Why Should You See a Podiatrist?

 

A podiatrist is a medical professional specializing in treating disorders of the ankle and foot. If you have any ailment related to your ankle or foot you may want to see a podiatrist. Here is some information you should know before booking an appointment with us at Horizon Foot and Ankle Institute.

Treatment for Your Feet 

Horizon Feet and Ankle Institute offers a variety of treatments specific to feet and ankles. We believe that treatment for these ailments can significantly improve your quality of life. Treatments include:

• Ingrown Toenails
• Heel Pain
• Hammertoe
• Fungal Nails
• Foot Orthotics
• Corns and Calluses
• Bunions
• Ankle Joint Replacement
• Ankle-Foot Orthosis (AFO)

If you have any of the issues above, contact a podiatrist. Other issues to watch out for are pain, tingling, burning, loss of sensation, ingrown toenails, infected corns, sores, blisters, or red spots. When you see these changes in your feet, including changes in shape or color, it may be time to call a podiatrist.

For Diabetics

Those who have diabetes may have circulation problems, infection, and nerve damage in their extremities. The feet are especially at risk for these specific issues. The risks involved can be harmful, like losing a foot or part of your leg to gangrene, but we can help make sure your feet stay healthy.

When you have diabetes you are at risk for diabetic foot ulcers, neuropathy, and poor circulation. It is key to get checked frequently after being diagnosed with diabetes. The issues that may arise can be far more harmful if left untreated.  We can help remedy these here at Horizon Foot and Ankle Institute.

Diabetic Foot Ulcers

A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore that exposes the layers of skin underneath. These are usually found on the bottom of the foot. Diabetic patients generally find them under the big toes or the balls of the feet. If these ulcers are not treated they could get so deep they break down the tissues to the bone.

The causation of these foot ulcers can be as simple as your genetics. In general, African Americans, Native Americans, and Hispanics are more susceptible to foot ulcers.

Elderly males are also at a higher risk of developing foot ulcers. The use of alcohol and tobacco or being overweight can play a role as well. Other factors may include high blood sugar, irritated feet (dry skin, etc.), poor circulation, and nerve damage.

Symptoms of foot ulcers include:

• Drainage on socks (abnormal wetness from the ulcer)
• Red and swollen feet
• Abnormal smell
• Numbness
• Firmness

If you have experienced severe nerve damage check your feet often. If you are unable to feel any of these above symptoms, diagnosis can be difficult and may lengthen the time between diagnosis and treatment.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy is what happens when one or more nerves are damaged or debilitated. It may cause tingling, pain, numbness, and muscular weakness in the area it is afflicting. Neuropathy often starts in the hands and feet but can reach other areas of the body as well.

Diabetic neuropathy affects from six to 51 percent of people who have been diagnosed with diabetes. It could depend on their glucose management, how long they have had diabetes, and whether they have type one or type two diabetes.

Those who suffer from neuropathy have a 25% risk of foot ulcers and amputation. There is extremely thorough screening and treatment. Screening can include managing pain, glycemic control, and inspecting feet often. To avoid this issue, many professionals suggest weight management and physical activity. If you have neuropathy in the feet, you may undergo:

• Blood Testing: You can be tested for vitamin deficiencies, aberrant immunological function, and other signs of diseases that might cause this neuropathy.
• Imaging: CTs or MRIs can be performed to search for herniated disks, pinched nerves, and other abnormalities affecting the blood vessels and bones.
• Electromyography (EMG): An EMG is a test that monitors electrical activity in your muscles. It may lead to a nerve injury diagnosis.
• Autonomic Reflex Screening: This records how your autonomic nerve fibers operate. If your nerve fibers operate incorrectly then neuropathy could be the issue.
• Sensory Tests: A sensory test shows how you experience touch, heat, cold, and vibration. If you are experiencing these things at a low frequency, it may be neuropathy.
• Biopsy: A biopsy of the nerves or skin can be performed. This involves a small segment of a nerve or skin that is removed to check for sensitivity issues.

Contact a Podiatrist

There are several ways to treat all foot conditions and Horizon Foot and Ankle Institute is here to help. If you are feeling any type of foot, ankle, or lower leg pain, healing is just a phone call away. After receiving professional treatment from one of our specialists, you’ll be able to enjoy having happier healthier feet!