Your feet and ankles are key in helping you run your daily errands. They give you the ability to move around freely and comfortably as you execute your everyday tasks. Optimum care for your foot and ankle is required to keep them strong and healthy. Keeping your feet healthy can be an easy task by visiting a credible foot and ankle institute for personalized care.
While you may have foot pain that will eventually heal by itself, it is better to seek out a podiatrist who can guide you to know when further treatment is necessary. Here are some of the feet and ankle issues that may require the attention of a professional:
1. Thick Corns or Calluses
If you have calluses that keep growing bigger with time, whether painful or painless, visit a podiatrist. Corns are areas of growing skin that occur as a result of your skin hardening due to friction.
A foot institute has professionals that can diagnose you for corns and offer the right treatment. They may administer cortisone injections to ease pain and remove the overgrown skin cells. An experienced podiatrist examines the causes of the corns and calluses to make sure they do not reoccur.
2. Persisting Heel Pain
Your heel might need the attention of a specialist if it’s dry and has splitting skin. A podiatrist can help you treat the heel, eliminating any chances of infection.
Unrelenting pain from your heel may indicate you have a heel spur (a form of unhealthy bony growth) or tendonitis. Visiting the right foot and ankle institute helps you rule out any underlying conditions. You can also get helpful treatment to clear dry skin and receive a care plan for a healthy heel.
3. Chronic Joint Pain
You could have arthritis if you’re experiencing pain in your ankle joints or feet. They may be swollen, stiff, or red, and the pain increases when you walk or stand. You need the help of a physician to diagnose the condition and administer a treatment plan. Based on your problem, your podiatrist may advise you to use some medications, a minimally invasive procedure, or a corrective treatment.
4. Fungal Infection
Do you have a thick, discolored toenail? It might be due to a fungal infection. It would help to visit a specialist for diagnosis and treatment.
Fungal infections are not painful, which may discourage you from seeking professional help. The infection can escalate to a serious problem if untreated. Consult a podiatrist if you’ve tried antifungal applications and haven’t noticed any improvements. Depending on your infection, the specialist may prescribe oral medication, cream, or polish.
5. Foot Tingling and Numbness
You should visit a foot and ankle institute if you’re experiencing a burning or tingling sensation. Specialists can help identify the causes of the abnormal nerve response.
Some conditions associated with numb feet are dry skin, infections, or neuropathy. You can receive the necessary treatment when you visit a clinic. The specialist will inquire whether you have a history of diabetes before administering any treatment.
Diabetes is associated with foot problems as it leads to poor circulation and the formation of dry skin. With the help of a podiatrist, you can receive a specialized foot care plan to make your healing journey stress-free.
6. A Painful Ingrown Toenail
If you have an irritating ingrown toenail, it’s time to consult a professional. You can receive pain treatment to facilitate a painless removal or trim the toenail as per the doctor’s specifications.
You might have damaged your nail or its tissues when trying to trim the overgrown toenail. This can cause pain, and poor trimming causes the nail to grow into your skin. You should visit a reliable ankle and foot clinic for safe nail removal or receive medication to ease the pain.
7. Ankle Sprains
An injury on your ankle requires specialized care to manage pain and correct any deformities. While most ankle injuries heal independently, it may take several months to regain full strength. A podiatrist may administer pain medication and offer a brace if the injury misaligned your ligaments.
Visit a Foot and Ankle Institute for an Individualized Care and Treatment Plan
Certain foot and ankle conditions like bunions, fungus, and heel pain require the attention of reliable foot and ankle institute specialists. Your podiatrist can diagnose your conditions and offer specialized treatments to get your feet and ankles back to normal. You can receive a professional care plan for healthy and strong feet and knees.