lundi 8 octobre 2012

Contact An Austin Foot Doctor For Relief From Painful Foot Conditions

By Doris Rivas


Podiatry is a facet of medicine that concerns itself with problems affecting the lower leg, in particular the feet and ankles. Generally an Austin foot doctor or podiatrist will have decided to concentrate on podiatry after qualifying as a general practitioner. The discipline requires years of study and practitioners are very knowledgeable about their subject. They address prevention and rehabilitation issues as well as diagnosis and treatment of many disorders. For relief and expert help for mobility problems, it pays to visit a foot doctor.

Some practitioners focus on a particular area of study. Sports injuries, bio-mechanics, arthritis and diabetes are all areas of speciality as is gerontology. Some content themselves with cases requiring minimally invasive surgery. These types of cosmetic surgery include treating bunions and correcting hammer toes.

Other issues include congenital deformities and degenerative problems of the ankles and feet. Disorders of the joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons can all be dealt with. Any skin and nail conditions which cause concern will benefit by contacting a podiatrist. This might include corns, warts, calluses and ingrown toenails, all of which cause much discomfort for some people. The latter are commonly corrected under local anaesthetic.

As people age, podiatrists become very important in helping them maintain their mobility. Those suffering from diabetes may develop complications due to a compromised circulatory system. Deformities such as flat feet, bone spurs and high arches would indicate the need to consult a podiatrist. He will be able to help with these conditions and will draw up a treatment plan for the patient. A podiatrist may be the first to diagnose diabetes or some other neurological or circulatory disease. Sports injuries and infections can also be addressed.

The analysis of human movement is called bio-mechanics. This is another area of interest. Being able to study a person's movement in detail enables the detection of abnormal occurrences. Assessment methods now include computerised tools which are highly sophisticated. Mechanical treadmills and video machines also have a place in the diagnosis of mobility issues.

Foot conditions may be chronic or acute. Tendonitis, stress fractures and recurrent sprains can all be relieved by a visit to your local podiatrist. Medications for arthritis and/or diabetes may eventually have an impact on the lower limbs, predisposing the person to skin lesions and ulceration. A range of tests and careful examination will be carried out before a podiatrist is able to make a well-informed decision.

People whose careers force them to spend long hours on their feet are at risk of developing problems. Nurses, hair-dressers, chefs and those who stand on production lines spend long hours on their feet and are at risk. Children who complain of aching legs and sore feet or who have an ungainly gait may benefit from being assessed. Preventative measures can be recommended before too much damage is done. A podiatrist may suggest the use of orthotics to help the body maintain a more perfect, balanced state.

Orthotics or orthoses are inserts. These are custom made and moulded to fit the individual. They correct the shape of the foot and can be functional or palliative. Functional orthotics are designed to keep the feet in the optimum position, thus preventing disproportionate pressure on any part of the foot. Palliative orthotics are often recommended for the elderly and are designed to give relief to painful feet. They are often of softer material. For helpful advice, contact an Austin foot doctor.




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