Podiatrists or doctors of podiatric medicine focus on issues concerning the lower limbs, particularly the lower leg, foot, and ankle. A good podiatrist can assess, diagnose, and treat conditions and injuries concerning these body parts.
Are you wondering why you would need to see a podiatrist? Here are ten common reasons:
1. Knee And Ankle Issues
There are a variety of knee and ankle issues that can causes pain and other symptoms. For instance, you may have unstable ankles due to repeated ankle sprains, or a misalignment in your feet that is impacting your knees. Regardless of the specific issue, a podiatrist can help diagnose and fix your knee and ankle issues.
2. Flat Feet
While everyone is initially born with flat feet, some fail to outgrow them. Your foot arches should slowly form once you reach early childhood. When this doesn’t happen, you have a case of flat feet. That means the arches don’t form at all, or if they do, they collapse after a short time.
Being flat-footed can cause patients to experience pain when they walk or run. A podiatrist can help manage this condition by recommending special footwear and orthotics.
3. Heel Pain
A common cause of pain is plantar fasciitis. It happens when a ligament that connects the toes to the heels becomes torn or swollen. The ligament is called fascia, hence, plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis often affects people whose job requires constant walking, like servers, teachers, and cashiers. Patients with this condition can experience a sharp and stabbing pain or a dull ache. It’s best to seek a podiatrist for intense heel pain.
4. Diabetes
Diabetic people are vulnerable to lower limb issues. Diabetes is commonly known for affecting blood sugar levels but can also cause complications in other body parts.
People with diabetes tend to experience ulcers, numbness, and aching on their legs and feet. These are usually signs of possible nerve damage. A podiatrist can offer relief for foot issues caused by diabetes and monitor wounds and ulcers, so they don’t become bigger issues and lead to amputation.
5. Nail Infection
Cases of ingrown nails often lead to infections. Those lead to pain, swelling, tenderness, and redness around the site. You may also observe pus and fluid on the wound in severe cases. Without treatment, the infection could spread.
A podiatrist can help prevent infection from ingrown nails. They can also treat existing conditions to avoid further irritation and pain.
6. Arthritis
Arthritis can affect joints all over the body, causing swelling, stiffness, and pain. Although less common in smaller joints, the feet and ankles are susceptible to arthritis and need treatment to manage the condition and eliminate symptoms. When it occurs in the ankles or feet, it’s time to see a podiatrist, which is the best specialist to consult for these body structures.
7. Injuries
The most common causes of sudden lower limb issues are foot injuries. Injuries are unavoidable in a lot of cases, like when athletes get into accidents during training or laborers overwork themselves.
It’s best to consult a podiatrist for sprains, strains, fractures, and other issues impacting the feet and ankles.
8. Deformities
Hammertoes and bunions are examples of common foot deformities. They can cause pain when standing and walking, especially with tight footwear, because they alter your foot and toe structures.
A good podiatrist can assess the severity of the condition. They can also recommend the best type of treatment to speed up recovery.
9. Surgery
If you need foot or ankle surgery, the best physician to consult and perform the procedure is a podiatrist. Due to their familiarity and extensive education and experience with these structures, podiatrists know perfectly well how to treat a variety of foot and ankle issues that require surgical intervention.
10. Balance Issues
People who have trouble maintaining balance may suffer from underlying lower limb issues. There could be a misalignment in their posture or legs that is causing them to struggle with balance. Seeking help from a podiatrist is recommended to deal with such cases. They can assess your entire body’s alignment and pinpoint exactly where the problem is – which is the feet or ankles in a lot of cases.
Trusted Podiatrist In Naples, FL
Many health issues may affect your lower limbs, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness in the feet and ankles. A podiatrist can help you with such issues, as well as problems from diabetes, arthritis, and other chronic conditions. The same goes for foot injuries, deformities, and infections. Consulting a good podiatrist can relieve pain and prevent it from recurring.
The Joint Replacement Institute in Naples, FL, has highly-skilled providers prepared to help patients with feet, ankle, and lower leg issues. Treatment options like medications, physical therapy, surgery, and orthotics are available upon assessment.
For general inquiries and assistance, call (239) 261-2663. You may also request a consultation with orthopedic surgeons near you by submitting an online appointment request form.
