FAQs

Podiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in both surgical treatments as well as conservative care of the feet and ankles. All medical conditions involving this area of the body may fit into a podiatrists’ expertise. Some conditions a podiatrist can treat are:

• Skin and toenail problems, such as toenail fungus, ingrown toenails, foot ulcers, athlete’s foot, calluses, or corns
• Pain localized in the feet and ankles like toe pain, heel pain, forefoot pain, etc.
• Progressive bony deformities of the feet and ankles, like hammertoes, bunions, bone spurs, or flat feet
• Traumatic or chronic injuries to the feet and ankles, including tendinitis, ankle sprains, or broken bones
• Systemic diseases that impact feet in certain ways, like peripheral neuropathy, diabetes, or arthritis

As we get older, our feet get wider and flatter, and the big toe starts drifting towards the second toe as the tendons pull it in that direction. Bunions form when the bone just behind the big toe spreads out. Bunions are most common in adults as the feet start naturally flattening and widening, but genetic factors mean that everyone, including children, can also develop them (although this is very rare).

Bunions may be bothersome and cause discomfort, making it difficult to wear shoes. Symptoms in many cases may be relieved through investing in orthotics, locating more accommodating footwear, or regularly performing certain stretches. If pain persists despite these attempts and has a significant impact in your everyday activities, you may want to consider bunion surgery. Other signs to watch for include your big toe drifting toward the others, excessive swelling, and stiffness in the joint.

One of the key parts of diabetic foot care is to inspect your feet every day. More than half of individuals with diabetes have diabetic neuropathy, a condition where nerves are so damaged by glucose in the bloodstream that they either send faulty signals such as; burning, pain, or tingling sensations, or cause lack of feeling. Injuries could easily accumulate without proper sensation, which is why a daily foot inspection is critical to catch injuries and infections in time.

Toenails that grow into the surrounding skin can be treated with either surgical procedures or conservative methods. Soaking the affected foot in warm water for 15-20 minutes, lifting the ingrown edge of the nail out, and applying ointment and bandages can encourage the nail to grow above the skin. If the pain is severe or recurring, we can surgically remove the nail.

You can treat corns at home by soaking the foot in soapy, warm water and gently filing the skin off with an emery board or pumice stone. You can also apply pads, but avoid medicated pads with salicylic acid, which can damage the healthy skin surrounding the corn. Remember: Never attempt home treatment if you have diabetes, as it could lead to infection.

• Moisturizing nightly, especially directly after showering or bathing and before bed
• Putting on socks after showering and moisturizer to seal the moisture in overnight
• Limiting temperature and duration of showers or baths
• Excess weight on the heel pads can cause skin to expand, so maintaining a healthy body weight can help
• Diabetes can cause dry skin, so managing your glucose levels can lower the risk of cracked heels

The fungus that causes athlete’s foot loves warm, moist, dark environments. To make your feet inhospitable for this fungus:

• Keep your feet as dry as possible
• Expose your feet to light and open air as much as possible
• Keep your feet as cool as possible.

While a heel spur could definitely cause heel pain, it is impossible to confirm without a formal evaluation. The growth itself- like other bone spurs- may not be painful. However, these calcium deposits may result in pain and inflammation in the surrounding soft tissue, especially if it develops in conjunction with plantar fasciitis. If you’re experiencing recurring heel pain, schedule an appointment with Gentle Touch Podiatric Care for an evaluation.