A podiatrist specializes in foot problems, including foot pain, ingrown toenails, corns, calluses and hammertoes. They can perform procedures on patients with foot problems. Many of these conditions require the use of modern surgical equipment. Some will not respond to the traditional methods of podiatry treatment. So podiatrists like Sydney Heel Pain can provide their patients with other types of care. 

The main goal of a podiatrist is to help relieve pain. Most of the time, a patient comes for a physical problem and wants to know what they can do to alleviate it. Most specialized stores will carry all types of orthotics including custom-fit insoles for feet and toes. If your pain persists despite the use of orthotics, your podiatrist may suggest surgery. They have performed thousands of foot surgeries over the years and know what they are doing.

Conditions

Most of the time, a person’s pain comes from some type of medical condition. Many times, people with chronic pain will have to see a podiatrist get the proper diagnosis. He or she will take the patient’s medical history, examination and order various tests to make sure that the cause of the pain is a medical condition, such as plantar fasciitis, arthritis, nerve damage or even fractures.

Common disorders include such problems as plantar fasciitis, mallet toe to name a few. A podiatrist can make diagnoses and prescribe treatments for all of these disorders. They can also refer their patients to an orthotic specialist if more aggressive treatment is needed. A podiatrist will commonly prescribe the use of over the counter insoles.

Foot pain and swelling from arthritis or diabetes are common problems. These issues can be difficult to diagnose, but a podiatrist will have a greater understanding of your condition and the potential treatment options available. In some cases, your podiatrist will have to perform surgery to help correct the bones that are out of place, resulting in more severe foot pain and sometimes even deformities. For this reason, many people turn to a podiatrist to help them deal with these issues.

Infections

In addition to foot pain, other issues can be treated by a podiatrist. One of these is fungal infections. This includes athletes’ feet, jock itch and infections. Many types of fungi can infect the nails, especially because of the moist environment found in the foot. Fungal infections can be treated in several different ways, including prescription medications, oral medications and topical creams.

Pain

Some problems can also be more stubborn than others. For example, diabetic foot pain will not usually respond to the same methods as a bunionette. However, there are some common treatment methods for common foot pain caused by diabetes. The podiatrist will perform physical examinations, certain tests and prescribe various treatments. He or she will give you a recommendation regarding the type of shoe that you should wear, what footwear you should avoid and the best way to protect yourself from infection.

A podiatrist may also suggest the use of special insoles, which are designed to fit your feet better. He or she will likely also suggest the use of nail polish or acrylic nails, both of which are applied to the top and bottom of the toenail, to prevent the toenail from cracking. In severe cases, where the crack is actually near the skin, a podiatrist may suggest cutting out the offending nail. If the problem is very stubborn, however, the podiatrist may suggest the removal of the nail altogether.

Foot care is an important part of good foot health, whether you have diabetes or not. A diabetic foot problem does not need to limit your ability to walk, run or play sports again; a visit to a podiatrist can help you achieve your full potential. For those with foot problems, orthopedic surgery, orthodontics and other corrective procedures may be recommended. It’s up to you to weigh the benefits and risks before deciding your foot health and safety. By consulting with a podiatrist about your foot health and issues, you will be on the path to better health.…

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