You may think that having sore feet at the end of your day is normal and will go away on its own. So, what should you do when the pain is not going away?
Most people who report foot pain do not seek medical care from a foot expert. However, visiting a podiatrist is an invaluable investment if you desire long-term foot health.
A podiatrist is an expert in diagnosing and treating foot and ankle conditions of all kinds. Let’s talk about some of the ways in which podiatrists can help you, and where in Naples you can find an expert podiatrist.
#1: Preventing Foot Injuries from Running or Exercising
When you begin a new regimen of running or exercising, you are more prone to suffering foot pain and injuries. This is because sudden high-impact exercise puts more load on your leg muscles and joints.
A podiatrist can assess your foot and ankle condition and flag potential problems. Your podiatrist will also recommend a solution, such as custom orthotics and strategies to help you avoid injuries.
#2: Relieving Pain in the Foot and Ankle
Joint pain is usually caused by arthritis. If you have foot pain or ankle pain, and your joints are stiff, hot, and/or swollen, you should see a podiatrist in order to prevent it from leading to permanent disability.
#3: Preventing and Treating Diabetic Foot
If you have diabetes, you are significantly more prone to foot injuries, ulcers, and infections. Foot problems in diabetic patients can range from dry skin to serious infections.
Diabetic patients need to visit a podiatrist at least once a year to prevent or treat potentially dangerous foot problems. This is because nerve damage that can be caused by diabetes prevents you from feeling pain in the foot, so you continue to unwittingly put pressure on an injured spot – which causes an infection to develop. An untreated foot infection can move through the bloodstream and cause serious problems in other areas of your body.
#4: Alleviating Heel Pain
Your heel pain could be due to a bony growth in the heel bone, a wart on the bottom of the heel, or inflammation of the plantar fascia which connects the toes to the heel along the bottom of your foot. Your podiatrist will perform a foot exam, possibly take an X-ray, and diagnose your heel condition. The podiatrist will then explain your treatment options.
#5: Fixing a Stubborn Ingrown Toenail
When a toenail grows into the skin, it causes an infection. Your big toe is the most commonly affected nail with this issue.
If this happens to you, and the skin near your toenail is red and has drainage, be sure to visit a podiatrist for treatment. Your podiatrist will carefully remove the ingrown part of your toenail and also prescribe medication to treat the infection.
Experienced Podiatrist in Naples, Florida
The skilled medical staff at the Joint Replacement Institute is here for you if you are looking for an experienced and reputable podiatrist. Our compassionate staff will provide you with efficient and effective care for all of your foot and ankle needs.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist, call our friendly staff today at (239) 261-2663 or fill out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to serving you!
