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Tuesday, March 18, 2014

When To Consult With 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.

You can also visit a podiatric doctor if you find that the skin of your feet appears discolored or is irritated. Some of the problems that may cause feet to become discolored include decreased blood flow to the lower extremities, gout, infections and vein disorders. If your feet appear blue or purple, your veins may not be functioning well. If your feet appear pale, your arteries may not be supplying blood to them properly.

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.

Another reason why you can visit a foot doctor in Austin TX is when you notice growths in your feet. They may be of any size and shape and they may be painful. The common growths that you may suffer from include warts, neuromas, calluses, corns, blisters and bunions.

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.

Muscle imbalances in the feet can also cause structural changes which result in painful conditions like Hammertoe. Another common problem that a podiatrist treats is ankle sprains. The severity of the sprain determines the type and duration of treatment. The main symptoms of ankle sprains include pain, bruising and swelling. This professional may also recommend exercises, well fitting shoes and stretching to prevent future sprains.




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