Although many people are not aware of it, foot and ankle health plays a large role in a person’s overall health. Many times feet can indicate the presence of underlying health issue that require immediate attention.
Because the average person takes over 8,000 steps a day, foot or ankle pain can really affect their ability to function. Improperly fitting or worn out shoes can affect foot health as can many conditions such as ingrown toenails, bunions, plantar fasciitis, and more. In addition metabolic disorders such as diabetes can adversely affect the health of a person’s feet. A person’s feet are a complex body part containing 26 bones and 19 muscles. They support a person through daily activity as well as through recreational activities such as sports or dancing.
One of the foot conditions that would prompt a patient to seek out the services of Foot Doctors Kenosha, WI, include those common in patients with diabetes. Because diabetes can affect the nerves in the feet, a patient can develop a condition called neuropathy. Over time, feeling is diminished in the feet and patients can develop wounds or sores that can result in serious infection if not promptly treated. A podiatrist can help patients with special shoes or orthotic inserts to help prevent calluses or blisters that can turn ugly.
Another painful foot condition that requires treatment is plantar fasciitis, or inflammation of the plantar fascia. This is extremely painful and can be caused by injury or foot physiology. Plantar faciitis can be treated with a combination of any of the following: physical therapy, stretching, orthotics, and/or non-steroidal anti inflammatory medication. With the help of a podiatrist, patients can recover from this condition.
In addition to foot problems, patients can also look for Foot Doctors Kenosha, WI, for help with ankle pain. Ankles are comprised of bones, tendons, and ligaments and unfortunately, prone to injury or instability that results in injury. As most people who have experienced an ankle injury can attest, the ankle easily swells and becomes painful from the most minor injuries. Patients suffering from chronic ankle pain will benefit from seeing a podiatrist and developing a treatment protocol that results in a healthy ankle.
Whether a patient has foot problems, ankle problems, or both, a podiatrist is trained to treat the specific issue. Because the feet are the body’s foundation, it”s important to keep them healthy and pain free.
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