3 Of The Most Common Issues Treated By A Podiatrist 

Podiatrists are also known as “feet doctors” and treat injury, pain or chronic health issues of the feet and lower extremities.

They can do surgery, reset bones and prescribe medication. The Feet People are a company of podiatrists in Brisbane who treat many common issues.

Ankle Pain

This is one of the most common problems, particularly among active persons and the elderly. Your feet and ankles take on your whole body’s weight every day, which makes them prone to discomfort, to overcome this you should know about knee orthosis types and consult your doctor.

A few common causes of ankle pain are as follows:

Stress Fractures 

These are tiny cracks in your ankle bone that occur over some time. They are common in athletes who use excessive force on their ankles, like running or jumping.

Treatment for Stress Fractures

Podiatrists examine the foot and ankle and consider the symptoms. They then conduct X-rays and an MRI to determine the appropriate treatment.

Achilles Tendinopathy

This occurs over time and is usually caused by repeated wear and tear of the tendon as well as old age.

Treatment for Achilles Tendinopathy 

You can give yourself many treatments like stretching, icing, and wearing corrective footwear. If these do not work, podiatrists can provide you with custom orthotic therapy, and they use parotec in-shoe pressure analysis systems, dry needling or shockwave therapy.

Sever’s Disease

This is a common cause of ankle pain in young people and children. It is caused by inflammation in the growth plate of the heel. This usually occurs when children are growing and developing or in very active people in sports and exercise.

Treatment for Sever’s Disease

Podiatrists are able to pre-empt if the child is predisposed to getting Sever’s disease by examining their feet or any issues that may lead to them getting it. They can also suggest sports and footwear that the child can do to prevent them from getting it.

Heel Pain 

The heel helps to create the arch of your feet and works with your arch to ensure that weight is evenly distributed throughout your foot.

Heel pain is a common issue as the heel can be overworked during exercise and even everyday tasks.

A few common causes of heel pain are as follows:

Plantar Fasciitis 

Inflammation occurs in the thick tissue under the heel due to being overworked. It occurs due to the change in how your foot is bearing weight—such as overuse, wearing shoes that do not support your feet well or even age.

Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis 

Podiatrists can use shockwave therapy, dry needling and anti-inflammatory medication if the prescribed self-treatments are ineffective.

Cracked Heels 

This occurs when there the skin on your heels starts cracking and splitting. This is usually due to dryness, being on your feet for too long unsupportive footwear and even chronic issues like diabetes.

Treatment for Cracked Heels 

Podiatrists can use a scalpel blade to remove excess skin. They may also recommend that the person uses a high-intensity moisturiser or strapping of the foot if the cracks are large and open.

Plantar Warts

These are caused by viral infections and can present as growths on the skin. They are contagious and are usually contracted by using public spaces barefoot.

Treatment for Plantar Warts 

Podiatrists will either use acid to burn them off, cryotherapy to freeze them off, swift therapy or perform minor surgery to remove them.

Lower Back Pain

The feet have a significant impact on lower back pain, and this is frequently where a diagnosis of back pain is sought. Your feet effectively bear your body’s weight and transmit this alignment and posture to your lower back.

This may cause pain and can present itself as stiffness or tension and will remain until your feet are correctly positioned if it is a pain caused by the feet.

A few common causes of lower back pain are as follows:

Sciatica 

This is an impingement, compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve or nerve root in the lower back. The pain is usually felt in the lower back, upper legs, and buttocks. It is essential to get properly diagnosed by a podiatrist as this can often be confused with other forms of pain. You should also pay attention to notice if your sciatica pain is increasing over time. This needs to be addressed by a professional right away!

Treatment for Sciatica 

Podiatrists can prescribe you anti-inflammatory medication, dry needling, custom footwear, stretching, and exercises to relieve pain and settle swelling.

Conclusion 

These are just a few of the most common issues that podiatrists deal with. Visit The Feet People and their podiatrists in Brisbane for any of your lower limb related issues.