Podiatry is a medical speciality that focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and preventative measures for all foot, ankle and lower limb issues. Within this field is a vast depth of ailments and injuries that podiatrists will need extensive knowledge and experience to remedy. If you’re suffering from foot, ankle or lower leg pain, you might be wondering how common your medical problem is, and whether it’s easily treatable. That’s why we’ve put together this list of treatments most often addressed.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a pain commonly felt around your heel or the bottom of your foot. Often it hurts more when you walk, or just after sleeping. Minor cases can be treated with rest, physiotherapy and medication. However, more severe instances of this will require a podiatry specialist to carry out a thorough assessment. Occasionally, the individual will require orthotics, night splints or minor surgery to resolve the problem.
Fungal Infections
Fungal infections are a common podiatry-based issue. If your feet are regularly damp, or non-ventilated, then you can develop fungus that damages the nail. Over-the-counter medications are the most common treatment for fungal nail infections. However, in persistent or severe cases, a podiatrist can prescribe strong medication or laser treatment.
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles Tendonitis is a painful ailment that’s often the result of overuse or damage of tendons in your heel. This inflammation can be sore for multiple weeks and even persist into a more long-term issue if the cause is not dealt with. Most of the time, rest and cold compresses will slowly appease the inflammation. However, if the pain is severe and long lasting, It may require physiotherapy from a podiatry specialist.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are extremely painful and can become life-long ailments if not treated early on. This is because, as the nail grows, it starts to work its way internally into your toe. This can result in severe pain, infection and abnormal growth or development of your toe. Occasionally, an ingrown nail will sort itself out with rest and warm water soaking. Unfortunately, it often requires a podiatrist. If the nail is at risk of infection or causing severe pain, a podiatry specialist will usually recommend a minor outpatient procedure to remove part or all of the nail.
Sports Injuries
Sports injuries are very common in the podiatry world. Football, rugby, tennis, and skating are just a few examples of an extensive range of sports that involve heavy foot use. As a result, there are a lot of sports-related foot injuries. A podiatry specialist will be fully equipped to deal with all manner of sprains, fractures, torn ligaments, and inflammation. Often, physiotherapy is required for muscle and tendon related injuries, whereas inflammation or bone breakage may require rest and further medical treatment.
Choose The Feetness Centre As Your Podiatry Experts
Whether you’re suffering from a persistent condition, or you’ve got a temporary ailment you’d like treated, get in touch with us today. Our team are fully qualified, trained and experienced in all areas of podiatry to ensure you get the help you need.
