While podiatry is considered by many to be the exclusive domain of everything below the ankle, the truth is that treating injuries and other foot problems affects the entire body. When the biomechanics of walking are misaligned from foot damage, it can cause general problems in the legs, knees, hips, and back. Chronic pain can reduce the desire to exercise, causing lethargy and depression.
Helps with toe pain
The toes are made up of multiple bones, ligaments, and small muscles. When something in these complicated constructions gets out of place, injured or torn, the pain can be debilitating. A patient suffering from bunions or hammer toe should seek treatment as soon as possible. Addressing toe pain earlier can reduce the need for invasive treatments, and this can make treatment more effective in the long term.
Tendinitis and heel pain
Although tendinitis can occur in various places, from the ankles to the toes, it is most often diagnosed in the Achilles tendon. This inflammation can cause moderate to severe pain and make even light exercise difficult. Most of the time it is treated with physical therapy, but other treatments may be necessary if the pain is severe. The normal causes are repetitive stress or not taking enough time to stretch before exercising.
Leg, knee and back pain
Most people seek podiatry treatment only after first consulting with an orthopedic surgeon about knee, back, or hip pain. Many patients do not realize that lower body pain may be due to foot problems. Balance, movement and articulation can be affected by injuries or malformations of the feet. By treating the source of the problem, these types of injuries can be addressed more effectively than if symptoms are treated with pain relievers or antidepressants.
Treatment possibilities
Many patients seeking the care of a podiatric specialist hope that surgery will be part of their treatment plan. While some problems need to be treated surgically, many can be addressed with less invasive means. X-rays can help pinpoint a diagnosis and are often necessary to design a long-term treatment plan. Treatment options can range from proper shoe education to physical therapy and specialized orthopedic inserts.
Prevention of podiatry problems
Many patients do not realize that the feet change in shape and size long after puberty, unlike most parts of the body. Many podiatry problems can be avoided simply by measuring your feet when buying shoes and wearing shoes that fit well, especially for exercising. When there are problems with the shape of the feet or an injury that causes problems with walking, custom-made orthotic inserts can correct balance and other problems.
Seeking orthopedic treatment at the first sign of pain or tension often prevents further injury. Foot injuries should be treated promptly to reduce recovery time and help ensure the most complete recovery possible. Wearing the right shoes for activity and exercise, and taking time to stretch and warm up before exercise helps prevent injury.