People of all ages have feet problems, from babies born with deformities, to mature adults with acquired abnormalities. Feet are complex structures. Each foot contains blood vessels, nerves, a network of tendons, and 33 joints with 26 bones. Feet flex, bend, and try to accommodate the tremendous pressure and force brought to bear on them each walking moment. Because of the stress and burden they carry, foot disorders are among the most frequent health problems that people experience.
Many disorders and imbalances cause pain and can prevent proper function in the foot’s toes and joints. There are a variety of causes for deformities and major discomfort. Diseases such as arthritis will slowly destroy the joints, or accidents and injuries can permanently alter the ability of the feet to function as they should. Whatever the reason for the pain and problems in feet, a podiatrist in Chicago is the health care professional to consult with.
Known as a ‘foot doctor,’ a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) is specially trained and experienced in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders with the foot, ankle, lower extremities, and related systems. The podiatric physician deals with any foot problem in any age group. Not only do they care for disorders that affect soft-tissue and muscles, but they also take care of neurological and circulatory diseases.
Podiatrists handle an extensive range of foot conditions through surgical and nonsurgical methods. Some of the more common disorders a podiatrist treats include; sports injuries, neuromas, ingrown toenails, heel pain/spurs, bunions, warts, corns, and calluses. Additionally, they care for injuries of the foot, heel, and ankle, along with infections, sprains, and fractures. If the doctor is certified in podiatric surgery, they also perform surgical management of foot diseases, traumas to the feet, ankle and related structures, as well as deformities. Podiatric medicine concerns comprehensive foot care, but there are those who work in podiatric specialties. Some of their fields of specialty include; orthopedics, high risk wound care, sports medicine, neurology, rheumatology, diabetes, and vascular specialists.
No matter why a person’s feet hurt, a podiatrist is the professional to consult for pain relief and problem correction. Preventative foot care is always the best solution, but when problems develop, delaying treatment with a podiatrist in Chicago may likely result in more pain, discomfort, and extended recovery time.
