The Range of Problems Treated By a Podiatrist

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If you are suffering from any foot problem, then you better consult a podiatrist. A podiatrist is a specialist who deals with the diagnosis and treatment of all foot and ankle problems. Podiatrists prevent and rectify deformities, restore mobility, and relieve infections. Here are some of the conditions that are covered by a podiatrist.

Diabetic Foot Care

There are three main concerns about diabetes and your feet. Diabetes affects their sensation, circulation and ability to counter infections. All these factors can endanger your health; hence the reason you should get diabetic foot care.

Podiatrists screen diabetic patients to determine whether they are at risk of suffering from foot problems. The podiatrist performs regular checks on the feet's health and watches out for conditions, such as ulcers, areas that are likely to promote high blood pressure and poor circulation. Additionally, your podiatrist will perform screening of potential foot problems.

Sprain, Strain, or Broken Bones

Podiatrists are skilled in treating strains, sprains, and broken bones in the ankle or foot. The expert will diagnose injuries and prescribe treatment. The specialist can also create a cast to help the injured area heal. If you have trouble with pain while walking, swelling and increasing pain after an injury, you need to consult a podiatrist.

Apart from diagnosing and treating minor foot injuries, podiatrists also offer surgeries for severe foot injuries. During surgery, the podiatrist will provide you with local anaesthesia to help with the pain. Examples of operations that are performed by podiatrists include bunion surgery, neuroma surgery, heel spur surgery and ankle reconstruction and replacement.

Athletes Foot

Podiatrists also deal with athlete's foot, a fungal infection affecting the skin between the toes. The infection can spread, leading to itching, discomfort and pain. You are likely to get the fungus from a shower, pool or gym or by walking barefoot. Fungus thrives in warm and damp areas. Wearing damp and warm shoes can cause the fungus to spread. Athlete's foot can spread to other areas, including the groin, scalp and hands.

Athlete's foot causes cracking, itching, peeling and blistering of the feet. The condition affects the fourth and fifth toes before spreading. A person may get cracks in the skin of the toes or on their heels. Anti-fungal treatments can remedy the problem. However, if the symptoms persist, you should consult a podiatrist.

Summing It Up

Foot problems are widespread. While some of these conditions can be treated through over the counter medication, others may require specialised treatment. If you find yourself facing the above conditions or any foot-related problems, seek out a podiatrist for treatment.

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24 March 2020

Fighting Fungal Infections and Other Issues With Your Feet

Having a fungal infection on your feet can be really annoying. You may find that your feet feel itchy, uncomfortable and that they don't smell great. The aim of this blog is to provide you with all of the info you need to fight a fungal infection. We are not trained podiatrist, but we have dedicated many hours to learning all we can about this subject. We will also be posting info about other conditions which can affect your feet and we hope to highlight how a podiatrist can help you to tackle them. Thank you for stopping by to read our blog!