Don't put off your Foot Care! Come treat your bunions, ingrown toenails, hammer toes, diabetic feet
Stop putting off your Foot Care! Let our specialists take care of your bunions, ingrown toenails, hammertoes, and diabetic feet
When it comes to your feet, a little bit of pain or discomfort can throw you off your whole day. There are so many issues that can arise when it comes to foot care: bunions, ingrown toenails, hammertoes, and diabetic feet. What can you do about it? Here at Vantage Medical Associates, we have the answers.
Podiatry is an important aspect of the medical community. From diagnosing nail diseases, treating corns and warts, curing infected blisters to managing gout pain and addressing deformities, our specialists are ready for any issue you throw at them. Schedule an appointment here.
When Should I See a Podiatrist?
Because there are so many issues that feet can have, it’s important to notice when something doesn’t feel right. Consider seeing a specialist if you have any of the following issues:
- Numbness, pain, and swelling
- Nail fungus
- Broken ankle or foot
- Athlete’s foot
- Diabetes
- Ingrown toenail
- Bunions
- Painful corns or calluses
- Joint pain
Let’s get into the specific treatments available for certain conditions.
How Do I Treat Bunions?
Bunions can easily turn a great day into a bad one. Discomfort and pain are inevitable, and it might seem like surgery is the only option. Luckily for you, there are alternatives before going under the knife.
Bunions are a joint problem, occurring when the bones are misaligned and the connective tissue becomes inflamed, building up fluid. They are often hereditary, also occurring if you wear shoes that are too narrow or have rheumatoid arthritis.
So what are your options?
- Custom shoe orthotics
- Changing in footwear
- Physical therapy
- Pain medication and anti-inflammatories
- Surgery
How Do I Get Rid of Ingrown Toenails?
Ingrown toenails sometimes sort themselves out, but when they don’t, they can be quite painful. If home remedies don’t do the trick, your doctor may recommend the following treatment, depending on the severity:
- Lifting the nail
- Partially removing the nail
- Removing the nail and tissue
How Do I Treat Hammertoes?
When the tendons on the bottom of the foot overpower the tendons on the top, hammertoes happen. Toes can become curved in a flexed position, causing pain and discomfort at every step, causing corns and calluses. What can you do about them?
- Modifying footwear
- Splinting, cushioning, and padding
- Avoiding activities that worsen symptoms
- Pain medication for temporary relief
- Physical therapy
How Can I Treat Diabetic Feet?
When diabetes occurs, the body is unable to properly create and use insulin. Many diabetes patients experience foot-related issues. To avoid amputation, visit a medical professional and stay aware of any warnings: skin color changes, swelling, numbness, pain, open sores, and more.
A podiatrist can suggest lifestyle changes and create a treatment that works for you. By consulting a podiatrist, patients lower the risk of amputation by up to 85%, so it’s worth a visit. The key to prevention is simple: early recognition and regular foot screenings to track progress.
What Should I Do?
If you’re experiencing any foot-related issues, book an appointment with us here to find the right treatment for you.