Do I Need Podiatric Care?
Most people suffer from some kind of foot disorder – from athlete’s foot or ingrown nails to bunions, hammertoes or corns. Tight-fitting or high-heeled shoes are often the culprit, but heredity, poor foot care, injuries, or medical conditions can also cause problems. Whatever the state of your feet, your podiatrist can treat your problem to restore your comfort and ease of movement.
Problems in your feet can lead to pain in your hips, knees and lower back. Take a moment to read this list of conditions or problems. If you find you might be suffering from one or more of these items, a visit to your podiatrist may be just the help your feet need.
Why Do My Ankles Swell?
Swelling in the legs, ankles and feet, also called edema, is most commonly due to high blood pressure, heart and lung disease, and problems with the veins in the legs. If left untreated, swelling in the lower limbs can cause pain and even open wounds. If you have persistent swelling in your ankles, contact our office for immediate treatment.
What Type Of Shoes Should I Wear?
The cost of foot surgery to correct foot problems from tight-fitting shoes is $2 billion a year.. If time off from work for the surgery and recovery is included, the cost is $3.5 billion. Poorly fitting shoes can cause bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, and other disabling foot problems.
How Should I Properly Care For My Feet?
- Don’t ignore foot pain. While you may think it is normal, it could be something much more serious. If the pain persists, contact our office immediately
- Inspect your feet regularly.
- Pay attention to changes in color and temperature.
- Look for thick or discolored nails (a sign of developing fungus), and check for cracks or cuts in the skin.
- Peeling or scaling on the soles of feet could indicate Athlete’s foot.
- Any growth on the foot is not considered normal.
- Wash your feet regularly, especially between the toes, and be sure to dry them completely.
How Often Should I Replace My Orthotics?
An orthotic device can help treat a multitude of podiatric problems, but like tires on your car, they wear out. Pay attention to how they feel on your feet. If they are uncomfortable, they most likely aren’t doing their job, and it may be time to have them replaced. Orthotics typically need replacement every few years, depending on their material and your lifestyle. If you are more active they may need to be replaced sooner. Take note of the condition of the orthotics and any changes in your feet, and get a professional opinion if something doesn’t look right.
To get custom-made orthotics made or replaced, give us a call at CVFA a call to schedule an appointment. An orthotic can mean the difference between painful feet and living a fulfilled life doing the things you enjoy, so don’t suffer unnecessarily any longer.
When Should I Call Coachella Valley Foot & Ankle?
- You have persistent pain in your feet or ankles.
- You have an ulcer that won’t heal.
- You have noticeable change to your nails or skin.
- Your feet are severely cracking, scaling, or peeling.
- There are blisters on your feet.
- There are signs of bacterial infection, including increased pain, swelling, redness, tenderness, or heat.
- Red streaks extending from the affected area.
- Discharge of pus.
- Increased pain, swelling, redness, tenderness, or heat.
- Symptoms that do not improve after two weeks of treatment with a non-prescription product.
- Spreading of the infection to other areas, such as the nail bed, or skin under the nail, the nail itself, or the surrounding skin.
- Your toenail is getting thicker and causing you discomfort.
- You have heel pain accompanied by a fever, redness (sometimes warmth) or numbness or tingling in your heel, or persistent pain without putting any weight or pressure on your heel, or the pain is not alleviated by ice, aspirin, (or ibuprofen or acetaminophen).
- You have diabetes or certain diseases associated with poor circulation and you develop athlete’s foot. People with diabetes are at increased risk for a severe bacterial infection of the foot and leg if they have athlete’s foot.
What Are The Most Common Fungal Problems?
Athlete’s foot and fungal nails are the most common fungal problems with feet. A fungus is a common mold that thrives in dark, warm moist areas. On the feet, it can grow on and between toes, as well as on soles and toenails. Fungal problems can be a result of the environment (socks, shoes, heat and humidity) or weakened immunity from such disorders as diabetes. Chronic fungal infections are most common in adults, while acute fungal infections are seen more often in children.
What Types Of Exercises Should I Be Doing For My Feet?
Podiatrists, podiatric physicians, and podiatric surgeons are all terms used to describe doctors of podiatric medicine (DPMs). All are uniquely qualified among medical professionals to treat the foot and ankle based on their education, training, and experience. The amount and type of surgical procedures performed by podiatrists may vary based on each individual’s training and experience and personal choice within their practice.
