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, the proper name for a medical practitioner that specializes in the treatment of the lower legs and the feet, are not only qualified as medical practitioners, but they also have to undergo intensive further training before they are allowed to practice as specialists. Podiatrists are trained to offer both medical and surgical treatment options, one of very few medical specialist fields that do so.
There are numerous things that can go wrong with the feet and adjacent limbs. Interestingly, though, the vast majority of patients that see a podiatrist are women and it is no wonder to learn that one of the main causes of feet problems are the prolonged wearing of high heeled shoes. Sportspeople also make out a large percentage of the patients treated by podiatrists.
Luckily, much can be done to prevent disease and injury to the feet. Of course, the most sensible precaution is to wear shoes that fit properly and that are designed for the purpose for which they are used. Sportspeople, especially, should take heed. Shoes are designed for specific types of movements and it is vital to buy the shoes specially designed for a specific sporting activity.
Apart from not wearing the correct shoes, poor hygiene is the biggest cause of disease of the feet. The importance of cleaning the feet regularly and to keep them dry at all times simply cannot be overemphasized. Care should also be taken to keep socks dry. Moisture is the main cause of a host of fungal diseases. Trying to deal with problems such as corns at home is also a sure road to more serious problems.
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.
Many podiatrists bemoan the fact that so many general practitioners treat problems of the feet and ankles themselves, rather than referring their patients to a specialist. It is one thing to offer treatment that will deal with the symptoms, such as swelling and pain, but general practitioners often fail to diagnose underlying problems that may become much more serious in time.
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, the proper name for a medical practitioner that specializes in the treatment of the lower legs and the feet, are not only qualified as medical practitioners, but they also have to undergo intensive further training before they are allowed to practice as specialists. Podiatrists are trained to offer both medical and surgical treatment options, one of very few medical specialist fields that do so.
There are numerous things that can go wrong with the feet and adjacent limbs. Interestingly, though, the vast majority of patients that see a podiatrist are women and it is no wonder to learn that one of the main causes of feet problems are the prolonged wearing of high heeled shoes. Sportspeople also make out a large percentage of the patients treated by podiatrists.
Luckily, much can be done to prevent disease and injury to the feet. Of course, the most sensible precaution is to wear shoes that fit properly and that are designed for the purpose for which they are used. Sportspeople, especially, should take heed. Shoes are designed for specific types of movements and it is vital to buy the shoes specially designed for a specific sporting activity.
Apart from not wearing the correct shoes, poor hygiene is the biggest cause of disease of the feet. The importance of cleaning the feet regularly and to keep them dry at all times simply cannot be overemphasized. Care should also be taken to keep socks dry. Moisture is the main cause of a host of fungal diseases. Trying to deal with problems such as corns at home is also a sure road to more serious problems.
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.
Many podiatrists bemoan the fact that so many general practitioners treat problems of the feet and ankles themselves, rather than referring their patients to a specialist. It is one thing to offer treatment that will deal with the symptoms, such as swelling and pain, but general practitioners often fail to diagnose underlying problems that may become much more serious in time.
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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