If you have walked a lifetime in high heels, worked in a career that kept you on your feet for hours or have a family history of foot problems, you may need the help of a podiatrist. Podiatry is a medical doctor specialty in the treatment of the foot, ankle and lower leg diseases and conditions. If you have hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, bunions or painful corns, the podiatrist is the doctor you may need to manage the pain, remove the deformity or apply a soft splint to help you maintain your mobility. Learn more about these conditions from the Podiatrist Kenosha, WI.
Plantar Fasciitis and Foot Pain
The ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel to the toes is called the plantar fascia and is the most common cause of heel pain. People who have spent a lifetime on their feet can develop this weakening of the foot arch that causes pain on standing or walking. Although common in middle-aged people, young people who are athletes or stand for long periods of time can develop inflammation of one foot or both feet. Your podiatrist may elect to provide you with custom orthotics, splints or other devices to strengthen the arches and reduce the pain.
Hammertoes and Deformity
Wearing ill-fitted shoes, heredity or trauma can injure your toes and cause them to contract into a condition called hammertoes. It may affect more than one toe and if caught early can be treated before surgical options are needed for correction. The podiatrist can apply padding and taping to straighten and prevent the contraction of the toes from becoming rigid and permanent. Available treatment for pain may be cortisone injections and anti-inflammatory medications. Custom shoes may be needed to prevent further deformity and restore ambulation without pain.
Bunions and Corns
Chronic pain is often experienced by the sufferer of bunions and a specialty of the Podiatrist Kenosha, WI. As the bone in the toe becomes enlarged due to an imbalance in the musculature, overtime, the constant rubbing of the shoe creates reddened and inflamed skin that often creates corns or calluses. First, your podiatrist removes the point of pressure, such as a corn or callus, to reduce the friction and irritation. Secondly, the foot doctor then uses padding, orthotic devices to balance the foot and exercises to help align and strengthen the foot muscles.
