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Improving Your Foot Comfort

4 Common Foot Problems That Require A Visit To The Podiatrist

1 October 2017

Holly Mitchell

Between standing, walking, being exposed to rough surfaces and being stuffed into shoes that don't quite fit right, your feet take a lot of abuse. They take a beating every day, so it's no surprise that many people experience foot-related pain and injuries. When you have problems with your feet, a visit to a podiatrist may be in order. A podiatrist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions involving the ankle and the foot. Here are a four of the most common foot problems that should be treated by a podiatrist:

Thick, Yellowed, or Ingrown Toenails

Some of the most common toenail problems are discoloration and ingrown nails. Yellow and/or thick toenails may be the indication of a fungal infection and without proper treatment; the infection may spread to other toenails and/or other areas of your foot. An ingrown toenail is a nail that is growing into the nail bed instead of out and away from it. Ingrown toenails often occur as a result of incorrectly clipping the toenail or wearing tight shoes. Not only is an ingrown toenail painful, but they can easily become infected. If you have an ingrown toenail with persistent pain or the symptoms of an infection, you should visit your podiatrist for treatment as soon as possible.

Corns and Calluses

A corn is an area of hard skin on your foot that is generally concentrated in one area, such on the side of a toe. A callus is a less-concentrated, more widespread section of skin that has hardened. It is common for people who work long hours on their feet to have a mild section of callus that usually doesn't cause pain. If you experience pain from either a corn or a callus, you may have to have to visit a podiatrist for removal of the hardened skin as well as treatment for the prevention of further corns and/or calluses.

Bunions

A bunion is a structural deformity of the bones in your foot, typically in the joint between the big toe and the foot. Bunions are generally inherited, which means they can be monitored and treated throughout your life. Although some joints will usually suffer from some degree of arthritis and deterioration as a result of age, if you have bunions on your toe joints, they can become swollen, cause immobilization and be extremely painful, especially in old age. Starting treatment as early as possible may help you to avoid drastic treatments later in life, such as correction through one or more bunion surgeries.

Pad of the Foot

If you have pain in the pad of your foot is may be due to an excess amount of stress being placed in that area of your foot, such as standing for long hours or damage to the structure of your foot. In some situations, over-the-counter insoles and/or cushions may help to relieve the pain, but if the pain is persistent and/or worsening, you should visit a podiatrist to determine exactly what is causing the pain. Your podiatrist may suggest a variety of treatments to correct the problem or to provide pain relief. Treatments may include shoe pads, night splints, padded insoles and/or arch supports.

If you experience any type of unpleasant sensation or persistent pain in your feet or ankles, you should schedule an appointment with a podiatrist as soon as possible. In many situations, foot pain isn't serious and can usually be easily corrected, but in other situations, it may be the indication of a more serious health problem. Your feet have a big responsibility in helping you accomplish a variety of tasks, so it is important to keep them in tip-top condition.

Contact a medical office like Collier Podiatry PA for more information and assistance. 

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