Your feet take you through life, yet they are frequently the most neglected part of the body. Because so many people ignore problems with their feet, not realizing that they could be signaling a very real issue is on the horizon, a minor issue can lead to a big problem in too little time. That’s where a chiropodist steps in. Chiropodists are foot care specialists trained to diagnose and treat various foot and lower limb issues. But how can you know when to set up a visit? Here are some of the caution signs you never want to ignore.
Persistent Foot Pain or Swelling: It isn’t normal to have persistent foot pain or swelling without a clear cause (such as a visible injury). For starters, the cause could be plantar fasciitis, arthritis, or even a stress fracture. Through chiropody diagnosis and treatment recommendations, pain can be managed, and mobility can be restored.
Heel Pain: Sharp pain in the heel area, particularly in the morning or after standing for extended periods, might be a sign of plantar fasciitis or a heel spur. Early identification and treatment prevent chronic pain and long-term complications.
Ingrown Toenails: Painful, red, swollen, or infected ingrown toenails need chiropractic treatment. A chiropractor can remove the ingrown nail without any issues, treat any infection, and give you advice about looking after your nails to avoid the problem coming back.
Diabetes-Related Foot Issues: If you have diabetes, this is especially important; foot check-ups should be frequent. Nerve damage (neuropathy) caused by diabetes and poor circulation from the disease can cause ulcers, infections, or even amputations. By regularly visiting a chiropodist, they can monitor your foot health, offer proactive care, and treat the foot before any problem becomes a larger issue.
Bunions, Corns, and Calluses: These bunions, corns, and calluses generally cause pain and magnify with time. A chiropodist can provide conservative treatment, recommend custom orthotics, and/or modify footwear to help alleviate pressure and control the progression.
Fungal Infections or Warts: Condition thick, discolored toenails or patches of hard skin growths could be signs of fungal infections or plantar warts. Chiropodists can diagnose and provide the best treatment options, such as prescription medications and minor procedures.
Inability to Walk or Altered Foot Appearance: If you experience changes in the way your feet look, falling arches, or difficulty walking, these could be signs of flat feet, arthritis, or tendon disruption. Beginning treatment can help ease the pain and prevent long-term mobility problems.
Don’t Wait to Seek Help
Ignoring foot issues can lead to increasing pain, infection , and a lower quality of life. Our experienced chiropodists at Access Physiotherapy will diagnose and treat your foot and lower limb problems with care and accuracy.
Schedule an appointment today and take the first step towards healthier feet.