It is the nature of most humans to take things for granted until something is no longer available. Few people appreciate the fact that they can walk, jump or run, at least until they lose the ability. Yet the means to move about freely is probably one of the most important functions humans have. Unfortunately, many people also do not understand just how important it is to look after their ankles, feet and legs. Any Austin foot doctor will agree that far too many people neglect their feet.
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 causes for injuries to the feet or parts of the lower legs. It is common in active sportspeople, but most specialists will agree that the most common cause of problems can be related to the wearing of the wrong shoes. High heels are commonly seen as the biggest cause and that is certainly the reason why the majority of patients seen by podiatrists are female.
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.
Another important part of preventing problems is to pay close attention to hygiene. The feet must be kept clean and dry all the time and special attention should be paid to the areas between the toes. This is where fungal growths often originate. It is also vital to leave any growths, such as calluses and corns alone. A surprising number of serious problems occur after people attempted to treat such problems at home.
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 general practitioners prefer to treat problems of the feet, ankles, lower legs and the knees themselves, but patients should insist upon a referral to a specialist. Many problems with the feet and knees are only symptoms of more serious problems, and the sooner the underlying problem is diagnosed and treated, the better. If this is not done, the mobility of the patient can become a problem and chronic pain may even result.
A Podiatrist can help their patients to look after their feet and ankles. Many specialists concentrate on helping their patients to prevent serious problems. With proper care, good hygiene and an awareness of the importance of looking after the feet nobody should experience pain or reduced mobility.
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 causes for injuries to the feet or parts of the lower legs. It is common in active sportspeople, but most specialists will agree that the most common cause of problems can be related to the wearing of the wrong shoes. High heels are commonly seen as the biggest cause and that is certainly the reason why the majority of patients seen by podiatrists are female.
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.
Another important part of preventing problems is to pay close attention to hygiene. The feet must be kept clean and dry all the time and special attention should be paid to the areas between the toes. This is where fungal growths often originate. It is also vital to leave any growths, such as calluses and corns alone. A surprising number of serious problems occur after people attempted to treat such problems at home.
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 general practitioners prefer to treat problems of the feet, ankles, lower legs and the knees themselves, but patients should insist upon a referral to a specialist. Many problems with the feet and knees are only symptoms of more serious problems, and the sooner the underlying problem is diagnosed and treated, the better. If this is not done, the mobility of the patient can become a problem and chronic pain may even result.
A Podiatrist can help their patients to look after their feet and ankles. Many specialists concentrate on helping their patients to prevent serious problems. With proper care, good hygiene and an awareness of the importance of looking after the feet nobody should experience pain or reduced mobility.
