Common Foot Ailments And Treatments

Posted on: 12 March 2015

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When you think of a podiatrist, you think of foot pain of one kind or another, but that doesn't cover all the ailments that this expert can handle. So if you are having an issue with your foot, and you're not sure if it falls under the types of issues a podiatrist can treat, here's a list of common foot ailments and what a podiatrist can do in each situation.

Neuroma -- A neuroma is a big word that podiatrists use to describe a nerve issue in your toes that causes a great deal of pain, and features symptoms such as numbness, burning, pain and pins and needles. Neuromas are often caused by ill-fitting shoes, injury or heredity. If you are diagnosed with neuroma, a podiatrist will tape your feet to provide additional support and to reduce swelling, prescribe medication to alleviate pain and, in extreme cases, recommend surgery to remove or repair the damaged nerves.

Plantar Fasciitis -- If you are experiencing sharp pain in your heel that runs to the ball of your feet, you may have plantar fasciitis. This ailment occurs when the plantar fasciitis, which is a rope of tissue that attaches the heel and the ball of your foot, begins to swell and makes it very difficult for you to walk without a great deal of pain.

Typically, you will feel that pain in the bottom of your foot or in the arch of your foot, and it can be so debilitating that you may need a walking boot or crutches to walk. Plantar fasciitis is often seen in athletes because of the constant motion, twisting and turning of their feet. Podiatrists treat this ailment with R.I.C.E. (rest/ice/compression/elevation) therapy, anti-inflammatory medication and cortisone injections. In very extreme cases, surgery is performed, but is usually only done with professional athletes who need to get back into action quicker than non-professionals.

Achilles Tendonitis -- The Achilles tendon attaches your heel to your calf, and when it becomes inflamed, you may have what podiatrists call Achilles tendonitis.

There are two types of tendonitis: insertional or noninsertional. Insertional tendonitis occurs at the point in which the heel and tendon connect and is typically not detectable without an x-ray. Noninsertional tendonitis occurs above your ankle and is often accompanied by visible swelling of the bone.

Tendonitis is common in athletes and people who are in constant motion, because this type of activity puts extreme stress on the tendon. Podiatrists treat tendonitis by R.I.C.E therapy and physical therapy. This is usually enough to alleviate the pain, but if the discomfort persists, a podiatrist may order an MRI to determine if your tendon is partially torn.

For more information, contact a business such as Balance Podiatry.