Your Guide to Podiatry: Foot & Ankle Conditions, Treatments, and When to Seek Care
Apr 17, 2025
According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, the average human being will traverse over 100,000 miles in their lifetime.
The foundation of our daily lives, quite literally, rests upon the health and well-being of our feet and ankles. Often overlooked until discomfort arises, these intricate structures are vital for mobility, balance, and overall quality of life.
Constant use underscores the remarkable resilience of our feet and ankles, but it also makes them susceptible to a wide range of conditions.
Far beyond simply addressing bunions and calluses, podiatrists are medical professionals equipped with the knowledge and skills to manage the diverse spectrum of foot-related issues, from infections to complex surgical interventions.
Understanding the scope of podiatry and recognizing when to see a podiatrist for foot pain can help improve your overall comfort, mobility, and long-term health.
Accordingly, this guide will explain the common foot conditions treated by podiatrists, the treatments available, and crucial indicators signaling the need for a consultation with a podiatric specialist.
Podiatrists in Elk Grove are trained to perform surgery on the foot, ankle, and related structures to correct deformities, address injuries, and alleviate pain. They also provide preventive care and education to help patients maintain optimal foot health and avoid future problems.
Podiatrists manage a vast array of conditions affecting the feet and ankles. Some of the most common include:
Plantar Fasciitis: This condition refers to inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes. It's characterized by sharp heel pain, often worse in the morning or after periods of rest.
A podiatrist is also a plantar fasciitis doctor, possessing various tools to help patients with effective management.
Achilles Tendonitis: Inflammation of the Achilles tendon, the large tendon at the back of the ankle that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, is medically known as Achilles tendonitis. Symptoms include pain and stiffness along the tendon, often exacerbated by activity.
Ingrown Toenails: Ingrown toenails happen when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, swelling, and even potential infection.
Fungal Nail Infections (Onychomycosis): These common infections of the nail are caused by fungi, leading to thickening, discoloration, brittleness, and potential separation of the nail from the nail bed.
Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis): Athlete’s foot affects tens of millions of Americans every single day. This contagious fungal infection of the skin on the feet creates symptoms like itching, burning, peeling, and redness, particularly between the toes.
Corns and Calluses: Foot corns and calluses are thickened layers of skin that develop in response to pressure and friction. Corns typically occur on non-weight-bearing areas, while calluses develop on weight-bearing surfaces.
Warts (Plantar Warts): Uncomfortable and unsightly, plantar warts are benign skin growths on the soles of the feet caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can be painful, especially when pressure is applied.
Flat Feet (Pes Planus): Medically known as pes planus, flat feet are caused by the arch of the foot collapsing and subsequently causing the entire sole of the foot to come into contact with the ground.
High Arches (Pes Cavus): Opposite of flat feet, pes cavus is a condition characterized by an excessively high arch in the foot, which for many can lead to uneven weight distribution and potential pain.
Bunions (Hallux Valgus): A bunion looks like a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, making the big toe turn inward towards the other toes. Successful bunion and heel pain treatment most often involves a podiatrist's expertise.
Hammertoes: This deformity happens when one or more of the smaller toes are bent at the middle joint, resembling a hammer.
Sprains and Strains: Injuries to the ligaments, aka sprains, or muscles and tendons, aka strains, of the foot and ankle are often caused by sudden twists or falls. Sports injury podiatry focuses on the unique needs of athletes for ankle injuries, sprains, strains, and more.
Stress Fractures: Small cracks in the bones of the foot or ankle, called stress fractures, are typically caused by repetitive stress or overuse.
Importance of Diabetic Foot Exams: People with diabetes are at increased risk of developing foot problems due to nerve damage and poor circulation, also known as peripheral artery disease.
Regular foot exams by a podiatrist are crucial for early detection and prevention of complications. Comprehensive diabetic foot care is considered essential for preventing serious issues.
Ulcers and Wound Management: Diabetic foot ulcers are open sores that can develop on the feet and are often slow to heal. Podiatrists play the primary role in ethe xpert management of these wounds to prevent infection and potential amputation.
Custom Orthotics: Custom orthotics for foot pain can go a long way in improving quality of life. These prescription shoe inserts are designed to support and align the feet, providing cushioning, stability, and pain relief for various conditions like plantar fasciitis and flat feet.
Physical Therapy: Exercises and manual therapy techniques as part of physical therapy treatment help improve strength, flexibility, range of motion, and balance in the foot and ankle.
Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with conditions like tendonitis and arthritis. Topical and oral antifungal medications are used to treat fungal infections like athlete’s foot and onychomycosis.
Cortisone Injections: Injections of corticosteroids reduce inflammation and pain in specific areas, such as the heel for plantar fasciitis or joints affected by arthritis.
In addition to the above treatment options, podiatrists provide important guidance on routine foot care. These foot specialists advise on proper nail trimming, hygiene, and moisturizing to maintain healthy feet. They can also help you select the best shoes for your issues.
Podiatrists will emphasize the need for routine foot examinations in many individuals, especially patients with diabetes or athletes who place significant stress on their feet.
Recognizing the signs and symptoms that warrant a visit to a podiatrist is crucial for timely intervention and preventing more serious complications. Seek podiatric care if you experience:
If you're dealing with any of the above troublesome symptoms, help is readily available with a podiatry specialist near you, so don’t hesitate to request an appointment before your condition gets worse.
Your initial visit to a podiatrist will typically involve an initial assessment of your medical history, including any relevant conditions, medications, and a detailed account of your current foot or ankle problem.
Next is a comprehensive examination of your feet and ankles, including skin, nails, gait, range of motion, and palpation of muscles and bones. Depending on your symptoms, the podiatrist may use diagnostic tools like X-rays, ultrasound, or gait analysis.
Based on the diagnosis, your podiatrist will then discuss your various treatment options, outlining the benefits and risks of each. You will receive a personalized care plan which may include non-surgical treatments, surgical recommendations, and/or preventive measures.
Proactive foot care can go a long way in preventing many common foot and ankle problems:
1. What does a podiatrist treat?
Podiatrists treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle, and lower extremity, including heel pain, toenail disorders, skin conditions, structural issues, injuries, and diabetic foot problems.
2. When should I see a podiatrist instead of a general doctor?
You should see a podiatrist for persistent or worsening foot or ankle pain, swelling, numbness, non-healing wounds on the feet, discolored or thickened toenails, trouble walking, or recurring foot infections.
3. Can podiatrists perform surgery?
Yes, podiatrists are qualified to perform surgery on the foot, ankle, and related structures to correct deformities, address injuries, and alleviate pain.
4. Are custom orthotics really worth it?
For people with foot pain, structural issues like flat feet or high arches, or conditions like plantar fasciitis, custom orthotics can provide significant support, alignment, and pain relief, making them a worthwhile investment.
5. What’s the best treatment for heel pain?
For plantar fasciitis, initial treatments often include rest, ice, stretching, orthotics, and NSAIDs. Persistent pain may require cortisone injections or, in rare cases, surgery.
6. How can I prevent ingrown toenails?
Preventing ingrown toenails involves trimming toenails straight across, avoiding cutting them too short or rounding the edges, wearing shoes that fit properly, and maintaining good foot hygiene .
7. Is foot pain normal as you age?
While some age-related changes can contribute to foot discomfort, persistent or significant foot pain is not a normal part of aging and should be evaluated by a podiatrist.
8. How does diabetes affect my feet?
Diabetes can cause nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor circulation in the feet, increasing your risk for ulcers, infections, and slow healing.
9. Can I treat toenail fungus at home?
It depends on the severity. OTC antifungal treatments for toenail fungus often have limited effectiveness. Prescription topical or oral antifungal medications and laser therapy performed by a podiatrist are typically more successful.
10. Will my insurance cover podiatry services?
Most health insurance plans cover medically necessary podiatry services. Check with your insurance provider for details on coverage, co-pays, and any referral requirements.
11. How often should I have my feet checked?
Healthy individuals should consider a routine foot check as part of their annual physical exam. People with diabetes or existing foot conditions may require more frequent evaluations, as recommended by their podiatrist.
12. What are the risks of ignoring chronic foot pain?
Ignoring chronic foot pain can lead to compensatory gait changes and pain in the knees, hips, and back. It can also delay diagnosis and treatment of underlying conditions, leading to more severe problems and reduced mobility.
13. Can a podiatrist help with sports injuries?
Yes, podiatrists are well-equipped to diagnose and treat a wide range of sports injury podiatry, including sprains, strains, stress fractures, and tendonitis.
14. What happens if I don’t treat bunions early?
If left untreated, bunions can cause pain, stiffness, difficulty wearing shoes, and potential development of other toe deformities. Effective bunion and heel pain treatment yields better outcomes with early intervention.
15. Are there minimally invasive options for foot surgery?
Yes, advancements in surgical techniques have led to the development of minimally invasive options for certain foot surgeries, with smaller incisions, less pain, faster recovery, and reduced scarring.
In Sum: Foot Health & Finding a Podiatrist Near You
The intricate structures of our feet and ankles are fundamental to our daily lives, supporting our every step. Ignoring discomfort or delaying professional evaluation can lead to serious complications.
Early intervention and appropriate podiatric care are essential for maintaining healthy, pain-free feet and ankles. Whether you are experiencing persistent pain or dealing with an annoying nail condition, specialized help is available near you.
Don't let foot or ankle problems slow you down. Request an appointment with the podiatry specialists at Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists at our conveniently located offices in Elk Grove Village, Huntley, and Montclare today.
