A foot doctor is also known as a podiatrist, doctor of podiatric medicine, or podiatric physician. This is a medical specialist who treats problems that affect the lower legs and feet. These problems can be schools and even have their professional associations. They are very well capable of undertaking surgical procedures, prescribe drugs, order X-rays, lab tests and MRI scans, reset broken bones, and work closely with other specialists to treat you.
Reasons why you should see a foot doctor Houston
The feet have a complex structure which allows them to carry your weight around all day. They have numerous tendons, bones, and ligaments that keep you moving all day long. However, sometimes all is not smooth running, when you experience the following, contact a foot doctor Houston
- Color and texture changes to the toenails.
- Foot pain.
- Cuts and cracks in your skin
- Growths on the skin looking like warts
- Peeling on the soles.
- Foot, ankle, and knee injuries.
Foot doctors treat conditions such as
Sprains and fractures – these are common and affect the foot or ankle. For physically active people such as sportsmen, the foot doctor recommends ways to avoid the injuries.
Nail disorders – these issues can be from infection of the nail caused by fungus and ingrown toenails.
Hammertoes and bunions – these are issues with the bones in your feet. A bunion is at the joint of the base of the big toe and it gets knocked out of place and bigger. The toe bends toward others. A hammertoe takes longer to bend but eventually does.
Diabetes complications – diabetes seriously affects the nerves in your legs and feet, and they might have trouble getting blood to the feet which can cause serious complications to your feet. Most diabetes patients have their legs amputated. Visiting a foot doctor prevents such dire consequences. if you are diabetic ensure you get any callus and sores checked out.
Arthritis – this condition causes swelling, inflammation, and wear and tear on the joints. A foot doctor will recommend physical therapy, special shoes, inserts, and drugs to help with arthritis. If none of these treatments work the foot doctor can recommend surgery.
Growing pains – these are common with children who grow up with their toes not properly lined upif their feet point inward or look flat. The foot doctor recommends correction exercises, braces, or insoles and in severe cases, surgery might be recommended.
Heel pain – this can be caused by heel spurs or buildup of calcium at the heel bone. Heel pain can be from running, being overweight, and ill-fitting shoes. Other causes of heel pain include overpronation, Achilles tendinitis, aggressive sports, and non-supportive shoes. Most of the time home treatments resolve heel pain including over the counter painkillers and shoe inserts.
Nerve problems – this is felt through a burning and pain sensation. This is common with people who wear tight shoes and runners. Shots can be administered to reduce inflammation.