Common Foot Problems Treated By A Podiatrist
A doctor of podiatric medicine also called a podiatrist, is responsible for the treatment of problems that are related to the lower leg and foot. Several problems affect the foot. Nonetheless, here are the common foot problems treated by a podiatrist.
Common Foot Problems
Athlete’s Foot
This is one of the common foot problems 
affecting many people, and it usually causes skin itching, redness, and scaling. It will affect the area between the toes, though it can stretch to the bottom and the borders of the foot. In some situations, it can affect the toenails, which makes them discolored, thickened and painful too. The common cause of the athlete’s foot is when the shoes enhance fungal growth by creating a dark, humid, and warm environment.The DPM can prescribe an oral anti-fungal medication or any suitable medication.
Bunion
This is an infection that involves an enlargement at the bottom of the toe. It can be tender, swollen, and painful as well, especially when you put on any footwear. A misaligned joint mostly causes it. However, some conditions can be hereditary, or can be caused by a neuromuscular disorder, arthritis, congenital defects, and common biochemical irregularities.
The podiatrist will perform an examination of the foot, including performing an X-ray, tapping the foot, and perform relevant surgery.
Calluses/Corns
This is a skin buildup that forms over boney bumps or at a specific pressure point. They will appear on the bottom side, between the toes, as well as on top of the foot. The corns or calluses are caused by constant pressure and friction when the skin runs against shoe irregularity or boney areas.
The DPM will carry out a physical exam, an appropriate X-ray evaluation, padding or trimming the lesions, as well surgery if needed.
Fungal Nail
This on
e is a persistent condition that can stretch beyond the nails. If it is not treated early enough, it can affect the psychological and physical welfare of the patient for a long time. The condition can cause nail thickening, discoloration, and scaling. It might also make the nail plate detach from the toe. It is a state that can cause serious pain and discomfort. The podiatrist will use specific drug regimens to treat the moderate fungal nail. For the severe condition, the DPM will diagnose oral medication.
The specific foot problem of the patient will determine the diagnosis that the podiatrist will administer. Most of the severe conditions will entail a surgery or oral diagnosis. Either way, the DPM must examine the foot to be sure about the specific problem and deliver the right diagnosis.
