A podiatrist is a physician or a surgeon who deals with the diagnosis and prevention of foot problems followed by its appropriate treatment.
When must you consult a podiatrist?
We have busy lifestyles and very little time for ourselves. Hence most of us do not even pay attention to foot pain, much less seek help of a medical practitioner.
Foot doctors south FL may prove to be one of the best whenever there is a need to consult a podiatrist. We must go to a foot doctor whenever the pain in the foot goes above normal.
Whatever the cause of the foot pain is, the podiatrist doctors Deerfield beach FL can help relieve the pain.
Foot pain may occur due to improper shoes, foot neglect and improper care.
Foot Mechanics
Our everyday walking exerts loads of force and pressure on our feet, thereby making feet more prone to injury.
The foot holds its normal function due to interaction between its muscles and tendons. Hence a good podiatrist is the one whose prime focus is to restore the function and to strengthen the muscles.
Various foot problems which require a podiatrist help
Bunions
Here, the base of big toe is seen enlarged and is protruded. Some redness and tenderness is also noticed. This occurs due to wearing tight and narrow shoes.
Club foot
It is a non painful and correctable birth defect. Here, the ankle and toes are twisted inwards.
Corns and calluses-
Repeated friction from shoe or ground may result in a corn. Here, a small area of skin over big toe, ball of foot or heel is thickened resulting in sharp pain due to painful nerves.
Fungal toe nails
There is an infection under the surface of nail. A change in color is noticed and there is difficulty in walking.
Ingrown toe nails-
This is a result of trimming the nails too short. The nails become painful, swollen, tender and hard.
Plantar Fascitis-
This is also called as heel spur syndrome. There is an inflammation in the tissues at the bottom of the foot resulting in shooting pain under one or both heels.
Open sore on foot or ankle-
This should be taken care of, as early as possible. Generally results due to diabetes.
Foot discoloration-
Redness and blue color should be checked for indicating gout and vein problem respectively.
Numbness and tingling sensation-
A burning sensation or tingling may be felt due to conditions like sciatica or diabetes.
Pain and swelling-
A stress fracture may cause excruciating pain which worsens with activity and tendon sprains or rupture.
Painful lump-
This can be a cyst or a tumor growth.
Sports injuries
Ligament or tendon ruptures in athletes and other minor soft tissue injuries .
If the pain persists for more than a day it should be examined for deep vein thrombosis, compartment syndrome or infection.
What are the different treatment protocols by podiatrist doctors south FL?
Primary management
Includes only prevention and patient education.
Biomechanical
Here patient is prescribed special footwear and orthotics to re align the body weight distribution.
Surgical
Use of modern procedures after conservative management fails.
