When To Seek The Services Of A Podiatrist Austin TX

By Leticia Jensen


A podiatrist who is also referred to as a foot doctor or podiatric physician is a medical professional who specializes in studying and treating disorders of the feet, ankles and lower extremities. Anyone can suffer from foot problems and they can cause referred pain in the lower back and other joints depending on how a person walks. Foot problems can also be caused by systemic diseases like kidney disease, diabetes, anemia and circulatory ailments.

Minor foot problems can be treated at home by using heat and ice and getting adequate rest. However, major problems can only be treated sufficiently by a podiatric doctor. By using the services of a podiatrist Austin TX inhabitants can get sufficient treatment that eradicates pain, numbness, skin irritation and other effects of foot problems.

Several conditions can cause pain in the ankle, foot and other lower parts of the legs. Some examples are sore or swollen bunions caused by misaligned toe joints or shoe aggravation, blisters caused by friction and heel pain caused by stress on the heel bone. The other conditions that may cause pain in these areas include fractured bones, heel spurs, swelling and wounds.

You should also seek the services of a podiatric doctor once you notice that the skin on your feet is irritated or discolored. Causes of feet discoloration include gout, infectious, inadequate flow of blood and vein disorders. If you foot appears blue or purple, this may indicate that you are suffering from vein problems. If your feet appear pale, there may be a decrease in the flow of blood to your feet.

A foot doctor can also treat skin irritations such as athletes foot. This is a fungal skin disease that normally affects the area between your toes and it can spread to other parts of your body if not treated. The symptoms of this disorder include inflammation, blisters, dry and scaly skin and itching. If you have symptoms such as burning, numbness and tingling it can be an indication that you are suffering from neuropathy. This disorder can be caused by diabetes and if you are suffering from it, there can be reduced sensation in your feet. It is wise to visit a podiatrist for regular monitoring.

Another reason why you can visit a foot doctor in Austin TX is when you notice growths in your feet. They may be of any size and shape and they may be painful. The common growths that you may suffer from include warts, neuromas, calluses, corns, blisters and bunions.

Residents of Austin TX can also see a podiatric doctor if they are suffering from flattened arches and other changes to the shape of their feet. Flattened arches may indicate the presence of dysfunctional or ruptured tendons. When these tendons fail to function normally, the bones become misaligned and this causes arthritis.

Consulting with a foot doctor is also important if you are suffering from imbalances in your feet. This professional is also able to treat a sprained ankle. The duration and type of treatment you will receive will depend on how severe the sprain is. Symptoms of sprained ankles include swelling, bruising and pain. Your podiatrist may also ask you to perform exercises and always wear fitting shoes to prevent sprains for taking place again.




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