Did you know that about a quarter of all the bones in our body are found on our feet? This means each foot consists of 26 bones. These bones as well as 10 tendons, 19 muscles, 33 joints and 107 ligaments are responsible for carrying our whole body 24/7.
In fact, our feet will carry our weight for approximately 110,000 miles in our entire lifetime. With this in mind, we should probably think about taking better care of our feet. According to podiatrists, the foot doctors, everyday tasks can cause foot problems.
Even non-athletes can suffer from foot injuries and need to get medical assistance such as plantar fasciitis treatment. Some people look for ways to avoid infections or even more common issues such as ingrown nails. Whatever concern you have about your feet, podiatrists can assist you.
Introduction to Podiatry
Podiatry, in simple terms, the practice of preventing, treating and managing foot defects and injuries, including the ankle and the lower limb. This medical practice is mainly used to fix complications which affect standing, walking and doing other mobility acts using the feet.
Feet Issues and Concerns Fixed by Podiatry
Podiatrists spent years and years of learning, training and gaining experience in practising podiatry in clinics and hospitals. They often tend to the following feet concerns:
- Hammertoes – This condition happens when a toe is bent in the wrong way because of a weak muscle. This condition can be hereditary, but in some situations, this condition develops because of wearing footwear, which is too short for your foot. Treatment can involve wearing the correct size of shoes, splinting or surgery.
- Bunions – This is a bone deformity found at the base of your big toe. As a result, your big toe points towards your other toes found on the same foot. The causes and treatment of this condition are similar to dealing with hammertoes.
- Arthritis – Torn, inflamed or swollen joints can cause arthritis. If you consult with a podiatrist, they can provide you with specific drugs to take to relieve pain. They can also recommend using shoe inserts or attending a physical therapy program. For worse cases, surgery can also be an option.
- Plantar fasciitis – This condition is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia or the thick tissue, which connects your heel bone to the other parts of the foot. This causes a stabbing pain on your feet, which makes it difficult to walk around. Plantar fasciitis treatment will depend on the severity of your case as well as your health condition. Doctors can provide you with anti-inflammatory drugs. They can also suggest physical therapy or surgery if needed.
- Nail problems – Ingrown toenails and nail infections are common feet issues. Easy solutions may involve practising proper hygiene and learning the correct way to cut toenails. Podiatrists can also recommend oral medication and other over-the-counter drugs that can fight off the infection. For severe cases of ingrown toenails, they can also decide to remove the ingrown to prevent further pain and infection.
Don’t hesitate to consult a professional podiatrist to diagnose and treat your foot concerns. Make sure to do a regular foot check-up to avoid severe injuries and other alarming foot conditions. Try and find a reputable podiatrist in your area and start taking care of your feet.
You can also get ideas on how to take care of your feet on a daily basis without needing to visit the hospital or foot clinics too often. Learn how to prevent foot problems by scheduling an appointment from trusted foot doctors today.
