growing into it.
- Keep your feet dry all day.
- Wear wide, comfortable footwear.
