The state of your feet can affect your overall health. Any issues you have, whether it’s pain or abnormal growths on your feet, should be examined by a medical professional, especially if it is not resolved within a few weeks. Problems with your feet can affect your knees, hips, and back due to their effect on your balance and gait.
To receive specialized care for your foot and ankle, make an appointment with a podiatrist. Here are signs that you need to visit a podiatry office.
Foot Pain and Swelling
Pain and swelling in your feet for no apparent reason that refuses to go away may be a sign of a bone, joint, and connective tissue problem. An increase in activity intensity also causes foot pain. Common foot conditions that cause pain and swelling include strains and sprains, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, and osteoarthritis. Fortunately, most cases of foot pain and swelling respond well to conservative treatments.
Bony Protrusion
A bunion is a bump or protrusion that develops on the outside of the big toe joint. The bigger a bunion gets, the more painful it often is. Bunions can affect your balance and gait. Your shoes will likely fit uncomfortably if you have bunions. Podiatrists recommend padding and taping or shoe inserts to minimize bunion pain. For more severe cases, podiatrists may perform surgery to remove the problematic bunion.
Corns and Calluses
Corns and calluses develop as a result of friction between the toes and the shoe, which usually happens when you wear ill-fitting or unsupportive shoes. They appear as thickened skin that gradually becomes painful. A podiatrist can remove corns and calluses through medication or by using a surgical blade.
Fungal Growth
A visit to the nail salon or time spent in public showers and around swimming pools can cause a fungal infection. If left untreated, fungal infections can cause the nails to thicken and become discolored. The infection can also spread to other toenails. A fungal infection due to tinea fungus also tends to return. A podiatrist can prescribe a strong prescription cream for fungal infections.
Numbness and Loss of Feeling
People with diabetes need to be extra vigilant with their feet. Poor circulation and nerve damage may cause numbness and loss of feeling in the lower extremities, which can make you miss a scrape or wound that may lead to an infection. Podiatrists have the knowledge and training required to provide diabetic foot care. Regular appointments with a podiatrist can help prevent wound infections and sores that could lead to limb loss.
Podiatrist in South Texas
The highly skilled podiatrists at The Podiatry Group of South Texas can diagnose and treat a wide range of foot and ankle conditions, from simple to complex. Our podiatrists also work with local emergency rooms and hospitals in outpatient and inpatient settings. We are a leading podiatry practice in South Texas and consistently provide top-notch podiatry care to our community.
To schedule an appointment with any of our podiatrists, call (210) 227-8700 or use our convenient online form. In light of the pandemic, we are proud to offer telehealth services for your safety and convenience.
