When to See a Podiatrist about Your Foot Problems

Our feet are important to us, and given how complex they are, it’s no wonder! Our feet contain a combination of 26 bones, 33 joints, and 126 muscles, nerves, and ligaments. Without those we wouldn’t be able to use our feet for a variety of activities, from walking and running, to dancing and playing sports. Sometimes we just like to kick up our feet and relax with loved ones. Experiencing foot pain, however, can take a lot out of us, even if we have no place to go.

If you’ve ever dealt with foot problems such as pain, swelling, infection, or broken bones, you know how debilitating these issues can be. If you’re dealing with any foot problems right now, it may be time to ask a podiatrist, or foot doctor, about what treatments are right for you.

Not sure if you’re having foot problems that require medical attention? Use this guide to find out if you need to visit a podiatrist for treatment. You may need to see a podiatrist if…

… You have any skin condition on your feet: This can include rashes, corns, warts, fungal infections, or athlete’s foot, which is characterized by dry, flaking skin. While these problems may seem harmless at best or mildly irritating at worst, they can spread and worsen over time. See a doctor for treatment of these issues, especially if over-the-counter solutions haven’t worked.

… You have problems with the bones in your feet: Bone problems in feet can manifest in many ways — most commonly through bone spurs and bunions. Bone spurs are sharp projections on the joints in feet, and bunions are a lateral deviation of the big toe. Both conditions can make it extremely difficult and painful to walk or participate in other activities.

… You are diabetic: Because diabetes can affect blood circulation in the lower extremities, it is especially important to pay attention to any pain or discomfort in the feet. Diabetics are at risk for foot infections, which can lead to amputation of toes, or part or all of the foot if left untreated. Adding a podiatrist to your medical care can reduce the risk of hospitalization from diabetes complications by at least 24%.

… You have had any broken or fractured bones in your feet: To make sure that your feet heal properly, it is wise to visit a podiatrist to make sure that the bones in your feet mend correctly.

… You have any other kind of foot pain: Foot cramps and foot pain are big problems. These could be due to a muscle tear, a sprain, or another issue. Sometimes wearing poor fitting shoes or high heels frequently can cause these issues, and poor posture can also contribute to foot pain as well, especially if you spend a lot of time on your feet. Even something as minor as swelling or an ingrown toenail can cause larger issues down the road. Any foot pain you experience should be taken seriously, and visiting a podiatrist is a wise decision to diagnose and treat your pain as soon soon as possible.

This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any foot problems, so if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, talk to a podiatrist about how you can get help. You don’t have to live with foot pain, so be sure to see a professional about any pain or discomfort you have immediately.

4 Problems with Wearing Flip-Flops

Just about everyone wears flip-flops in the summer, but this popular footwear choice is not very healthy for your feet. The lack of support can cause serious injury when worn for an extended period of time.

2. Bunions, joint pain and swelling
   Flip-flops have small strips of fabric, leather or rubber that hold your foot in place. If this part of the flip-flop is loose, you could be over-contracting your toes to try to keep the shoe on. Continued contraction of your toes can lead to pain, swelling and the formation of bunions.
3. Blisters
   Also due to the looseness of flip-flops, your feet are constantly rubbing against them as they move. This motion creates friction which can result in painful blisters.
4. Bacteria
   Research has shown that flip-flops leave the feet exposed to a number of bacteria, especially outside, including those from fecal matter and the dangerous staphylococcus aureus.
5. Arch pain
   Your foot’s arch, or plantar fascia, is a thick band of tissue that runs from the ball of the foot to the heel. Lack of adequate support can result in painful inflammation, called plantar fasciitis.

To eliminate these problems, wear shoes that provide proper support. There are a number of summer styles that have a slightly elevated heel, strong arch support and a stiff and comfortable outsole and insole. So do your feet a favor and pitch those flip-flops!

Fissures And Cracks – What Are They?

Our skin is a complicated organ that needs to be supplied with the right quantity of moisture to keep it healthy. It can, however, be very hard to achieve the right balance especially on the feet. And the situation gets worse in extreme weather conditions when the skin gets too dehydrated or moist, leading to fissures and cracks.

What Are Fissures and Cracks?

Fissures and cracks are splits in the skin. Fissures normally form on the heel and are a result of dryness, while cracks are a result of a bacterial infection. People who have the habit of walking barefoot are more susceptible to such problems. Apart from this, patients who wear synthetic socks and shoes are also at risk of developing infection. Fortunately, doctors can easily treat cracks and fissures and assist patients in preventing further issues.

Treatment

If its moisture that’s causing bacteria or fungal infection on the skin, the expert may apply certain kinds of medications to the feet. The patient may also be prescribed an antifungal ointment to use at home. In some cases, doctors may hand out oral medications as well. However, in case the patient suffers from dry skin, the expert may remove the rough patches with a special ointment. Fissures might be bandaged and an antibiotic may be given to prevent infection and soothe cracks.

Caring For The Feet

The expert might treat the fissures and cracks in the office. However, patients can also try out the below mentioned tips

For Dry Skin:

• Always apply a good moisturizer on the feet after washing them thoroughly.
• Ask an expert before making use of pumice stones to decrease calluses.
• Avoid walking barefoot. Avoid open shoes.

For Moist Skin:

• Dry the area in between the toes after taking a bath.
• Never apply lotion between toes.
• Take advice from the experts about utilizing antifungal lotions and powders.
• Wear cotton socks.

Whether you suffer from moist skin or dry skin, inspect your feet on a regular basis. Look at the bottom and top of your foot. Also, visit a center for foot care in case you see swelling, redness, or increased heat.

Why are Warts more Prevalent in the Summer?

Typically, warts on the feet are benign lesions and are most commonly spread during the summer months when people wear shoes and socks less and are in and out of pools, locker rooms and showers regularly. Warts are usually harmless, but they could become infected and are widely considered a cosmetic issue.

Causes
Warts can spread very easily through direct contact or indirectly by using a towel or an object used by someone with warts. Most often warts will appear on hands, knees and feet. Warts of the feet are more prevalent in the summer because of how often people go barefoot, walk on wet floors and share towels around pools.

Methods of Treatment
A doctor may prescribe daily local applications of salicylic acid or lactic acid for wart removal at our Cincinnati podiatrist clinic. Or he or she may use cryotherapy or “freezing” the lesions with liquid nitrogen.

Preventing the Spread
If you have warts on your feet, avoid cutting your toenails if they are affected, wash your hands thoroughly after you touch the warts, wear water shoes, sandals or flip flops in locker rooms, around the pool and in the shower and don’t share any towels, socks or shoes.

Bunions and Foot Treatments Provided by a Podiatrist

Research on foot ailments and podiatry problems indicate that women are four times more likely than men to experience foot pain. This pain can cause substantial problems, because the average person takes up to 10,000 steps a day.

Not surprisingly, women who wear high-heeled shoes and uncomfortable footwear see the most significant foot pains. This is due to the lack of support and the constant pressure placed on the toes. When pressure from high-impact exercise stresses the feet as well, then a chronic pain condition will form. In some cases, the discomfort is also noted with large formations on the sides of the toes. These formations are called bunions, and early treatment with the assistance of a foot doctor is vital in controlling both the pain and the severity of the toe lumps.

What Are Bunions?
Bunions are bony growths that appear just outside the joints of the toes. Generally, bunions are seen on the lower joints of the big toes. The bunions contain built up fluid, hardened tissues, damaged cartilage, and inflamed ligaments. The bunions appear as the toes are forced together in tight-fitting shoes for long periods of time. The pressure places enough stress on the toes that they bend inward at an angle. The angling of the toes forces the joints to shift outward in a painful and damaging manner. The protruding bunions then rub against the sides of the shoes to produce corns, blisters, or sores.

How Does a Foot Doctor Identify Bunions?
When a patient searches for foot pain relief for bunions, a foot doctor examines the toes and asks about footwear choices. Also, the patient is asked to communicate their family history in terms of foot conditions. Generally, women who have sisters, mothers, and other female family members with bunions are likely to form the growths themselves. The podiatrist then arranges for x-ray imagery and sometimes CT scans of the feet. X-rays show joint damage and toe bone angling, while CT scans show fluid and tissue damage within the bunions.

How Are Bunions Treated?
The best podiatrist considers bunion severity when offering foot treatments. Bunions that are smaller, with little permanent joint damage, are conservatively treated. The foot doctor asks the patient to wear podiatrist shoes or wide sneakers to relieve toe pressure. Flexible and supportive footwear is best, and often times orthotics are created to support the feet and absorb stress. When bunions are large, with pronounced amounts of scar tissue, surgery can be performed. Surgical bunion removal allows the podiatrist to remove fluid, hard tissues, and damaged cartilage from the toe joints. To support the joint in the toe, pins, wires, and screws are used. Typically, bunion surgery can be performed with local anesthetics.

Can a Podiatrist Diagnose Foot Cramps? Three Ways They Can Help

Have your toes ever felt like they were burning and itching? These are common symptoms of athletes foot, according to Web MD. Athletes foot is caused by a fungal infection of the top layer of skin. Because athletes often have damp, sweaty feet, and share changing spaces with many other people, they are often more likely to contract this infection, though it can also be a problem for many non-athletes as well.

Did you know you can go to a podiatrist if you have food problems? A podiatrist is a doctor who works to diagnose and treat conditions of the leg, foot, ankle, and associated structures. Many people are so accustomed to simply dealing with their foot pains or problems that it’s never occurred to them to talk to a specialist. Here are three things you can receive help for if you find a podiatrist.

1. Care for Diabetic Patients

Every year, more than 65,000 limbs are amputated in the U.S. owing to complication from diabetes. Consulting with a podiatrist to make sure you are keeping adequate circulation to your feet can help reduce the risk of amputation by up to 85%, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association. If you are diabetic, it’s a good idea to inspect your feet daily — check for discoloration, bruises, or any other changes.

2. Foot Pain Relief for Bunions

Bunions, which are experienced more frequently by women, are bumps on the big toe that form where the toe joint moves out of place. Two of the main causes of bunions are genetics and bad footwear. Individuals with flat feet often experience bunions. If a bunion starts to develop, avoiding high heels can help. There are many treatment options for bunions, including anti-inflammatory medicines, physical therapy, shoe inserts, and even surgery if your podiatrist thinks it is necessary.

3. Foot Cramps Diagnosis

It’s not uncommon for people to experience painful foot cramping that can immobilize them for minutes at a time, before disappearing again. A podiatrist can help you identify why your feet are cramping during the day. Several common causes of this symptom include diabetes, vitamin D deficiency, poor circulation, and improper footwear.

Are you trying to find a podiatrist? Let us know about your search in the comments.

What to Do if You’ve Injured Your Foot or Ankle Playing Soccer

The main soccer injuries of the foot and ankle are contusions, sprains and fractures. Contusions result from tissue injury, while sprains and fractures result from ligament and bone injury respectively.

The main causes of these injuries are:

• Making a sharp turn
• Being entangled in another player’s foot after a tackle
• Excessive physical stress on the foot when landing after a header attempt or a jump
• Hitting an unexpected rut during a run
• A side twist of the foot especially when playing with spiked soccer shoes

How to avoid these injuries:

• Avoid a tackle with your feet grounded
• Avoid playing on slippery and uneven ground
• Use appropriate and properly fitting spiked soccer shoes when able
• Stretch and warm up your feet and ankles before play

If you end up with a soccer injury of your foot or ankle, stop playing and place a ice pack on the site of injury and wrap your foot or ankle. Take some ibuprophen or other NSAID pain relievers, and make an appointment with your doctor for an evaluation and possible x-ray. He or she may prescribe continued rest, ice, compression and elevation, or further measures like a cast or surgery may be required.