A foot doctor specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions and injuries that affect the foot and ankle. Also called a podiatrist, they are able to provide medical and surgical care for your lower extremities.
What specifically can a foot doctor treat? A person who has any of the following conditions can benefit from seeing a foot doctor for treatment.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is usually caused by structural problems of the foot and is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The pain is due to the plantar fascia being inflamed. It may be because your arches are too high or too low or if you are flat-footed. Being overweight is a risk factor due to the added pressure on your feet. Regardless, a foot doctor can evaluate your condition and provide custom orthotics. Fortunately, plantar fasciitis treatment does not typically require surgery.
Bone Fractures
Stress fractures of the foot are very common in people who play sports or live very active lifestyles. The reasons may be due to not warming up, poor form or technique, and acceleration of intensity. There are a total of 26 bones in the foot, and all of them can be fractured. Set up an appointment with your foot doctor immediately if you suspect a bone fracture. Typical symptoms include swelling, tenderness, and bruising as well as pain during movement.
Achilles Tendon Rupture
This injury usually occurs while playing sports. The Achilles tendon, which connects your calf muscles to your heel bone causes sharp intense pain when torn either partially or completely. You may need to undergo surgery in order to repair the torn tendon for complete ruptures.
Bunions
Bunions are painful bumps that form at the base of your big toe. More than just a cosmetic flaw, bunions can make it difficult to find proper fitting shoes. If left untreated, they can lead to complications such as hammertoe and bursitis. Bunions may be treated conservatively by making modifications in footwear and using custom shoe inserts. However, if symptoms persist, there are some surgical options for bunion treatment.
Diabetic Foot Problems
A foot doctor can play an important role in the care of your feet if you are a diabetic. Foot scratches, sores, and ulcers are concerning since poor wound care can lead to infection, which could result in limb loss. With diabetics, a minor wound can turn into a major injury due to diabetes’ effect on wound healing. Podiatrists specializing in diabetic foot care work closely with your primary care provider to coordinate your care and teach you how to prevent foot injuries and complications.
Foot and Ankle Care in Central Maryland
At Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland, our podiatrists diagnose and treat a wide range of foot conditions and injuries. Diagnostic imaging services and ambulatory surgical centers are available on-site in all our locations, which allows us to deliver prompt and high-quality foot and ankle care.
We bring together several orthopedic specialties under one roof to provide the best treatment to our patients. To schedule an appointment, call the Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland at (410) 644-1880 or request one online now. We welcome you to our Catonsville, Columbia, and Eldersburg clinics!
