It’s very easy to take your feet for granted. Like most people, it’s not until you have problems with your feet that you begin to recalibrate how you see and treat them. Your feet need to be healthy for mobility. If you want to remain mobile for as long as possible, you need to take foot health seriously.
Podiatry is a branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of foot, ankle, and leg problems. If you want someone who is an expert in all things foot-related, choose a podiatrist for your care.
Here are 10 things you need to know.
#1 Podiatry is important for overall health
Lack of mobility is a threat to daily physical activity. Lack of physical activity can cause weakness, increase your risk of chronic diseases, and affect your mental health.
#2 Podiatrists diagnose quickly
Podiatrists have a lot of experience with the full range of foot, ankle, and lower extremity problems, which enables them to make a quick diagnosis. They have seen it all, even the rarest of cases.
#3 Podiatrists provide a range of treatments
A podiatrist can treat your problem using a combination of conservative, non-surgical, and surgical methods. A podiatrist can treat ingrown toenails, fix hammertoes, reset fractures, realign bunions, and apply proper wound care for diabetic foot ulcers.
#4 A podiatrist is an expert in treating heel pain
One of the most common reasons patients see a podiatrist is for heel pain, and it is usually caused by the inflammation of the plantar fascia. A podiatrist is highly skilled in noninvasive methods of treating plantar fasciitis, including creating custom orthotics that cushion your foot, support your arch, and redistribute pressure on your foot, easing your symptoms.
#5 Podiatrists can treat biomechanical issues
Biomechanical issues can arise from abnormal foot anatomy. High arches or flat feet can cause a biomechanical imbalance that makes you prone to foot pain and injury. Due to the misalignment, pain can be felt in the knees and lower back.
#6 A podiatrist can treat athletes
Most athletes rely on their feet for their sport, which makes them prone to injuries. A podiatrist can treat all manner of sports injuries affecting the lower extremities and provide comprehensive care, including prevention.
#7 Podiatrists can address an abnormal gait
Just by observing how you walk, podiatrists can identify abnormal movement patterns and make recommendations on how to correct them based on the underlying cause. An abnormal gait increases the risk of falls and accidents and can affect children, adults, and the elderly. Treating an abnormal gait may involve exercises, custom orthotics, and more.
#8 A podiatrist can provide diabetic foot care
Patients with diabetes have special podiatry needs, since the disease affects nerve health, blood circulation, and wound-healing, especially in the lower extremities. Regular visits to the podiatrist can help diabetic patients prevent lower extremity amputation.
#9 Podiatrists can treat foot arthritis
The joints in the foot and ankle can develop arthritis, particularly the different sections of the foot and in the ankle. A podiatrist can help ease symptoms and delay the progression of arthritis affecting such a complex structure.
#10 A podiatrist can help you get back to the normal activities you enjoy
Being physically active and engaging with the world can bring you joy. Foot problems, no matter how small, can become a hindrance. With the in-depth knowledge, skill, and experience that a podiatrist has, you can go back to the activities you love and keep enjoying them for a very long time.
Top-Notch Podiatry Care in Naples, FL
For comprehensive, individualized podiatry care and all the benefits associated with it, trust our podiatrist at the Joint Replacement Institute, Dr. Cody Togher., with your care. Dr. Togher can get you back to enjoying life once again, even though you believe you never would. Dr. Togher combines skill, compassion, and sophisticated treatments to give our patients the best outcomes.
It’s time you see an expert for your foot, ankle, or leg problem. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Togher, call our Naples podiatry clinic today at (239) 261-2663 or use our convenient appointment request form. We look forward to providing you with a positive patient experience.
