Podiatry Treatment Addresses Many Health Challenges
While many consider podiatry to be the exclusive domain of anything below the ankle, the truth is that treating injuries and other foot problems affects the entire body. When the biomechanics of walking are misaligned by damage to the feet, it can cause general problems in the legs, knees, hips, and back. Chronic pain can reduce the desire to exercise, leading to lethargy and depression.
Help with pain in the toes
The toes are made up of multiple small bones, ligaments, and muscles. When something in these complicated constructions slips out of place, is injured, or breaks, the pain can be debilitating. A patient suffering from bunions or hammer toes should seek treatment as soon as possible. Addressing toe pain early on can reduce the need for invasive treatments and this can make treatment more effective in the long run.
Tendinitis and heel pain
Although tendinitis can occur in various places, from the ankles to the toes, it is most often diagnosed in the Achilles tendon. This inflammation can cause moderate to severe pain and make even light exercise difficult. Most of the time it is treated with physical therapy, but other treatments may be necessary if the pain is severe. Normal causes are repetitive stress or not taking enough time to stretch before exercising.
Leg, knee and back pain
Most people seek podiatry treatment only after first consulting an orthopedic surgeon about knee, back, or hip pain. Many patients don’t realize that lower body pain can be caused by foot problems. Balance, movement and articulation can be affected by injury or malformation of the feet. By treating the source of the problem, these types of injuries can be addressed more effectively than treating the symptoms with painkillers or antidepressants.
treatment options
Many patients who seek the care of a podiatric specialist expect surgery to be part of their treatment plan. While some problems must be treated surgically, many can be addressed through less invasive means. X-rays can help identify a diagnosis and are often necessary to design a long-term treatment plan. Treatment options can range from education on proper footwear to physical therapy and specialized orthotic inserts.
Prevention of podiatry problems
Many patients do not realize that the feet change shape and size much after puberty, unlike most other parts of the body. Many podiatry problems can be avoided simply by measuring your feet when shopping for shoes and wearing shoes that fit well, especially for exercise. When there are problems with the shape of the feet, or an injury that causes trouble walking, custom-made orthotics can correct balance and other problems.
Seeking orthopedic treatment at the first sign of pain or strain often prevents further injury. Foot injuries should be treated promptly to reduce recovery time and help ensure the most complete recovery possible. Wearing the correct shoes for activity and exercise, and taking time to stretch and warm up before exercise helps prevent injuries.