How Long Will My Orthotics Last?
Custom orthotics support your feet and ankles and can help you recover from foot problems without surgery. How long do orthotics last, and how do you know when to replace yours? Read on to learn more.
Visit a Foot Doctor for These Conditions, Instead of Treating Feet at Home
Are you suffering from foot pain? If so, it may not be your shoes. It may be that you have a serious problem that is demanding treatment. We have found that most people will try to treat health problems at home before scheduling an appointment. When it comes to foot pain, this often involves resting their feet, buying new shoes and trying to walk around less often.
If the foot pain is caused by stress or strain placed on the feet by a bad pair of shoes or some intensive activity, this could help. However, if the pain is the result of an actual foot condition, it will be insufficient for solving the problem. In that scenario, waiting to visit a doctor is only going to prolong a patient’s discomfort.
Since there is no way for a patient to self-diagnose at home, we recommend visiting our office at the first sign of a problem so that we can conduct a thorough examination and get to the bottom of what is causing the foot pain or discomfort.
SYMPTOMS PATIENTS OFTEN TREAT AT HOME
Some of the symptoms that patients experience and try to treat with at-home care include:
- Feet that are sore after standing or walking
- Foot inflammation
- Sores and lesions
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Stabbing pains
- Ingrown toenails
All of these symptoms can be treated with the help of a foot doctor and in many cases, visiting a foot doctor will be necessary for helping them to go away or even to become manageable. Again, unless the foot discomfort was a one-time trauma, taking care of the feet at home will typically not be enough to make the symptoms and underlying problem go away.
COMMON FOOT PROBLEMS
The above symptoms could be an indication that a person has a variety of foot problems which could include:
1. DIABETIC FOOT INFECTION
People with diabetes must take foot care and foot health extremely seriously since they are at the greatest risk of eventually losing feet due to a diabetic infection. If a person with diabetes has a sore, cut or even random bruising on their feet, then it is crucial to visit us for an examination and treatment.
2. HEEL SPURS
Patients who have heel spurs may not realize it. They can be responsible for constant dull pain along with sharp and stabbing pain in the feet when standing or walking, making it important to visit us for an examination if these symptoms are present.
3. INGROWN TOENAILS
If the toenails are not growing straight but are curving into the skin, it can cause pain and lead to an infection. Rather than trying to trim them at home, it is better to visit a foot doctor so that the toenails can begin growing in properly.
4. ATHLETE’S FOOT
The patient may also be suffering from athletes foot, something that we can treat in our office far more effectively than over-the-counter products.
5. PLANTAR FASCIITIS
This is another common condition that can lead to foot pain and requires treatment by an actual foot doctor. Plantar fasciitis cannot be effectively treated at home so it is necessary to have medical intervention.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
When visiting a foot doctor, it is possible to benefit from a variety of treatment solutions. This may include taking prescription medications, wearing special shoes, wearing support devices, engaging in physical therapy or even having surgery.
We will make a recommendation for what we feel will be the most effective way to treat the foot problem that you are struggling with. Before we can do so, we need you to call our office and schedule an appointment today. Visiting our office is the fastest way to begin experiencing relief.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Why Do My Toenails Look Warped?
Do your toenails appear bent, warped, or deformed? Several conditions can cause toenail deformity. Read to learn more, including what you should do next to restore your toenail health.
My Heel Pain Keeps Returning. Can You Help?
Frequent, recurring, or persistent heel pain can leave you struggling with mobility and may indicate an underlying problem with your feet. Read to learn more about treatment for recurrent or chronic heel pain.
Can You Prevent Hammertoe?
Are you at risk for hammertoe? What can you do to prevent foot and toe deformities and keep your feet looking and feeling great? Read on for professional podiatry advice on hammertoe prevention.
4 Simple Ways to Relieve Heel Pain
Do your heels hurt? Has heel pain been a problem for a while? Heel pain is one of the most common types of foot problems. If you’ve been living with heel pain and are ready for relief, read more about four simple and effective treatments.
Are Bunions the End of Running for Me?
Runners sometimes experience foot deformation known as bunions. Do bunions mean the end of your running career or hobby, or can this podiatry issue be addressed? Read to learn about running and bunions.