Top Reasons to Visit a Podiatrist
If you are looking for the most common reasons to see a podiatrist, read this article! The best reasons to see a podiatrist include sports injuries, diabetes, Arthritis, and Nail infections. You can also visit a podiatrist to find out whether you have any of the conditions listed above. Here are some of the other most common reasons to visit a podiatrist.
Sports injuries
For athletes, the feet are one of the most critical assets. They receive massive amounts of punishment, but injuries can be avoided if a sport is done correctly. Visit a podiatrist for advice and the best type of footwear for your athletic activities. A sports podiatrist will also offer tips for avoiding sports injuries and provide custom orthotics for your athletic shoes.
For athletes who play team sports, it’s not uncommon to sustain foot injuries. Sports can help build confidence and social bonds, but they also place you at a higher risk for foot problems than average. Getting a diagnosis is the key to recovery. A sports podiatrist will assess your condition and prescribe a program of exercises and footwear. These exercises can help you get back on your feet and return to your sport sooner.
While sports-related injuries are common, they can also be prevented. By wearing proper footwear and maintaining your feet, you can reduce the risk of a sports injury.
Diabetes
Diabetic patients risk developing foot problems, ranging from dry skin to severe infections. Visiting a podiatrist is an essential part of diabetes management. A yearly foot exam can reduce your risk of amputation by 50%. Foot problems can also limit your activities, and a podiatrist can treat and prevent these issues. A person with diabetes should see an InertiaHealthGroup podiatrist Adelaide annually to ensure their feet are healthy.
Diabetic foot problems can be severe, but an early diagnosis can help avoid amputation. Visiting a podiatrist for routine foot checks can help detect problems before they progress to ulcers. Regular foot exams can also help prevent other complications such as gangrene, which can occur due to diabetes. People with diabetes should also wear proper athletic shoes when exercising. During their annual foot exams, a podiatrist can perform other tests to monitor blood glucose levels.
People with diabetes should visit a board-certified podiatrist at least once per year. This appointment is essential for diabetes management and can help you avoid other health problems. Diabetes affects 26 million Americans. Although it can’t be cured, there are ways to treat it and keep it under control. Diabetic patients should never attempt to cut off corns, warts, or calluses. Using over-the-counter products to treat foot problems can cause permanent damage to the feet. Regular podiatrist visits are the most effective way to keep your feet healthy and happy.
Arthritis
Having arthritis can make walking and stand more difficult. It can also affect the bones in the feet, including the big toe, which needs 65 degrees of dorsiflexion to propel your body forward during normal gait. If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort in any of these joints, you should consider visiting a podiatrist to determine the cause of your condition and begin treatment.
Arthritis is a common condition affecting almost 40 million Americans and often has hereditary tendencies. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to managing symptoms and improving quality of life. Some forms of arthritis are caused by trauma or viral infections, including pneumonia, gonorrhea, and Lyme disease. The weight of an individual’s body can also contribute to joint inflammation, causing it to become painful.
Surgical treatment for arthritis may be necessary for some patients. A skilled surgeon can repair damaged joints, remove bone spurs, and restore function. However, while surgery can relieve pain, it can also cause bleeding, blood clots, and nerve damage. Therefore, it is best to consult a podiatrist about any new treatment plan before surgery. Also, try to avoid activities that aggravate symptoms.
Nail infections
Fungal infections are one of the most common reasons for a visit to a podiatrist. This condition is a typical result of an untreated fungus growing in the nail bed. While fungal infections are harmless in healthy individuals, they can be highly damaging to the foot if left untreated. In addition, they can be life-threatening in people with chronic illnesses and weakened immune systems.
Over-the-counter treatments for fungal infections are available in many pharmacies and drug stores. Still, you should always seek professional advice to ensure that your medication is adequate for your condition. Make sure to seek the advice of a foot doctor if you don’t see results from these treatments. You can treat your fungal nail infection at home with antifungal creams, ointments, and nail polish, but you should never take these treatments without consulting a podiatrist.
Toenail fungus is a severe medical problem that can take months to cure. Therefore, treatment is not quick and can involve taking oral and topical medications. In addition, you may be prescribed a special nail polish to treat the problem. Filing off the white spots can help resolve the cosmetic issues associated with toenail fungus. In severe cases, however, you may need to see a podiatrist to treat appropriately.