A recent report stated that an alarming 40% of Australians complain of foot pain and problems troubling them on a regular basis! It’s no wonder considering all the hard work our feet do for us, walking, running, and, worse yet, standing for long periods of time can take their toll. Even sitting too much can cause foot problems, so what are we to do?
The answer is to visit a professional foot health care provider like the expert podiatrists in Launceston who can ascertain what is causing your foot’s discomfort, and prescribe ways to alleviate it. Podiatrists specialise in foot care and can help put the bounce back in your step!
The following are some of the reasons you should make an appointment with a podiatrist:
- Foot or Heel Pain – This is the most common reason people visit their podiatrist. There are many common factors that might contribute to your condition such as overuse and injuries, as well as medical conditions like heel spurs, Achilles tendonitis, arthritis, and plantar fasciitis, which is more commonly known as warts. The podiatrist can ascertain the root cause of your foot’s discomfort and recommend treatments. These treatments can be as simple as applying ice and doing stretching exercises, or if required, more complex methods like physical therapy, medication, and custom orthotics.
- Bunions – These bony bumps form at the big toe’s base and cause it to bend inwards toward the other toes. The condition can be quite painful and requires the patient to wear special orthopaedic shoes. In some extreme cases, bunions may require surgery, a bunionectomy to correct the problem.
- Flat Feet – This surprisingly common problem is actually severe enough that even the Army won’t enlist a person who has them! Flat feet occur because the foot’s arch collapses so that the entire bottom of the foot is in contact with the ground. The condition can be painful and eventually lead to further complications. Your podiatrist will diagnose and treat flat feet with physical therapy, and if necessary, orthotics.
- Foot And Ankle Injuries – Sprains, strains, and fractures are the most common maladies of the foot and can result from a wide variety of activities like exercise, sports, and sometimes just bad luck when walking across rough, uneven terrain. Your podiatrist will diagnose the severity and extent of the injury and prescribe the best course of treatment. The treatment regimen might include physical therapy, immobilization, non-surgical treatments, or even surgery if the severity of the damage warrants it.
- Plantar Warts – These small, bumpy growths are the result of a virus. Warts often occur on the soles of the feet and can prove stubborn and painful to remove with just over-the-counter treatments like acid patches. Your podiatrist can use more direct methods like freezing and laser therapy to permanently remove these annoying, uncomfortable, and unsightly growths.
If your feet are suffering from the above complaints visit your podiatrist. An appointment is best, but most accept walk-ins.
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