Our feet are complex structures with 33 joints. Podiatrists treat foot and ankle problems, ranging from sprains and fractures to bunions and ingrown toenails.
Podiatrists also help with a variety of other conditions, such as Morton’s neuroma (numbness, burning, and the sensation that there is a pebble in your shoe). They may recommend surgery or prescribe shoes with better support.
Plantar fasciitis
Your feet are complex structures with many bones, tendons, and ligaments that have to work together perfectly. But when one or more of these parts become inflamed, it can make walking, standing, and even running painful. If you’re experiencing heel pain due to conditions like plantar fasciitis, finding relief is essential. Angus Chard Foot and Leg Pain Centre, specializes in diagnosing and treating foot ailments like plantar fasciitis. They can provide targeted treatments such as pain-relieving shots and customized orthotics to alleviate discomfort and restore mobility.
Another common foot problem is flat feet, which happen when the arches in your feet don’t form properly during childhood. The condition can cause your foot to collapse, causing pain when you walk or run. Your podiatrist might prescribe special footwear or orthotics to fix this problem.
Podiatrists can also treat sprains and fractures of the ankles and feet, which are common injuries in sports. They also perform surgery on the bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments of the feet and ankles when necessary. They can also correct hammer toes, bunions and shortened tendons, and design plaster casts and strappings for immobilization of fractures, sprains and other injuries.
Achilles tendonitis
The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in your body, connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone (calcaneus). It’s used when you walk, run and stand on tip-toe. If you have Achilles tendinitis, the tendon is swollen and tender to the touch. It’s also stiff and painful when you first get out of bed or after long periods of inactivity. The pain may increase if you exercise or stretch your legs.
The condition is diagnosed by taking a history and doing a physical examination. Your podiatrist may also use other tests, including X-rays and ultrasound scans. These help them see how the bones in your ankles and feet are aligned. They also look for signs of injury, such as swelling or a bone spur (a hard bump on the back of the heel).
Treatment options include rest, ice and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. They may also recommend wearing supportive shoes with a heel lift and using a night splint. You can also try calf stretching exercises and physical therapy.
Posture and foot problems can exert strain on your body, heightening the risk of falls. As adept podiatrists specialize in addressing foot and ankle issues. They offer invaluable guidance on enhancing your posture and can prescribe orthotics tailored to support your feet, ensuring even weight distribution. By alleviating strain on your feet and ankles, this approach enhances balance and mitigates the likelihood of injury.
Overpronation
Overpronation is a condition that causes the foot to roll inward too much during walking and running. This can put extra strain on the feet and other parts of the body. It is a common problem among people who do a lot of exercise or work on their feet. It can also cause pain in the feet and ankles, hips, knees, and back. It is important to visit this podiatry clinic in Winston Hills if you have overpronation. This can help prevent or treat symptoms.
Overpronating can be caused by genetics, age, and injury. It can also be aggravated by poor shoes or exercise habits. Overpronating is most commonly seen in people with flat feet. It can be diagnosed by looking at the foot while standing. If the line from your heel to your shin points toward the inside of your foot, you have overpronated.
Overpronation can be treated with the use of arch supports. These can be custom made or over-the-counter and are placed in your shoes. They can reduce your overpronation and relieve the stress on your feet, knees, and other parts of the body. Your doctor may also recommend stretches and exercises to improve your balance and posture. They can also prescribe shoes with a firm midsole, which can reduce overpronation. They can be found in sports stores and shoe shops.
Posture problems
The way you stand, sit and move has a direct impact on the condition of your feet, knees, hips, back and neck. Poor posture can cause uneven pressure on muscles, bones and tendons. It can also cause additional stress on joints which may lead to pain and injury. Optimal posture distributes weight evenly and minimizes structural wear and tear.
Foot problems such as flat or overpronating feet, crooked toes and deformities such as bunions and hammertoes can alter the way you walk, leading to imbalances in the feet and lower body that may affect your posture. Other foot issues such as a noticeable difference in leg length can also alter the way you walk and balance, leading to compensatory issues elsewhere in the body.
Podiatrists can recommend the correct footwear to prevent and manage many of these conditions, improving your gait and posture. They can also advise on exercises and stretches to strengthen muscles, increase flexibility and improve stability in the feet and lower legs. In addition, they can provide shockwave therapy and dry needling for chronic conditions that may be causing or contributing to your posture problems. These therapies can help reduce discomfort and speed recovery.
