When To See A Podiatrist Austin TX

By Leticia Jensen


Podiatrists are also known as foot doctors or podiatric physicians and they are the medical professionals who study and treat disorders of the ankles, feet and lower extremities. Foot problems can refer pain to other areas of the body such as the lower back and joints. People who have systemic diseases like diabetes, circulatory ailments, anemia and kidney disease are prone to suffering from foot disorders.

Minor foot problems can be treated at home by using heat and ice and getting adequate rest. However, major problems can only be treated sufficiently by a podiatric doctor. By using the services of a podiatrist Austin TX inhabitants can get sufficient treatment that eradicates pain, numbness, skin irritation and other effects of foot problems.

Several conditions can cause pain in the ankle, foot and other lower parts of the legs. Some examples are sore or swollen bunions caused by misaligned toe joints or shoe aggravation, blisters caused by friction and heel pain caused by stress on the heel bone. The other conditions that may cause pain in these areas include fractured bones, heel spurs, swelling and wounds.

Residents of Austin TX can also see a foot doctor when they notice that the skin on their feet is discolored or irritated. Feet discoloration can be caused by problems such as infections, gout, vein disorders, and inadequate flow of blood. If the feet appear purple or blue in color, this may indicate that a person is suffering from vein problems. If they appear pale, this may be an indication of decreased blood flow to the feet.

A foot doctor can also treat skin irritations such as athletes foot. This is a fungal skin disease that normally affects the area between your toes and it can spread to other parts of your body if not treated. The symptoms of this disorder include inflammation, blisters, dry and scaly skin and itching. If you have symptoms such as burning, numbness and tingling it can be an indication that you are suffering from neuropathy. This disorder can be caused by diabetes and if you are suffering from it, there can be reduced sensation in your feet. It is wise to visit a podiatrist for regular monitoring.

You should also see a foot doctor if you have growths in your feet. They can be either small or large and of different shapes. Growths usually cause pain and other undesirable side effects. The common types of growths that affect people include neuromas, warts, corns, calluses, bunions and blisters.

You may also consult with a podiatrist if the arches of your feet have flattened arches or if the shape of your feet has changed in any other way. Flattened arches indicate the presence of ruptured or dysfunctional tendons. The failure of tendons to function normally may cause bone misalignment, which can lead to arthritis.

Consulting with a foot doctor is also important if you are suffering from imbalances in your feet. This professional is also able to treat a sprained ankle. The duration and type of treatment you will receive will depend on how severe the sprain is. Symptoms of sprained ankles include swelling, bruising and pain. Your podiatrist may also ask you to perform exercises and always wear fitting shoes to prevent sprains for taking place again.




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