Friday, March 21, 2014

The Services Available From An Austin Foot Doctor

By Leticia Jensen


It is no coincidence that the common expression about standing on your own two feet is so popular. The ability to stand, to walk and to run is taken for granted by most people and it is only when this ability is diminished that people understand just how important their feet, ankles and related limbs are. Problems in this area are common and varied, as any Austin foot doctor will confirm.

Podiatrists are medical specialists that have opted for advanced further training in the treatment of disease in and injuries to the feet, ankles, lower legs and the knees. They are part of a small group of specialists that are trained not only to diagnose and treat disease in their field, but to also perform surgery. Some surgical procedures are extremely intricate and they require a very high degree of skill.

There are numerous causes for injuries to the feet or parts of the lower legs. It is common in active sportspeople, but most specialists will agree that the most common cause of problems can be related to the wearing of the wrong shoes. High heels are commonly seen as the biggest cause and that is certainly the reason why the majority of patients seen by podiatrists are female.

The good news is that there is much that can be done to prevent injury to and disease of the feet and ankles. By far the most important preventive measure is to be sure to wear the correct shoes. Shoes should always fit well and the toes should never be pinched. Experts warn that shoes must never be bought when the feet are swollen or tired.

It is also vital to maintain a strict regime of hygiene. The feet should be kept clean and dry at all times and special care should be taken with the areas between the toes. This is where fungus breeds easily. IT is important to look after the toe nails and to keep them short. Nobody should ever attempt dealing with common problems such as calluses and corns by using home remedies.

It is always better to seek medical help as soon as possible. Even mild discomfort in the knees, ankles and feet can be symptoms of a larger, more serious problem. Physical injuries should never be ignored either and the practice of simply treating swelling with ice and rest is basically a poor one. Also, it is advisable to consult a podiatrist rather than a general practitioner when problems of this nature occur.

Many general practitioners prefer to treat problems of the feet, ankles, lower legs and the knees themselves, but patients should insist upon a referral to a specialist. Many problems with the feet and knees are only symptoms of more serious problems, and the sooner the underlying problem is diagnosed and treated, the better. If this is not done, the mobility of the patient can become a problem and chronic pain may even result.

A Podiatrist can help their patients to look after their feet and ankles. Many specialists concentrate on helping their patients to prevent serious problems. With proper care, good hygiene and an awareness of the importance of looking after the feet nobody should experience pain or reduced mobility.




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