If you’ve ever been to the doctor, you’ve probably heard about the importance of checking your feet. You don’t want to suffer from painful blisters or infections, so it’s important to get regular checkups. In fact, the foot is one of the most vulnerable parts of your body and you should always see a foot doctor if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms. A trip to the Podiatrist can save you from unnecessary pain and suffering.
Bruising and discoloration
When your foot is bruised, it’s important to seek medical attention. It is also important to know the signs and symptoms so that you can properly diagnose and treat your condition.
One of the most common types of foot bruising is a contusion. Contusions are caused by a bump, injury, or a fall. They are usually painful and cause swelling.
Bruising is a result of a small blood vessel breaking. The broken blood vessel leaks into the surrounding tissue. This causes blood to pool and discolor the area. Depending on the severity of the injury, the bruise may be painful or non-painful.
If the bruising is mild, you can treat it at home. You can use ice packs to reduce swelling and ibuprofen to relieve pain. Rest, anti-inflammatory medication, and compression can help as well.
If you have a family history of bruising, you should seek medical care. Your doctor will be able to assess your bruises and recommend a treatment plan. A medical professional can also perform a blood test to check for blood clotting problems.
Blood thinning drugs, such as warfarin, can increase the risk of bruising. Monitoring your medication is important, as you may need to adjust it as needed.
Hematomas are also a common problem. These are large collections of blood that can be painful and cause headaches. However, they can’t heal as quickly as a minor injury.
Another reason you may need to see a doctor is if your feet are swollen. Swelling is a result of the body’s inflammatory response. In order to decrease swelling, you can elevate your ankle and apply ice or compression wraps.
Arthritis
Arthritis can cause pain, swelling, and joint deformity. It affects almost 40 million Americans. A doctor can help you manage the symptoms and maintain an active lifestyle.
The first step in treating foot arthritis is to determine the extent of the problem. X-rays and MRIs are used to detect changes in the bone, ligaments, and soft tissue. You may also need surgery to treat the problem.
Medications such as pain relief drugs can reduce the pain and inflammation. Custom orthotics can provide additional cushioning and support. Taking part in physical therapy can strengthen muscles around the joints and improve range of motion.
One of the most common types of foot arthritis is osteoarthritis. This condition is caused by the aging process and wear and tear. In addition, obesity is a risk factor.
Symptoms can be mild and intermittent. They may be worse during the morning or after long periods of sitting. Pain may also be worse at night.
Midfoot arthritis is a common form of arthritis that is characterized by generalized tenderness in the midfoot. It is often exacerbated by wearing stiff leather shoes.
Other common causes include injury, genetics, and anatomic factors. Symptoms can occur at any age. As with other types of arthritis, proper medical care can help you live a healthier life.
Surgical intervention is a possible solution to foot arthritis. Your doctor may use arthroscopy to see inside the foot, remove bone spurs, or perform debridement. Arthroscopy involves two small incisions in the ankle. Smaller incisions allow for easier surgery.
Choosing the right shoes is also important. There are many shoes on the market that can provide adequate support for your feet.
Diabetes
If you have diabetes, you should see a foot doctor as soon as possible. This is because diabetics are at higher risk for foot complications, which can range from dry skin to infection and amputation.
Diabetes can also damage nerves in the feet, causing a loss of sensation in the area. This can make it difficult to feel pain or to detect infections.
Foot problems caused by diabetes can be treated through a number of techniques. In severe cases, amputation may be necessary. However, the majority of diabetic related amputations can be prevented by early recognition and treatment.
A diabetic foot doctor can examine your feet and help you prevent and manage the disease. This includes examining the feet for changes in color and texture, and making sure that blood sugar is properly controlled.
A foot doctor can also recommend hosiery and shoes that are designed for people with diabetes. He or she can also advise you on the proper way to walk and exercise.
Your diabetic doctor should check your feet at regular intervals. The doctor may perform a pinprick test to diagnose any foot conditions. You should also have your feet checked every year, so that any problems can be caught and treated before they become serious.
Some of the common symptoms of diabetic foot conditions include blisters, ingrown toenails, and loss of hair on the lower legs. These symptoms can be very painful.
You should also keep your feet warm during winter, wear soft socks, and avoid wearing shoes with seams. Also, make sure you clean your feet frequently and dry them well.
Diabetics should get a foot exam at least once a year. It’s important to visit a podiatrist whenever you notice a foot problem.
Fungal toenails
Fungus toenails are a painful condition that can be difficult to get rid of. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other toenails, causing more pain. In some cases, the infection can result in permanent toenail removal. However, many cases can be treated. The key is to find a way to treat the fungal infection quickly.
There are several factors that can affect your chance of getting a fungal nail. Your overall health, the condition of your nails, and how well your immune system is working are all important.
Having a chronic condition such as diabetes can make you more susceptible to toenail infections. Diabetes reduces the blood supply to your extremities. This can also lead to reduced growth rates of your nails.
Depending on the severity of your infection, your doctor may recommend that you take an oral antifungal medication. Oral antifungals are more effective than topical medications. They require daily use for six to twelve weeks. Some people have side effects with oral medicines, however.
Another treatment option is a laser treatment. While lasers aren’t a cure, they can help to remove fungus that has grown under the nail. Laser treatments are not covered by most insurance policies, though.
Home remedies are another alternative. Some people have used hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, or baking soda to remove toenail fungus. These remedies have less scientific evidence to back them up, however.
You should see your doctor if you notice any changes in the appearance of your toenails, such as discoloration or a white spot. Other symptoms may be more serious, such as bleeding under the nail, pain, or sudden numbness in one foot.
