There are several different diseases that affect the foot. Some of these include Sever’s disease, arthritis, diabetes, and hammertoe. While each of these can cause a significant amount of pain and discomfort, finding a doctor that specializes in treating the various foot issues can help you enjoy your life again.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a painful condition that affects your feet and ankles. This condition can have a significant effect on your daily life. It can cause pain, fatigue and decreased range of motion.

There are many treatment options for arthritis. Depending on your specific condition, a doctor can suggest medications, joint protection devices and special exercises.

In some cases, corticosteroid injections can help reduce inflammation in the joints. These injections are usually an outpatient procedure. They can alleviate pain for up to three to six months.

In some cases, surgery may be needed to repair damaged joints. A podiatrist can help manage all types of foot pain.

Keeping a healthy weight can help prevent or ease pressure on joints. Exercise can also improve your mood and reduce stress.

Walking and swimming are good exercises for people with arthritis. Low impact aerobics such as elliptical machines can be effective in reducing the pain of arthritis.

You can also try heat therapy to reduce swelling and pain. Heat can be effective in relieving pain, but the effects may last just a few minutes.

Using supportive shoes and compression garments can help relieve pain. For example, toe caps, which are little “sleeves” made of gel or fabric, can be helpful.

Another way to cope with arthritis is to talk to friends and family. These people can provide support and share in your struggles.

You may find it difficult to make friends when you have arthritis, but there are ways to meet new people. Visiting churches and family social service agencies is one option. Also, there are friendly visitor services at many U.S. Post Offices.

The best way to deal with arthritis is to learn how to control the condition and stay active. Managing the symptoms will make it easier to do things you enjoy.

You can also use self-help tools to overcome problems. For instance, a book or website may offer suggestions for coping with the effects of arthritis.

There are other options available, such as joining an arthritis group or getting a free health screening. You can also get support from the national arthritis association or the American Juvenile Arthritis Organization.

Sever’s disease

Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is a painful condition in which the growth plate of the heel bone is irritated. The disease occurs when the Achilles tendon pulls on the growth plate and causes pain and swelling.

Symptoms can include pain and swelling in the back or sides of the heel. The pain is typically worse during activities that involve walking or running. Some doctors recommend wearing special shoes to reduce stress on the heel bone, or using a splint to prevent the heel from becoming overstretched.

Sever’s disease is most common in physically active boys and girls between eight and fourteen years old. However, it can also occur in children who are overweight or obese.

If you notice symptoms of Sever’s disease, such as heel pain and swelling, it is important to visit a foot doctor. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask questions about the symptoms. A doctor will also take an x-ray to rule out other conditions.

If the pain is severe, your child may need a cast or splint to prevent the heel from being overstretched. In addition, your child may need to limit his or her activities. To make your child’s recovery easier, it is important to start treatment early.

Treatment for Sever’s disease involves icing the affected area, taking rest breaks, and wearing supportive shoes or boots. For more serious cases, you may need to see an orthopaedic specialist.

The symptoms of Sever’s disease usually resolve within a couple of weeks to a couple of months. You can help your child get better by exercising and stretching the muscles in the ankle and leg. Wearing a compression stocking can also help reduce swelling.

If your child is diagnosed with Sever’s disease, it is important to treat it properly to prevent it from recurring. Treatment for Sever’s disease is not a cure, but it can provide relief from the pain and swelling.

In some cases, you may need to wear a splint to protect your child’s heel during the night. Your doctor may prescribe a gel heel pad to provide some relief.

Hammertoe

If you are suffering from a painful hammer toe, it is important to seek medical treatment. Fortunately, there are several nonsurgical treatments that can help. The condition may begin as a mild deformity, but over time it can become more problematic. A Foot & Ankle Doctor can help you mitigate the damage.

In order to alleviate the pain and discomfort, a foot doctor may recommend foot exercises or a splint. These devices can be custom-made to hold the toes in a comfortable position. They can also help control imbalances in the muscles and tendons.

Nonsurgical treatments for hammer toes include wearing a padded hammertoe pad, ice packs, or corticosteroid shots. The pads, which are usually covered with a gel or silicone lining, can reduce pressure on the area.

Another option is to have a hammertoe surgery. This involves cutting ligaments and fusing the joint to relieve the pain. Recovery time depends on the type of surgery, and you may need to stay in the hospital for a few days. You will probably need someone to drive you home after the surgery.

If you have severe pain, a steroid injection is sometimes necessary. Medications such as ibuprofen, Advil or Motrin can also be used to ease the discomfort.

Patients with hammer toes should avoid shoes with pointed toes. Wearing high heels can also cause problems.

A podiatrist can also suggest exercises that can keep the toes in good shape. Some doctors even suggest custom shoe inserts that can help control the foot’s function.

X-rays of the feet are not usually required to diagnose a hammer toe, but they can be useful for looking for signs of arthritis. Besides, they may be helpful in evaluating other disorders.

For a hammer toe, it is best to see a doctor at the first sign of foot trouble. Your doctor can also perform diagnostic imaging to look for problems with your joints.

Hammer toes are painful and can affect your daily life. It is a good idea to see your podiatrist when you first notice the problem. Although a hammer toe will usually resolve itself without requiring any treatment, your doctor will give you the best advice for preventing the condition from becoming a major health issue.

Diabetes

Diabetics can develop foot problems that can lead to serious complications. These problems include foot ulcers and nerve damage. It’s important to treat these issues early to prevent other health problems. If you’re diabetic, you should see a podiatrist at least once a year.

Foot ulcers and neuropathy are two of the main problems that occur in people with diabetes. They can become so severe that they require amputation of part of a foot. In addition, nerve damage can affect digestion and blood vessels.

There are several ways to treat foot ulcers. You may need to take medications to reduce inflammation. Also, you can work with your doctor to make lifestyle changes that will help you heal faster.

Aside from seeing a podiatrist, you should also visit a medical professional for routine check-ups. This can detect and prevent foot problems before they get worse.

When it comes to taking care of your feet, you’ll need to wear shoes that fit properly. You should also try to keep your nails short. Wearing a pair of custom shoe inserts can also help redistribute your weight evenly across your foot.

Diabetics should regularly check for blisters, cuts, and other foot symptoms. Simple cuts can turn into infected wounds if left untreated.

Foot ulcers can get worse quickly if you don’t find and treat them right away. Unhealed wounds can also cause bone damage and lead to gangrene.

If you’re diagnosed with a foot ailment, you should consult with a Belleville diabetic foot doctor. You may also need to undergo a non-invasive test to evaluate the health of your nerves.

Some of the most common diabetic foot pains are tingling and numbness. To relieve the pain, you may need medication or topical remedies.

One of the most important ways to prevent diabetic foot pain is to avoid open-toed shoes. Those with dry skin should also moisturize cracked heels.

Those with neuropathy should see a podiatrist annually for regular assessments. Even if you feel fine, you should visit your doctor if you have any new or unusual symptoms.