Foot and ankle problems can affect your confidence and quality of life. A podiatrist can help you with a range of issues. You can find one in your area by searching online.
Podiatrists have completed years of rigorous medical education, including a hospital-based residency. They can reset fractures and perform surgery. They can also prescribe medications to manage pain and inflammation. For more information about the foot pain podiatry Beverley, click here.
Ingrown Toenails
An ingrown toenail is a common problem that can be painful. But when it’s infected, the pain can be intense and make activities difficult.
Home treatments can help, but you should see a doctor if your toenail is red and swollen and you have drainage. Your doctor or podiatrist can drain the pus (called paronychia) and remove part of the nail if necessary.
You can avoid ingrown toenails by cutting your nails straight across, not rounding the corners. You can also soak your feet in lukewarm water several times a day for 15 minutes or use a warm shower. You can add Epsom salts, which are soothing, to the soak if you like.
You can also prevent ingrown toenails by giving up tight, narrow shoes and replacing them with open-toed ones. And don’t pick at your toenails or try to remove them yourself. If you have diabetes, be especially careful with your feet and seek care immediately if you injure your toenail. For more information about the foot pain podiatry Beverley, click here.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition of the foot that affects the bottom of your foot and heel. It is caused by too much stress on your feet and can worsen after long periods of inactivity. You may experience stabbing pain when you first step on your foot in the morning or after sitting for a long time. This is because the plantar fascia shortens and tightens after a long period of inactivity.
The pain usually is more severe when you walk, stand, or run. You may develop plantar fasciitis because of a change in your lifestyle, such as increasing your running or walking workouts, spending more time on the job, and wearing shoes that don’t fit well or provide adequate support. Weight gain or sudden changes in body weight can also cause the condition.
Your podiatrist can diagnose the condition by examining your foot and the location of the pain. He may recommend a treatment plan including rest, ice packs, steroid injections, and shockwave therapy. He might also suggest you use a plantar fasciitis heel pad or insoles.
Heel Pain
Heel pain can be caused by various things, including changing activities, poor stretching, wearing poorly fitting shoes, staying on the feet for extended periods, and obesity. Thankfully, these conditions can be treated, and most do not need surgery.
Treatment options include anti-inflammatory medications, shoe recommendations, taping or strapping to support the foot and help put stressed muscles and tendons into a more physiologically restful position, physiotherapy or exercise and shockwave therapy to break up scar tissue. Occasionally, corticosteroid injections are also recommended in severe cases.
Usually, heel bruises and sprains will heal with rest, anti-inflammatory medication and icing the area of pain in 20-minute increments up to four times daily. For more severe conditions like heel spur, you may need a custom orthotic to provide extra support and prevent the foot from overpronation. In rare cases, surgery might be required. X-rays are often helpful in determining the best course of treatment. For more information about the foot pain podiatry Beverley, click here.
Ankle Pain
The ankle is the most vital part of your foot and has a lot of support from the bones, ligaments and muscles. But like any other body part, the ankle can get injured and feel pain. Your podiatrist can determine what’s causing your pain and create a treatment plan to help.
Your podiatrist will examine your foot and ankle for signs of pain, swelling or bruising. They may order diagnostic tests such as an X-ray, CT scan or MRI to create images of your feet’ bones and soft tissues.