One of the biggest misfortunes that can befall any person is to lose mobility or to experience severe comfort when moving around. Yet many people experience chronic discomfort in the feet, lower legs, knees and ankles. It is astonishing to learn that most problems with the feet can be ascribed to neglect and a lack of proper care, as any Austin foot doctor will testify.
Podiatrists are medical specialists that have opted for advanced further training in the treatment of disease in and injuries to the feet, ankles, lower legs and the knees. They are part of a small group of specialists that are trained not only to diagnose and treat disease in their field, but to also perform surgery. Some surgical procedures are extremely intricate and they require a very high degree of skill.
The feet can be injured by a host of things. However, the main reason for injury to the feet remains the wearing of the wrong type of shoes. Perhaps it is not strange to learn that the vast majority of patients seen by podiatrists are female and that the vast majority of problems can be directly ascribed to the wearing of high heeled shoes. The second most vulnerable group is active sportspeople.
Basic precautions can do much to prevent injury and diseases of the feet and ankles. The most important precaution is to buy shoes that fit properly and that provide support to the ankles. Shoes should never be too tight and the toes must never be squeezed together. Sportspeople, especially, should make sure that they purchase the shoes specially designed for the types of movement they perform.
It is also vital to maintain a strict regime of hygiene. The feet should be kept clean and dry at all times and special care should be taken with the areas between the toes. This is where fungus breeds easily. IT is important to look after the toe nails and to keep them short. Nobody should ever attempt dealing with common problems such as calluses and corns by using home remedies.
It is always better to seek medical help as soon as possible. Even mild discomfort in the knees, ankles and feet can be symptoms of a larger, more serious problem. Physical injuries should never be ignored either and the practice of simply treating swelling with ice and rest is basically a poor one. Also, it is advisable to consult a podiatrist rather than a general practitioner when problems of this nature occur.
Patients that experience problems in this area should ask their general practitioner to refer them to a specialist. Many general practitioners that treat such problems in their own consulting rooms simply do not have the experience or knowledge necessary to identify and diagnose potentially serious problems. They end up treating the symptoms and may unwittingly cause more harm than good.
There are good reasons why podiatrists are specially trained. These specialists play an important role in keeping people mobile and in preventing pain and discomfort. Many podiatrists focus on prevention and they can help sportspeople to remain competitive, older people to remain mobile and pain free and they can provide the best possible care when problems do occur.
Podiatrists are medical specialists that have opted for advanced further training in the treatment of disease in and injuries to the feet, ankles, lower legs and the knees. They are part of a small group of specialists that are trained not only to diagnose and treat disease in their field, but to also perform surgery. Some surgical procedures are extremely intricate and they require a very high degree of skill.
The feet can be injured by a host of things. However, the main reason for injury to the feet remains the wearing of the wrong type of shoes. Perhaps it is not strange to learn that the vast majority of patients seen by podiatrists are female and that the vast majority of problems can be directly ascribed to the wearing of high heeled shoes. The second most vulnerable group is active sportspeople.
Basic precautions can do much to prevent injury and diseases of the feet and ankles. The most important precaution is to buy shoes that fit properly and that provide support to the ankles. Shoes should never be too tight and the toes must never be squeezed together. Sportspeople, especially, should make sure that they purchase the shoes specially designed for the types of movement they perform.
It is also vital to maintain a strict regime of hygiene. The feet should be kept clean and dry at all times and special care should be taken with the areas between the toes. This is where fungus breeds easily. IT is important to look after the toe nails and to keep them short. Nobody should ever attempt dealing with common problems such as calluses and corns by using home remedies.
It is always better to seek medical help as soon as possible. Even mild discomfort in the knees, ankles and feet can be symptoms of a larger, more serious problem. Physical injuries should never be ignored either and the practice of simply treating swelling with ice and rest is basically a poor one. Also, it is advisable to consult a podiatrist rather than a general practitioner when problems of this nature occur.
Patients that experience problems in this area should ask their general practitioner to refer them to a specialist. Many general practitioners that treat such problems in their own consulting rooms simply do not have the experience or knowledge necessary to identify and diagnose potentially serious problems. They end up treating the symptoms and may unwittingly cause more harm than good.
There are good reasons why podiatrists are specially trained. These specialists play an important role in keeping people mobile and in preventing pain and discomfort. Many podiatrists focus on prevention and they can help sportspeople to remain competitive, older people to remain mobile and pain free and they can provide the best possible care when problems do occur.
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