Feet are a complicated part of the body that takes a great deal of stress and strain from our everyday activities. One foot is meant to push approximately ten times our body weight with each step we take to walk, run or sprint. Each foot is composed of approximately 26 bones held together and supported by several intrinsic muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, arteries, veins and joints to hold up our entire body and assist us in our daily activities such as standing, squatting, walking, jumping, and running. After realizing the complexity of the structure and mechanics of the feet, it is easier to understand that there is not one simple cause to explain all the reasons behind foot pain. If one of those structures in the foot fails, then it can throw off our entire gait causing aches and pains throughout our body. Our feet are not a separate entity from the rest of our bodies. Sometimes an issue that is presenting in our feet can be a sign or symptom of a condition that is beginning to cause havoc throughout the rest of our body. Some common foot conditions considered and treated by a podiatrist are listed as follows:
Plantar Fasciitis
Morton's Neuroma
Metatarsalgia
Bursitis
Capsulitis
Degenerative Joint Disease
Arthritis
Ankle Sprain
Turf Toe
Bunions
Hallux varus
Hallux valgus
Hallux malleus
Hammer Toe Deformity
Pes Planus Foot Deformity
Pes Cavus Foot Deformity
Bone spurs
Heel spurs
Wet Gangrene
Dry Gangrene
Fractures
Stress Fracture
Haglund's Deformity
Achilles Tendon Disorder
Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction
Contusion
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Venous Insufficiency
Intermittent Claudication
Arterial Insufficiency
Compartment Syndrome
Fat Pad Atrophy
Infection
Plantar's Wart
Psoriasis
Onychomycosis
Tinea Pedis
Dermatitis
Peripheral Neuropathy
Nerve Entrapment
Tarsal Coalition
Osteomyelitis
Osteochondral Defect
Onychocryptosis
Diabetic Ulcers
Neurotropic Ulcers
Pressure Ulcers
Abnormal Gait
Apophysitis
A podiatrist is also capable of detecting other systemic conditions above as well that are starting to present themselves with pain in your feet. These conditions could be missed by other doctors or physicians if you have not had any symptoms present in the rest of your body yet, and dismiss your symptoms as a more minor condition isolated to the feet. That is why there is a dedicated foot and ankle specialist to help evaluate and assess the cause of each individual's foot pain. Through a deep understand of the anatomy of the foot and ankle, how it connects with the body, and assessing the nature of your foot and ankle issues, a podiatrist is able narrow down the cause of your foot pain to better assist you with finding a solution to your problem. A podiatrist's goal is to improve your quality of life. This way, you can go on living your active lives with less misery and more relief.
Don't wait for your foot pain to worsen and stop you in your tracks. Contact your local podiatrist and schedule an appointment today so that they can help you continue living your life to its fullest.