Foot problems can signal underlying health issues that can worsen if ignored. For instance, neuropathy, resulting from nerve damage, can lead to numbness in the feet and make it hard to detect injuries. Conditions like diabetes frequently result in neuropathy, but a podiatrist is medically trained to offer treatments to manage symptoms. Changes in foot color can signal underlying issues like infections or poor circulation, and identifying and addressing these issues early is essential for effective treatment. Bunions, a deformity of the big toe, can cause discomfort and reduce mobility, but a podiatrist can recommend suitable footwear and a variety of treatment options to alleviate discomfort. Whether from high-impact exercises or wearing improper footwear, foot soreness should not be ignored. Podiatrists can prescribe custom orthotics to help alleviate pain and improve gait problems. Various musculoskeletal disorders can cause foot pain, and podiatrists can provide medication, foot padding, and other treatments to manage symptoms and improve mobility. If you have foot problems that interfere with daily activities, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.
If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact one of our podiatrists from Palm Beach Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is a Podiatrist?
A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.
What Do Podiatrists Do?
On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:
Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
Use innovative methods to treat conditions
Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
Correct walking patterns and balance
Provide individual consultations to patients
It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Boynton Beach,Palm Beach Gardens,and West Palm Beach, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
A bunion is a deformity where the bottom bone of the big toe pushes toward the outside, creating a noticeable bump on the foot. As a result, the rest of the toe then moves toward the smaller toes. Bunions develop gradually over time due to inherited foot structure and the way each foot absorbs force during walking. The symptoms of bunions vary from none at all to severe discomfort, worsened by wearing tight or narrow shoes. Several treatment options exist that may help to alleviate symptoms without surgery. Non-operative interventions include wearing comfortable shoes with a wide toe box, using bunion pads to reduce irritation, and employing toe spacers to realign the toes. Practicing calf stretches to reduce stress on the foot and wearing custom orthotics can help. For those whose bunions persist despite non-operative measures, surgical intervention may be necessary. Advances in surgical techniques allow patients to return home the same day as the surgery, although full recovery may take from six months to a year. If you are experiencing bunion discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a full exam and appropriate treatment options.
A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.
Why Do Bunions Form?
Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary
Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions
How Are Bunions Diagnosed?
Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.
How Are Bunions Treated?
Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
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A surgical procedure aimed at relieving pain from bone spurs on the top of the big toe is called a cheilectomy. The pain is the result of arthritis that also causes stiffness in the big toe, termed hallux rigidus. Typically considered after non-surgical interventions, a cheilectomy involves the careful removal of bone spurs to alleviate discomfort and improve range of motion. Whether performed under general or local anesthesia, the procedure usually allows for a same-day operation. Following surgery, treatment often starts with gentle toe movements and stretching exercises to prevent stiffness. The recovery period typically spans six to eight weeks. While individual recovery time may vary, the primary goal of restoring function and alleviating pain are the focus. If you have persistent pain and limited mobility in your big toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and personalized treatment plan, which may include surgery.
Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Palm Beach Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
When Is Surgery Necessary?
Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:
Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
Cosmetic reconstruction
What Types of Surgery Are There?
The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:
Bunionectomy for painful bunions
Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage
Benefits of Surgery
Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.
Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Boynton Beach,Palm Beach Gardens,and West Palm Beach, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
