
Anyone can come across foot and ankle problems. They can become a hurdle and interfere with our day-to-day activities. Consult a podiatrist when your foot ailments start affecting your quality of life and daily chores. A podiatrist is a doctor qualified to diagnose and treat foot disorders – they also specialize in performing surgical procedures.
How Are Podiatrists Crucial to Foot and Ankle Health?
Foot disorders can happen due to factors like daily routine, lifestyle choices, or chronic illnesses such as diabetes and arthritis. Usually, foot and ankle problems can be managed by conservative treatment, but a medical expert would treat the disorder differently. First, they will make sure they present you with a correct diagnosis. This will ensure your quick recovery. Second, they can offer various treatment options to keep your condition at bay longer.
Here are a few reasons why you should consider consulting a podiatrist:
Diabetes
People with diabetes are more prone to foot disorders due to neuropathy, in effect by uncontrolled blood glucose and flaky, dry skin. They increase the risk of infections. If you have diabetes, you should arrange an annual foot examination by your podiatrist.
Joint Pain in the Lower Extremities
Pain, redness, stiffness, swelling, or tenderness around the joints can indicate developing arthritis. Arthritis is a group of degenerative diseases that can impact the functioning of the feet. It can lead to immobility and loss of balance if not treated timely. You can preserve your joint health with the expertise of a podiatrist.
Bunions, Calluses, or Corns
These skin anomalies are one of the common reasons for people to visit a podiatrist. These growths on the skin can become a cause of pain and swelling. A podiatrist may suggest cortisone injections or shaving them down in the clinic. Bunions can worsen if left untreated. A podiatrist can offer treatments based on the severity of the case.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails can turn painful if the condition becomes chronic. You should see a podiatrist if you are experiencing issues with mobility or drainage from the affected toenail. A visit to the podiatrist can save you from an infection or a recurrence of the ingrown nail.
Fractures and Sprains
Podiatrists are trained experts in treating fractures and sprains of the foot and ankle. Untreated sprains can lead to chronic instability of the ankle, chronic inflammation of the tendons, and arthritis. If a fracture is left untreated, it can cause bone deformities and nerve damage. Podiatrists can give you a proper diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care.
At the New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group, there are almost 30 foot and ankle surgeons, podiatrists, and doctors. With more than 30 locations, from Newark, NJ, to Cape May, NJ, we value convenience and excellent service for our patients. We offer compassionate, cutting-edge care across our network, and we are here to address all your foot concerns. Our group is among the best foot and ankle providers in the country. To schedule an appointment, first, find a podiatrist in your area