Protecting and Maintaining Graceful Beautiful Summertime Feet
Got Foot Pain? How A Podiatrist Can Help
Wallace Howell
Foot pain is commonly caused by inflammation of the ligaments, joints, nerves, bones, or tendons in the foot. Foot pain is quite common in Australia, as 89% of Aussies deal with it at some point in their lives.
This condition can impact your life's quality and make you less enthusiastic about routine activities. However, most foot conditions are relatively easy to prevent with simple tips like wearing well-fitting shoes. If you are dealing with constant foot or heel pain, you will only get permanent relief if you consult a certified podiatrist.
Diagnosis
Your first visit to a podiatrist will involve a thorough consultation, where you will get to explain your symptoms. You should let the specialist know the frequency and intensity of your foot pain.
The podiatrist will perform a physical exam on your foot and ankle and observe you as you walk. They can order imaging tests like X-rays to identify problems like fractures, misalignments, and deformities. Podiatrists may also ask for lab tests to determine the blood circulation in your foot.
Shoes can cause foot pain, and you can take a shoe that you usually wear to the podiatrist. A foot specialist can identify your wear pattern and determine if the shoe is causing pain.
Once your podiatrist identifies the cause of your pain, they will formulate a treatment plan designed for long-term foot health. They will explain your condition clearly and advise you on the simple practices you can do at home.
Treatment
A podiatrist may administer anti-inflammatory injections or prescribe medication during the first visit to relieve pain. Treatment can also involve strapping or trapping your foot or using removable footpads.
The podiatrist will also recommend gentle stretching exercises that you can achieve at home and physical therapy to maximise the benefits of stretching. They can also prescribe an orthodontic device to support your tendons and ligaments and correct any foot misalignment.
If your condition demands advanced treatment, the podiatrist will perform surgery to restore the function of your foot. The podiatrist can also perform shock wave therapy to stimulate the healing properties of your body.
Prevention
Regular visits to the podiatrist are advisable if you want to prevent foot pain. A foot specialist will identify any issues in their early stages and protect you from more advanced foot pain symptoms. A podiatrist will maintain your mobility, treat foot pain, and preserve your life's quality. They will also recommend preventative practices like wearing proper shoes, stretching exercises before activity, and good nutrition.
For more information about foot pain, talk to a local podiatrist.
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Hi, my name is Julie, and in the past, I have been too embarrassed to wear sandals or flip flops to the beach. While all my friends had beautiful, silky smooth feet, I had crusty, dry and sometimes fungus-laden feet. My options seemed to be socks with sandals or avoiding the beach altogether. Since there was no way I was going to do either of those, I met with a podiatrist and launched on a journey to fix, protect and maintain my feet. Along the way, I learned a ton of facts, home remedies and foot protection strategies. I plan to include all of those ideas and more in this blog, and I hope the posts here help you.