Benefits of Visiting Your Podiatrist for Foot and Ankle Pain Q&A

Foot disorders can affect anyone at any age; however, certain factors increase the likelihood of a person getting one. Obstructions- or diseases that weaken the feet- are common among adults. People over the age of 60 have the highest prevalence of foot disorders due to osteoarthritis causing them. In addition, people who work in occupations that involve constant standing- like work and sports – have a higher likelihood of developing foot problems due to inactivity. However, the elderly are not the only group at risk; children also suffer from foot disorders due to similar factors.
 
A podiatrist treats foot disorders by performing surgery or by providing medical devices and shoes. A medical device is an external tool that helps correct certain foot issues, such as heel spurs. Shoes can be prescribed for people with certain foot problems, such as flat feet or Morton’s neuroma. A podiatrist can also recommend exercises to help with foot health and wellness. Exercises should be done regularly to strengthen the feet and keep them healthy.

The human foot is a complex structure susceptible to various diseases and injuries. Podiatrists treat foot disorders by performing surgery or by providing medical devices and shoes to their patients. The field of podiatry is rapidly growing thanks to new healthcare roles that make care accessible to all people.
 
We cannot exclaim enough how important it is to take good care of your feet and ankles, as it can directly affect your overall health and lead to more serious problems. If you have problems with your feet and ankles, talk to one of our podiatrists today.
 
If you are showing any signs or symptoms of the following, schedule an appointment:
 
– Start to notice any numbness, swelling, or pain in one foot
– Contracted Nail fungus
– Continuous heel pain
– You believe you may have sprained or broken your ankle or foot
– Noticed a reoccurring case of athlete’s foot
– You have been medically diagnosed with diabetes
– You have an ingrown toenail
– You have bunions
– Dealing with painful corns or calluses
– Noticing joint pain in your ankle or foot.

Your feet have 26 tiny bones in each foot. One of the more complex parts of your body, your foot also has several:

– Joints
– Tendons
– Ligaments
– Muscles
 
All parts of your feet are designed to support your weight and help you with standing, walking, and running.
 
Foot pain can limit your activities. Some health conditions can damage your feet if not treated properly. A podiatrist is a specialist in all parts of the foot.

You should visit a podiatrist for a medical appointment for immediate medical attention if you have any of these symptoms for more than a day or two:

– Intense pain
– Swelling
– Numbness or tingling
– Open wounds or sores
– Lnfection (redness, warmth, tenderness, or fever)
 
If you cannot walk or bear weight on your feet, call your podiatrist or family doctor right away.

As a general guide, it is best to see a podiatrist if you have an injury, condition or symptom that affects the health of your foot or ankle. If you have an injury, condition, or symptom of any other part of your musculoskeletal system, it’s best to see an orthopedic doctor.
 
The word ‘podiatry’ comes from Greek roots meaning ‘to describe.’ Therefore, the field of podiatry describes the anatomy, diseases and treatment methods of the feet. One new role for podiatrists involves caring for feet after they heal from various injuries or diseases. This is known as post-sport podiatry and involves treating feet after athletes have them from participating in sports. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Walnut Creek, CA, and Brentwood, CA. We serve patients from Walnut Creek CA, Brentwood CA, Concord CA, Pleasant Hill CA, Pittsburg CA, Antioch CA, Alamo CA, Danville CA, Oakley CA, and surrounding areas.