The Most Common Foot Problems Treated by Podiatrists
TL;DR
The most common foot problems treated by podiatrists are bunions, corns and calluses, ingrown toenails, plantar fasciitis, and diabetic foot problems. Podiatrists can provide both surgical and non-surgical treatment options to relieve pain and improve mobility.
Have you ever experienced painful bunions, corns, or other foot issues? If so, you're not alone. Many people suffer from common foot problems that can significantly impact mobility and quality of life. The good news is that podiatrists are foot health specialists that can provide treatment to alleviate these issues.
In this blog post, we’ll cover the top five most common foot problems treated by podiatrists along with the available treatment options. We’ll also overview what podiatrists do, when you should see one, and how to find a qualified podiatrist in your area. Let’s dive in!
What is a Podiatrist?
A podiatrist is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) that diagnoses and treats foot conditions related to the foot, ankle, and lower leg in many countries. However, in Mexico this specialty is often called podology and does not require a full medical degree, though podologists complete specialized training in feet conditions.
Mexican podologists can diagnose conditions, provide treatments like pads and orthotics, and refer more complex cases to medical specialists. They often work closely with other healthcare professionals like orthopedists and endocrinologists to coordinate care, especially when diabetes is involved. Though Mexican podologists cannot perform surgery like American podiatrists, they are knowledgeable experts in supporting foot health and comfort through conservative care.
When Should You See a Podiatrist?
You may benefit from scheduling an appointment with a podiatrist if you experience any of the following:
• Bunions or crooked toes
• Corns, calluses, or warts
• Ingrown or fungal toenails
• Plantar fasciitis heel pain
• Diabetic foot problems
• Ankle sprains and instability
• Foot injuries or abnormalities
• Circulation issues in the feet
Don’t suffer needlessly with foot pain or mobility issues before seeking professional treatment. Podiatrists can help diagnose the underlying cause and get you back on your feet!
The 5 Most Common Foot Problems Treated By Podiatrists
Below we’ll explore the top 5 conditions that podiatry patients commonly seek treatment for:
Bunions
A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe. This bump crowds the other toes, forcing them out of alignment and increasing pressure. Bunions tend to get progressively more painful over time as arthritis sets in and shoes cause further irritation.
Did you know? Women are 9 times more likely to develop bunions due to wearing narrow, tight shoes. High heels are a key culprit!
Podiatrists often start with conservative bunion treatments like wider shoes, padding, anti-inflammatory medication, and orthotics. If non-surgical options are ineffective at controlling pain and halting progression, bunion surgery may be recommended. Over 130,000 Americans undergo bunion surgery every year!
Corns and Calluses
Corns are small, hardened skin masses that form due to friction and pressure. Common on the tops and sides of toes, corns are often yellow in color with a rubbery texture. Calluses present as thick, rough patches of skin that arise on the ball or heel of the foot.
Both corns and calluses develop as a protective mechanism in response to irritation. While not generally a serious health issue, they can be quite painful - especially when additional pressure is applied during walking or standing. Over time they may increase risk of infection or ulceration.
Podiatrists treat corns and calluses first by trimming away dead skin to reduce thickness. Cushioning pads or specialized shoe inserts may also be recommended to offload pressure. Prescription medicated creams can further soften the lesions. For recurrent corn and calluses, minimally invasive surgical removal is an option.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when the edges of a nail grow into the skin beside it. Typically affecting the big toe, bacteria and fungi thrive in the moisture collecting under the embedded nail edge - leading to infection, redness, and swelling.
Why does this painful issue arise? Causes range from improper nail trimming technique to genetic factors determining nail shape and thickness. Pressure from shoes rubbing on the sides of an already irritated nail will make matters worse. Ingrown nails are quite common with conditions causing toe deformity like bunions.
Initial podiatry treatments focus on allowing ingrown nails to heal through proper care techniques. Follow-up appointments may involve non-surgical negation removal where chemicals are applied to prevent regrowth. Severe cases may warrant a minor procedure where part of the nail is fully removed.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the thick band of fibrous tissue (the plantar fascia) running across the bottom of your foot. This causes stabbing heel pain with the first steps taken after a period of inactivity - especially in the morning. Sharp pain typically subsides once the ligament warms up and stretches out after walking for a bit.
What triggers plantar fasciitis? Common culprits include excess weight, sudden increases in activity level (like ramping up a running regimen), tight calf muscles, or inadequate arch support. Hills, stairs, and hard surfaces tend to exacerbate discomfort. Left untreated, the tiny tissue tears can lead to more chronic pain and disability.
Podiatrists start with conservative plantar fasciitis treatment focusing on rest, ice, over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, physical therapy stretches, and shoe inserts. They may also utilize special tape techniques to support the arch or night splints that keep the ligament gently stretched as you sleep. Cortisone injections can provide more intensive healing assistance in severe cases.
Diabetic Foot Problems
Given diabetes impacts nerve function and blood flow, uncontrolled high blood sugar puts feet at very high risk of injury going unnoticed. Minor scrapes or irritations rapidly progress into major ulcers and devastating infections if not promptly diagnosed and cared for properly.
Thankfully, podiatrists can coordinate specialized diabetic foot care including regular exams to identify problems early when they remain highly treatable. They also provide education on proper self-care techniques focused on keeping feet healthy: blood sugar control, daily inspection, moisturizing, sock use, appropriate shoes, and more.
Custom orthotics and prescription shoes are often used to minimize pressure points that could lead to ulcer formation. Podiatrists work closely with a team of doctors including endocrinologists to optimize a treatment plan addressing the intersecting factors impacting diabetic feet. Catching and addressing issues early is crucial for avoiding amputation.
Podiatrist Appointment Tips
If you’re experiencing painful or limiting foot problems, schedule an appointment with a local podiatrist today. Search online for highly rated podiatry clinics in your insurance network. Come prepared with a list of your current medications and any relevant tests. Bring along well-worn shoes that highlight your comfort issues to aid diagnosis. You don't have to endure foot pain or immobility any longer - podiatric treatment can help get your feet feeling good again!
Frequently Asked Questions About Podiatrists
Still have some questions about what podiatrists do or whether you need to make an appointment? Check out answers to these common podiatry FAQs:
• How do I choose the right podiatrist? Look for board certification, positive patient reviews, convenient office hours/locations, and expertise treating your particular complaint.
• Do I need a referral? A primary care physician referral may be required by your health insurance, though self-referral may be an option. Check with your plan.
• What happens at the first appointment? Expect a thorough case history review, visual exam of your feet and shoes, evaluation of joint range of motion and gait, and possible x-rays or lab work orders.
• Will my visit be covered by insurance? Most major plans cover medically necessary podiatry care. Contact your insurance to confirm coverage details before scheduling.
• Can podiatrists prescribe medications? Yes, podiatrists can prescribe oral or topical meds required for diagnosis and treatment after advanced pharmacology training.
• How can podiatrists help diabetics? Podiatrists play a crucial health role guiding proper foot care, evaluating status, coordinating specialty care, and preventing devastating amputation through early intervention.
Take Control of Your Foot Health
Don’t let painful bunions, plantar fasciitis, ingrown toenails or other common podiatry issues slow you down. Schedule an expert evaluation to explore your treatment options and get back on your feet feeling fabulous! With specialized care customized to address the root factors impacting your mobility, you can toss those ugly orthopedic shoes.Once you understand the underlying biomechanical causes of your discomfort, sustainable changes can be made.
Here's to achieving healthy, happy feet that support an active life full of possibilities! Let us know in the comments if you have any other podiatry or foot health questions.
