Your feet spend a great deal of time supporting your weight and taking a beating, so, unsurprisingly, people occasionally experience pains and aches in their feet and ankles. Although most of these concerns are minor and resolved in a day or two, others could be debilitating and even begin disrupting your routine. New York foot and ankle specialist Dr. Elynor Giannin Perez employs conservative and surgical procedures to address foot-related concerns. If you have any problem with your feet, consult Dr. Perez for expert assistance. Meanwhile, here is a quick guide into some common foot-related issues that warrant a visit to your foot and ankle specialist.
1) Chronic Joint Pain
If the joints in your foot or ankle get swollen, stiff, sore, or red, or if it hurts when standing or walking, you may have arthritis or another condition. A podiatrist can provide accurate diagnoses and various therapies to alleviate joint discomfort, including drugs, minimally invasive treatments, and joint replacement surgery.
2) Thick Corns or Calluses
Although these regions of thickened skin are not necessarily uncomfortable, if they become very large, they could cause discomfort. Furthermore, an underlying ailment, like bunions, could cause (bony developments beneath the skin). A podiatrist can provide an accurate diagnosis and pain-relieving procedures like cortisone injections. Additionally, foot and ankle specialists can gently eliminate dead skin cells.
3) Uncomfortable Bunions
If you have a bunion, you should visit a podiatrist as soon as possible. Without treatment, bunions frequently worsen, resulting in complications like arthritis. Often, surgery is recommended to remove the bunion, but your podiatrist may also recommend taping or medication.
4) A Deteriorating Ingrown Toenail
A toenail clipped too short may develop into the skin and cause pain and infection. People who attempt to treat ingrown toenails on their own can exacerbate the problem by injuring the nail and neighboring tissues. A foot and ankle specialist can suggest medications or safely remove a portion of the nail, if necessary.
5) Chronic Fungal Infection
An athlete’s foot is an irritating, uncomfortable condition that can cause the skin between the toes to appear scaly. If you have attempted at-home antifungal treatments for over two weeks without success, consult a podiatrist. These doctors can check if there is a bacterial infection and prescribe the necessary antibiotics.
6) Chronic Heel Problems
If the skin on your heels is cracked and bleeding, you are more susceptible to infection. Heel discomfort could also signify a heel spur, another abnormal bone growth. Additionally, tendonitis can induce heel pain. A podiatrist can establish the reason for your issue and recommend effective remedies.
7) Tingling and Numbness
Diabetics are particularly prone to foot complications, including dry skin, infections, and nerve disorders (neuropathy). Neuropathy can cause foot numbness accompanied by burning or tingling sensations. Therefore, if your doctor diagnoses you with pre-diabetes or diabetes, scheduling an annual checkup with a podiatrist is important.
Your feet are just as important as other body parts or organs in your overall health and well-being. Therefore, you must consult a foot and ankle specialist as soon as possible if you experience foot problems. These doctors have specialized knowledge of foot and ankle disorders; thus, they can precisely diagnose your condition. At Flex-Foot and Ankle, Dr. Perez offers treatments to not only ease your pain and manage your symptoms but also address the inherent reason for your pain. Arrange an appointment today through mobile or request online.
