maggiedove, Author at Maggie Dove Podiatrist Bondi Junction

Foot and ankle problems may be caused by a range of medical conditions including diabetes, arthritis and daily situations like overuse or wearing poorly fitting shoes. Unfortunately, if they are not addressed on time, they can lead to even worse conditions including pain. If you are in such a situation, the best thing would be to see a podiatrist. This is a medical practitioner that has specialized in providing medical care for a range of problems affecting the lower leg, ankle and foot. Some of the reasons to see a podiatrist include;

1. If You Have Started Running Regularly

Runners are particularly prone to different kinds of aches and pains including shin splints. And that is why it is extremely important to consult a podiatrist if you have picked up running either for purposed of exercising, as an athlete or if your new job involves extensive running. The specialist will assess your feet and body so as to flag any potential problems and also recommend the best strategies for avoiding them. They will also recommend the best athletic shoes for your feet.

2. If You Have Some Stubborn Ingrown Toenail

When you have a toenail that has grown into the skin, it is likely to cause an infection, a problem that is more prevalent on the big toes. For this reason, if you have a red toe or one with lots of drainage, then you should consider visiting a podiatrist for specialized treatment. Depending on the condition of your toe, the doctor may remove part of your nail or prescribe the right medication in case that area is infected.

3. If You Have Diabetes

If you are diabetic, you are more likely to experience foot problems than someone who is not. For instance, you may experience issues such as dry skin and serious infections. For this reason, if you are diabetic, you should consider having a foot examination performed by a podiatrist or doctor at least once per year. This can lower the risk of diabetes-related amputation, by up to 50 percent.

4. If You Feel Acute Joint Pain In Your Ankles or Feet

Arthritis is one condition that is currently affecting so many people across the globe. Unfortunately, if it not treated on time, it can change how your feet function and even lead to disability. For this reason, if you have stiff, swollen, red or tender joints in your feet, then it may just be the right time for you to see a podiatrist. The specialist will suggest the best treatments to help preserve the health of your joints and make it much easier for you to continue with your normal daily routine.

You should also see Orthotic Solutions Podiatry Bondi if you need foot surgery, when you are experiencing the kind of heel pain that is limiting your activities, or if you suspect that you have a sprain, strain, or a broken bone. The specialist can also help in case you have a persistent fungal infection such as the athlete’s foot, when you have a very painful bunion or a bothersome callus or corn.

A podiatrist is a doctor who treats the foot. The doctor must have studied podiatric medicine. Therefore, he or she is a physician or surgeon who treats the ankle, foot, and other parts connecting the leg. Another name for a podiatrist is chiropodist. It is still used in some areas.

Medical Training

Like other types of surgeons and physicians, podiatrists complete four years of study and training in a certified podiatric school. After that, they gain experience of about four years in residency training in clinics and hospitals. Then one is required to pass all the exams and get certified by a relevant board. Some podiatrists also complete specialized fellowship training that focuses on certain areas. In this way, a podiatrist has concerned a specialist in foot health.

Foot Conditions

You should note that podiatrists treat all people notwithstanding the age. Also, they treat a wide range of foot conditions. That is similar to a general care physician or family doctor. You should note that some podiatrists are specialized in various areas of foot medicine. They can be specialists in surgery, sports medicine, wound care, diabetes, pediatric care, and other forms of foot care.

If your feet are hurting, it is advisable to see a podiatrist. It does not matter whether you do not have foot pain; it is advisable to go for medical checkups. For instance, a podiatrist can safely remove the hardened skin on the feet and clip the toenails as required.

Common Foot Problems

Common foot problems include ingrown toenails, warts, corns, calluses, blisters, warts, nail infections, foot injuries, and sprains. You can also find podiatrists that focus on the specific feet problems that include bunion removal, tumors, walking patterns, amputations, corrective orthotics, and foot prosthetics.

Risk Factors

When you have certain health conditions, you are likely to suffer from foot issues. These include obesity, arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and high cholesterol. People suffering from diabetes are at high risk of various foot problems. You should pay attention to any given change in the way your feet feel. Ensure you record all signs and symptoms relating to your feet in a journal.

When underlying conditions are treated, you can help ease foot pain. Inform your podiatrist whether you have symptoms of diabetic foot. Signs to look for include dry or cracked skin, cracked toenails, discolored toenails, tenderness, sore, and bad foot odor.

In some cases, you may need to see both the family doctor and a podiatrist.

Maggie Dove Podiatrist Bondi Junction

Author: maggiedove

When Should You See A Podiatrist?

1. If You Have Started Running Regularly

2. If You Have Some Stubborn Ingrown Toenail

3. If You Have Diabetes

4. If You Feel Acute Joint Pain In Your Ankles or Feet

What is a Podiatrist?