Top 4 Recommendations Your Podiatrist May Suggest

Foot and leg problems can limit a person’s mobility and affect their quality of life. Podiatrists are trained to handle various ankle and foot issues, leaving you with healthy, comfortable feet. Visiting your podiatrist enables you to access comprehensive care, receive treatment for foot problems, and learn to prevent them. Here are four key recommendations that your podiatry care expert may recommend:

Top 4 Recommendations Your Podiatrist May Suggest

1. Support for Sports Injuries

Athletics and different sports can cause injuries like:

● Stress fractures on the foot

● Plantar fasciitis

● Ankle sprains

● Achilles tendonitis

Sports injuries can cause discomfort, but podiatrists help treat them through surgery or the use of casts. As your injuries heal, the already-injured areas are weak and require proper care. Podiatrists may recommend getting support for your foot alongside the various treatment modalities. This helps address discomforts and enables the foot to heal faster.

They may recommend foot or ankle support braces when walking to improve support to the injured area. These tools work for you when returning to your sports field to prevent the reoccurrence of the injury. You can feel more comfortable walking on uneven surfaces until your foot is completely healed.

2. Custom Orthotics If You Have Diabetes-Related Issues

Diabetic patients are more prone to ankle and foot problems, ranging from serious infections to dry skin or calluses. Due to the increased risk in people with diabetes, podiatrists may recommend yearly evaluations to check on existing issues. Your foot exam can help identify areas of interest to prevent future problems.

Podiatrists may recommend custom orthotics for diabetic patients to prevent the occurrence of problems like blisters. Friction blisters can result from wearing ill-fitting shoes and can ultimately worsen into a foot ulcer if left untreated. Festering ulcers can eventually call for amputation, so you should have custom orthotics to save your foot.

With custom orthotics, you enjoy adequate cushioning against areas that can cause friction. The material absorbs shock from walking, reducing the strain on your feet. Their perfect fit protects your foot’s form, preventing sprains and other problems while offering more comfort and protection for your feet.

3. Treatment Solutions for Foot Deformities

Different foot deformities manifest in unique ways and require separate treatment options that your podiatry care expert can recommend. The treatment solution will often depend on the area where the deformities occur like:

● Bunions: These are bony bumps that occur on toe joints, making the foot assume an abnormal shape. Having bunions pulls toes to the wrong side, forcing them to stick out or go out of place. Your podiatry care expert might recommend a unique treatment solution for bunions after a foot exam.

● Hammertoes: This is a deformity on the toe forcing the joints to face up instead of lying flat. You can get hammertoes if you have weak foot or toe muscles, or the tendons pull abnormally. Podiatrists can recommend non-surgical treatments for hammertoes, like using custom orthotics to offer you relief.

● Fallen Arches: The common effect of fallen arches is that they roll downward or inward when walking. Such a foot deformity can strain your posterior tibial tendon increasing pain and causing inflammation. The treatment solutions podiatrists recommend, like using supports for your arches, release the tension on the tibial tendon. You can experience better pain relief and an easier time walking.

4. Prevention Techniques to Avoid Foot Problems

While treating foot deformities can help, avoiding the issues can help you experience more comfort. Podiatrists can recommend techniques or ways you can prevent common foot problems.

Some of the prevention techniques they can recommend include:

● Practicing foot care hacks to prevent fungus like washing and applying lotion

● Selecting proper shoes; Avoid wearing shoes with no support like flat-sole or flip-flops

● Avoiding poorly fitting shoes

● Having a foot exam regularly

● Practicing proper posture and form to prevent injuries in sports

Podiatrists will adjust the treatment or prevention program depending on your medical reaction and how high the risk is. For diabetic patients, podiatrists may advise more frequent checkups and stringent measures since they are at a higher risk of developing foot problems.

Work With the Best Podiatrist

Foot deformities like bunions, calluses, and ingrowths can be uncomfortable and affect your mobility. You need to seek professional treatment for such issues to prevent them from worsening. Finding the best podiatrist can help you get quality healthcare for treating or preventing foot problems.