The feet endure a lot of wear and tear every day, so it is important to take care of them and not overlook seemingly minor issues, such as an ingrown toenail or swollen ankles. Minor problems can become more serious when they are not treated right away. Additionally, some symptoms can be signs of another condition. The experienced podiatrists at Tampa Bay Podiatry in Clearwater, FL, diagnose and treat various foot conditions.
Signs You Should See a Podiatrist
It is important to see a podiatrist for symptoms affecting your feet, such as chronic pain or discomfort. The doctor can determine the cause of your symptoms and develop a treatment plan to correct the problem and alleviate discomfort. Some signs you should see a podiatrist include:
- Heel pain
- Persistent foot pain
- Swelling in the feet or ankles
- Corns or calluses on the feet
- Changes in the appearance of the skin or toenails
- Scaling, peeling, or cracking of the skin on the heels
- Discharge from an area of the foot
- Burning or tingling in the feet
- Numbness in the feet
- Thickened toenails
- Ankle instability
Common Foot Conditions
At our podiatry office in Clearwater, FL, we treat a diverse range of foot conditions. None of these conditions should be ignored, as they could lead to chronic problems or more serious conditions if left untreated. For example, it is important to properly treat a sprained ankle, which includes rest, applying ice, and staying off the affected foot. If the ankle does not heal correctly, the outcome could be chronic pain and instability. Seeking treatment with a podiatrist is the best way to ensure the ankle heals properly.
Some common foot conditions you should seek treatment for and not ignore include:
- Heel pain
- Bunions
- Ingrown toenails
- Toenail fungus
- Stress fractures
- Sprained ankle
- Foot infection
- Flat feet
- Warts
Individuals who are diabetic should not ignore any type of foot injury, including minor cuts, scrapes, or scratches. Many people with diabetes tend to have poor circulation, which means foot wounds often take longer than normal to heal. Longer healing times contribute to an increased risk of developing an infection. If you have diabetes, it is important to examine your feet daily and promptly treat any injuries.
Treatments for Foot Conditions
Several effective methods are available for treating different foot conditions. The type of treatment needed depends on your symptoms, specific foot condition, and other factors. Some podiatry treatments for various foot problems include:
- Custom orthotics
- Physical therapy
- Steroid injections
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- RICE method (rest, ice, compression, elevation)
- Anti-fungal medication
- Special footwear
- Walking boot
- Night splints
- Foot cast
- Surgery
Taking care of your feet is important since they play a major role in helping you get around every day. Do not ignore seemingly minor issues because they could lead to more serious problems if not treated. Schedule a consultation with one of our skilled podiatrists to diagnose and treat any foot condition by calling Tampa Bay Podiatry in Clearwater, FL, at (727) 797-5007.