A Foot Specialist, or podiatrist, can help with any issues that concern the toes, feet, ankles, and lower legs. That entails routine checkups, occasional sprains or injuries, treatments for chronic pain, or surgery for any member of the family. Feet and ankles take a lot of weight, pressure, and shock with every movement of the body, so proper care is important. Simple issues, such as warts, bunions, fungus, and ingrown toenails can become major problems, if not treated. Many people try over-the-counter (OTC) remedies for these types of foot problems. In many cases, that works well, but if it does not, seeing a podiatrist is a smart decision. Fungus that is left untreated, for example, can spread, or lead to skin irritations or infections.
Many times, OTC medications will only temporarily relieve symptoms. If pain, burning, or itching returns, it is time to see a Foot Specialist. The return of any symptoms may indicate a more complicated problem. Bunions, for example, may mean a foot deformity has developed, or issues with the bones are causing excessive pressure. Treatment may be a minor as different shoes, or orthopedic inserts. Further diagnostic testing can reveal stress fractures in the foot that are not healing properly, resulting in pressure that causes bunions to form. If any symptoms persist in feet and ankles, including cracking, tingling, or redness there may be other health issues that require care.
People with poor circulation, diabetes, gout, or edema should visit a podiatrist at least annually to prevent any complications. Regularly examine the feet is also essential between appointments to note any changes, pressure points, or swelling. If any occur, an appointment will be needed immediately. Advanced wound care, diabetic foot reconstruction, or amputation are available, but prevention is better. Most podiatrists, such as those found at Foot & Ankle Specialists of NJ, for example, have advanced diagnostic equipment, and utilize cutting edge technology to treat a variety of problems, injuries, and issues. Making an appointment sooner, rather than later, can make a big difference in treatment options, success, and recovery time for any procedures that may be necessary. Taking proper care of the feet and ankles improves overall health, and can eliminate a lot of pain quickly. You can also follow them on Twitter for more updates.
