When Should You See a Podiatrist?
At Horizon Foot & Ankle Institute, we offer podiatry services to help our patients improve their foot health and stay active. If you have foot or ankle problems, our team of experts can assess them and recommend a suitable treatment plan.
1. Ankle Joint Pain
The ankle joint connects the lower leg bones with the foot and aids in walking, running, and other activities. Pain in the ankle joint can limit movement and increase the risk of falls. This pain may be due to arthritis, dislocation, broken bones, or a strain. If your joint pain has lasted more than a few days, schedule an appointment with a Horizon Foot & Ankle Institute foot doctor. Our team can perform a thorough examination and diagnosis to determine the cause of your pain and formulate a personalized treatment plan.
2. Unexplained Numbness, Tingling, or Swelling
Your feet may become sore or swollen after a long run or intense exercise, but these symptoms usually disappear within a few days. If you experience numbness, tingling, swelling, or any other unusual sensation in your feet without an apparent cause, it may be a sign of nerve damage, poor blood circulation, or an underlying medical condition. Our specialists can use imaging tests to check for hidden problems and recommend a treatment option to relieve your symptoms.
3. Bone Deformities
Various foot conditions can cause bone deformities that are painful and unattractive. Bunions and hammertoes are two common types of foot deformities. Bunions occur when the big toe joint is pushed out of its normal position, causing a bony bump on the side of your foot. Hammertoes happen when a toe joint bends abnormally, typically affecting the middle toe joint. If you have any bone deformities, our foot doctors in St. Louis, MO, can provide pain relief and suggest a plan to correct them.
4. Ingrown Toenails
An ingrown toenail is a painful condition that occurs when a toenail grows down into the skin of your toe. Some common causes are improper nail-cutting, tight-fitting shoes, or a fungal infection. Other symptoms, such as swelling and redness, may accompany ingrown toenails. If left untreated, the irritation caused by ingrown toenails can worsen and cause infection or tissue damage. Our podiatrists can help you remove ingrown toenails and provide suggestions to prevent them from recurring.
5. Stubborn Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that causes itching, burning, and cracking of the skin on your feet. Wearing wet or sweaty socks and shoes for extended periods is usually the cause of this condition. Skin that produces excess sweat can also increase an individual’s risk of developing athlete’s foot. A mild case of athlete’s foot usually clears up with the use of an over-the-counter antifungal cream. If your condition is persistent or severe, visit our team of experts for professional assessment and athlete’s foot treatment.
6. Irritating Corns and Calluses
Corns and calluses are thickened areas of skin caused by excessive rubbing or pressure on the feet. These conditions can develop if you often walk barefoot, wear ill-fitting shoes, or have an abnormal gait. Though corns and calluses aren’t usually dangerous, they can be painful and make walking difficult. Our podiatrists will work with you to determine potential causes of your corns and calluses and recommend effective treatment methods. We will also provide tips to prevent your corns and calluses from reappearing.
Meet With a Foot Doctor at Horizon Foot & Ankle Institute Today
If you have these or any other foot issues that are affecting your quality of life, visit us at Horizon Foot & Ankle Institute in St. Louis, MO. Our experienced team will diagnose your condition and create a custom treatment plan to help you get back on your feet as quickly as possible. We also offer preventive care services and products like foot examinations, orthotics, and more. Contact us today at (314) 381-1800 to schedule an appointment.