Reasons to See a Podiatrist

The reasons to see a podiatrist include painful conditions such as Ingrown toenails, Hammertoes, Arthritis, and Diabetes. These conditions can cause pain and are often treated with minor surgery or local debridement. You can also see a podiatrist for a bunion, a hard bump that grows on the outside of your big toe. If left untreated, it can become inflamed and affect your ability to perform physical activities.

Ingrown toenails

You must visit a podiatrist for treatment if you suspect your toenail may be infected. Ingrown toenails can be dangerous and even lead to infection if left untreated. Likewise, you should seek the care of a podiatrist if you suspect that you have diabetes, nerve damage, or a compromised immune system. In addition to treating the problem with prescription medications, you can get a podiatrist’s help to prevent the condition from worsening.

The most common cause of ingrown toenails is improper cutting. Cutting the toenail too short allows the nail to grow into the skin surrounding it, causing inflammation and infection. People with diabetes and peripheral vascular disease should visit a podiatrist for proper treatment. A podiatrist can also recommend proper hygiene and dryness to prevent infection. Additionally, it would be best to choose footwear that fits properly to avoid pressure and pain. If the shoe is too loose, it can cause the toes to hit the tip of the shoe.

A change in the shape of the toenail is also a cause. Often, the corner of a toenail grows into the flesh, causing irritation and pain. Some other possible causes for ingrown toenails include improper trimming, trauma to the area, or heredity. A podiatrist can help you determine if you have ingrown toenails and recommend a treatment plan to alleviate the pain and reduce the chance of infection.

Hammertoes

A recent study showed that nearly 3 percent of adults in the United States have hammertoes. That’s seven million people. If you want to treat your hammertoes yourself, the best way to go about it is to consult with a board-certified podiatrist. In addition, podiatric surgeons are far more experienced in treating hammertoes.

An Adelaide podiatrist can determine whether you have a hammertoe or a mallet toe by looking at your foot and taking X-rays of the toe. They can also recommend treatment options, such as switching shoes with a wider toe box and half-inch leeway. If non-surgical measures do not help, hammertoe treatment may be required.

Another reason to see a podiatrist for hammertoes is their discomfort. People with hammertoes usually have pain that increases with walking and shoewear. The condition may also result in an open sore on the toe that does not heal properly. Hammertoes are a painful condition, so you must seek treatment as soon as you notice any changes.

Arthritis

While there is no known cure for arthritis, several treatment options are available. Early diagnosis is vital to ensure effective treatment. Arthritis is a complicated disease system. While various drugs have been developed over the years, some treatments are ineffective for every patient. Aspirin remains the first-line drug for most forms of arthritis. Listed below are some common treatments for arthritis.

Inflammatory bowel disease is one cause of arthritis in the toes and ankles. Often, treating this disease can alleviate the pain that comes with the disease. However, other conditions, such as pregnancy or childbirth, can trigger the onset of arthritis. In addition, a defective gene may play a role in osteoarthritis, according to recent research. Arthritis can be a severe medical problem, and proper treatment will improve your quality of life.

Physical therapy can improve foot and ankle function and prevent future deformity. Foot massage may help increase circulation, reduce swelling and pain, and promote a more excellent range of motion. Custom shoes can also help you move around more freely. Arthritis can affect all areas of your body, from your hands to your feet. Arthritis is an uncomfortable condition, so if you are experiencing foot pain, seeing a podiatrist is a good idea.

Diabetes

Seeing a podiatrist is extremely important for diabetic patients. This type of foot care is essential because diabetes can lead to many problems, including amputation. People with diabetes should have their feet checked by a podiatrist at least twice a year to keep their feet in good condition. People with diabetes are at high risk for developing a peripheral arterial disease, which narrows the arteries in the feet.