Two-thirds of all Americans have foot pain at least once a year, but only a fifteenth of that number decides to consult a podiatrist. When should people consult this type of foot specialist? As their name suggests, podiatrists are experts of the feet and ankle. Nearly 100,000 podiatrists work in the US. A podiatrist is there to treat problems associated with the nails and skin, as well as all the affections related to the structure of the foot. It is not necessary to have an order to consult a podiatric surgeon in Racine WI unless your insurance states otherwise.
The consultation consists of a thorough examination of the person’s foot and posture. The doctor may want to eliminate calluses and cut nails, too. The “pedicure” side of a podiatrist has nothing to do with the type of “pedicure” performed by an esthetician in a nail salon. Podiatrists treat hyperkeratosis, such as calluses or corns, which develop at pressure spots or due to extreme friction. This can become painful or become infected if they are not properly cared for. The podiatrist is also responsible for warts, mycoses, ingrown toenails or sweating problems. They also deal with “blue nails” or subungual hematoma, at which time they must evacuate the blood bag which forms under the nail.
A Podiatric Surgeon in Racine WI can also shape silicone orthotics, including limiting the development of hallux valgus (medial deviation of metatarsals). Frequent in women, this osteoarticular deviation is favored by flat feet or those people who love to wear crappy shoes. Heeled shoes are a factor that aggravates pain in the toes, forefoot, but also in the knees and legs. To compensate for a defect in the structure of the foot or in the way of walking, a podiatrist may have to make custom insoles. These insoles help alleviate muscle, ligament or joint pain resulting in rebalancing the body.
A podiatrist may also be called when there is a malformation of the foot, or when there is a problem with posture or walking. Finally, regular preventive consultations are useful if you are diabetic because the slightest wound can quickly lead to complications. Visit Greatlakesfootankle.com for more details.
