Podiatrist Treatment

What is the Role of a Podiatrist?

Podiatrists are medical doctors that specialise in issues involving the foot and lower legs. They can help with injuries as well as consequences from chronic illnesses such as diabetes. You may hear them referred to as a podiatrist or a doctor of podiatric medicine.

Treatment for common foot problems that works

• Heel Pain
• Flat heel and high arches
• Sprouts injuries
• Ingrowing toenails
• Shin splints
• Bunions 

What Is The Role Of A Podiatrist?

Podiatrists are medical professionals who are trained to analyse, diagnose, and treat diseases affecting the foot, ankles, lower limbs, and the structures that support them. Foot discomfort can be caused by injury, overuse, or conditions that produce inflammation in any of the bones, ligaments, or tendons in the foot. Misalignment of the foot can cause pain and have an impact on how you walk or run. The body compensates for the misalignment, which can cause tension on the foot, ankles, calves, knees, hips, and even the lower back. A podiatrist can treat these difficulties caused by misalignment in a variety of ways, the most common of which is by fitting custom-made insoles (Orthotics) to relieve pain.

Heel Pain

Heel Stress fractures, Severs disease (frequent in youth aged 9-14), tendonitis, arthritis, and nerve irritation are also typical causes of pain. Plantar Fasciitis is another prevalent reason. It might possibly have anything to do with the shoes you're wearing. Pain symptoms can range from minor to severe, and you'll need a Podiatry evaluation to figure out what's causing your discomfort. Your podiatrist will be able to decide the best course of treatment for you, which may include footwear or orthotics recommendations, physical therapy, and an exercise/stretching programme.

Injuries in Sports

If you've suffered a sports injury to your foot or ankle, a podiatrist may be your best option. They are not only well-versed in how to cure them, but they can also provide expert advise on how to avoid them. The following are some of the most common sports injuries that a Podiatrist can treat:

• Ankle Sprain
• Foot Joint Sprain
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Runner's Knee
• Achilles Tendonitis
• Shin Splints

Plantar Fasciitis is a condition that affects the soles of the feet.

One of the most common reasons of heel discomfort is Plantar Fasciitis. It is caused by inflammation of a broad band of tissue that links your heel bone to your toes and runs across the bottom of your foot. Physical therapy, orthotics, a night splint to stretch the calf and arch of the foot, tape and strapping to alleviate tension and give support to the plantar fascia tissue in acute situations, and a stretching regimen are all examples of podiatry treatment.

Splints on the shins

Shin splints are common in people who have flat feet, which occurs when the impact of a step causes the arch of your foot to collapse (overpronation). They can also be caused by ill-fitting or unsupportive shoes, working out without warming up or cooling down, or having weak ankles, hips, or core muscles. A dull aching in the front area of the lower leg, discomfort that worsens with activity, pain on either side of the shin bone, pain along the inner part of the lower leg, and tenderness or soreness along the inner part of the lower leg are all possible symptoms. Podiatry treatment may include the use of shoe inserts or orthotics, as well as physical therapy and a stretching and strengthening exercise.

Feet that are completely flat

Flat feet (also known as collapsed arches) occur when the arches of the foot collapse, causing the entire sole to come into touch with the ground. An arch that never forms in one or both feet is believed to affect 20–30% of the general population. Flat feet can be caused by a variety of factors, including tendon injuries, arthritis, and diabetes. It's a common ailment that's simple to treat. Feet that tyre easily, uncomfortable or achy feet, back and leg pain, swollen inside and bottom of your feet, and limited foot flexibility are all possible symptoms. Arch supports/orthotics, shoe advice, stretching exercises, and physical therapy are some of the treatments offered by podiatrists.

Foot pain in the ball of the foot

Pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot are symptoms of metatarsalgia. A variety of factors that add pressure and stress to the ball of the foot can cause the condition. Wearing shoes that are too tight or narrow around the top of the foot, or high heels that put more pressure on the front of the foot, are common causes. High-impact exercise can also be a contributing factor. Symptoms include shooting pain from the ball of the foot to the toes and burning pain in the ball of the foot, which is often exacerbated by running, walking, and standing for long periods of time. Podiatry treatment may involve the use of orthotics or shoe inserts to support orthotics, shoe guidance, and a stretching programme to shift pressure and impact away from the ball of the foot.

Arthritis of the Foot

The joints of the foot (especially the big toe) become tight and immovable as a result of arthritis. This does not cause pain in and of itself, but it can create referred pain in the knees, legs, and hips as a result of the ensuing changes in walking and gait patterns. In some cases, if the arthritic change has progressed, there will be pain in the corresponding joint, which is produced by bone rubbing in the eroding joint. Orthotics/shoe inserts may be used to relieve stress and loading on the arthritic joints, as well as the knees, hips, and legs. Shoe advise will also be given; in many cases, a change in shoe style is required.

Bunions

A bunion is characterised by a swollen joint at the base and side of the big toe, as well as an inclined big toe relative to the other toes (this angulation is known as Hallux Valgus). Other foot deformities and disorders, such as hammer-toe, corns and calluses, as well as ingrown toenails, can be caused by a bunion. If the pain of a bunion isn't enough to convince you to see a Podiatrist, the additional issues that arise as the discomfort becomes unbearable are typically enough. The use of orthotics to ease pain and discomfort, guidance on footwear, the removal of corns and calluses, and the use of cushioning plasters and dressings are all examples of podiatry care.

Nail Surgery

When the edges of a toenail curl into the toe's flesh, it's called an ingrowing toenail. Ingrown nails can develop as a result of an accident, excessive pressure on the toes, tight-fitting shoes, poorly clipped nails, or inadequate cleanliness. It's painful, and if it's not treated, it can become inflamed and infected. In the first instance, a podiatrist will examine the toenail to see if conservative treatment, such as softening the skin and moving it back away from the nail, will help. Toenail surgery is, however, required in many cases. Your podiatrist will remove the nail in one of two ways: partially or completely. If the nail is infected, it is treated with an antibiotic solution before being dressed to protect it and prevent infection.

What to Expect During Your Podiatry Consultation

During a first appointment, your Podiatrist will examine the biomechanics of your feet and analyze your gait (the way you walk/run) to determine the source of your pain and establish a diagnosis. The practitioner will then discuss their results with you and offer a selection of therapies that are specifically customized to your needs. These may include the following:

• Insoles (orthotics or shoe inserts) may be prescribed to help with foot alignment and walking.
• Footwear/sports shoes advice
• The feet are taped or strapped.
• Stretching or strengthening exercises tailored to your needs.
• Nail surgery may be required to treat ingrowing toenails.

Meet podiatrist doctors in Bangalore to get the best treatment, contact now to book an appointment at 08037518692

Our caring and experienced team of Podiatrists at The Chirag Hospital in Bangalore can diagnose and successfully treat a wide range of painful foot ailments, allowing you to return to regular activity.