A foot doctor offers both conservative treatments and surgeries to relieve different conditions. Conservative treatments involve stretching, orthotics, or braces. Some pediatric conditions may need surgery. Understanding your options helps you in choosing the right treatment approach. Here are a few conditions that need treatment and how podiatrists address these issues:
Plantar Fasciitis
A sharp stabbing sensation in your heel may signal plantar fasciitis. It occurs when the plantar fascia ligament along the foot’s bottom becomes irritated and inflamed. Podiatrists often begin treating it conservatively with rest, icing, OTC pain relievers, and foot stretches to reduce inflammation. Custom orthotic shoe inserts provide arch support and cushioning to prevent further injury. Night splints keep the foot flexed during sleep, letting the plantar fascia heal. If conservative treatments fail to relieve symptoms after a few months, your podiatrist may use minimally invasive procedures like platelet-rich plasma or shockwave therapy injections to accelerate healing.
Ingrown Toenails
Trimming your toenails too short, injury, or abnormal nail shapes lets the edges grow into the surrounding skin, causing irritation and infection. Conservative treatments involve properly trimming the nail and inserting cotton under the edge to elevate it. Your podiatrist may apply antibiotics or acid formulas to cauterize and slow the nail’s growth. For severe or recurrent cases, a minor surgical procedure to remove part or all of the toenails provides permanent relief. Performed under local anesthesia, full nail removal prevents future ingrowth.
Bunions
Bunions cause the big toe to lean toward the other toes, creating a painful bump at the joint. Conservative bunion treatment involves wearing shoes with a wide toe box to remove pressure. Surgery may be required if the deformity progresses and causes discomfort. Podiatric surgeons can remove the protruding bone and realign the big toe. The procedure provides permanent relief and corrects any arthritis symptoms that may result from severe bunions. Recovering from bunion surgery varies from a few weeks to a few months but allows for normal foot mobility afterward.
Infections
Unlike hands, our feet stay confined in shoes for long periods of time, and wounds can become infected. Diabetes and poor circulation compromise healing. Small foot scrapes and cuts call for prompt care. After cleaning and debriding the wound, your podiatrist applies medication and specialized dressings to foster a sterile healing environment. Offloading or casting the foot reduces pressure on the injury. Antibiotics can be prescribed to clear infection. Podiatrists help prevent complications and amputation with proper wound care.
Biomechanical Issues
Foot, knee, hip, and back pain stem from biomechanical misalignments like overpronation. Conventional treatment involves over-the-counter arch supports. Prescription custom orthotics also redistribute pressure and provide stability. Your foot doctor makes a cast mold of your foot to design the insert for an ideal fit. Orthotics placed in your shoes help retrain proper gait mechanics. By realigning the foot, orthotics can provide lasting relief from musculoskeletal pain related to foot biomechanics.
Nerve Problems
Pinched nerves between the toes cause burning discomfort. Non-surgical treatments like wider shoes, padding, and injections help by reducing pressure on the nerve. When conservative treatments fail, podiatric surgery can remove the inflamed nerve tissue. Recovery may take a few weeks but provides permanent neuroma relief. Severed or injured nerves may also benefit from grafting or reconstruction procedures to restore normal nerve function and prevent deformity.
Ankle Issues
The ankle relies on ligaments that can be torn through overuse or blunt force trauma. Though ankle sprains seem minor, full recovery requires proper podiatry care. Conservative treatment involves icing, compressing, and elevating the ankle along with OTC pain relievers. A podiatrist may have you wear a boot or brace for several weeks. Physical therapy also helps to strengthen the joint. Ruptured ligaments often need surgical repair. Podiatric surgery reattaches torn ankle ligaments using stitches or other hardware. With proper postsurgical rehab, even severe ankle sprains can heal.
Collaborate With a Foot Doctor Today
Do not suffer from long-term foot pain; seek expert podiatry care for relief. A combination of conservative therapies and minimally invasive surgeries may help you to function normally again. Early intervention can prevent complications and improve your quality of life. Contact your foot doctor today to discuss the ideal treatment plan for your condition.
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