The human foot is an amazing structure. A combination of strength and engineering, capable of carrying many times its own weight, step after step. The foot is made up of dozens of bones, joints, ligaments and muscles, accounting for a quarter of the bones in the body. With all those parts it is no surprise that millions of people seek treatment with a Foot Specialist annually.
Nearly everyone will experience some form of foot pain in their life. Early warning signs of some systemic health conditions and diseases often first present themselves in the feet, so knowing when to have your feet examined, can help get a “leg up”, if you will, against certain diseases. The following information will address common foot conditions and complaints that foot doctors (Podiatrists) treat and when to make an appointment with one.
Common conditions, injuries, and diseases treated by Foot Specialists of Jacksonville FL are:
* Bunions – Bunions are commonly referred to as bumps at the base of the big toe. However, the bump is actually the joint of the big toe which has been forced out of alignment due to injury, birth defect, or a muscular disorder. Bunions can be very painful and tend to be swollen and red.
* Corns and calluses – Usually not a problem, but sometimes they can cause pain and discomfort, due to the hardened skin which causes friction and pressure against one’s footwear.
* Plantar fasciitis – This condition accounts for nearly 15-percent of office visits to a Podiatrist. The painful heel pain is a result of an inflamed plantar fascia ligament, running from the heel to the base of the toes. The onset can be gradual or the result of an acute injury.
* Athlete’s foot – This is the most common fungal infection diagnosed and is generally isolated to the feet and toes. The fungus thrives in warm and humid conditions and environments and is typically contracted in public showers, pools, and saunas. It can cause redness, burning sensation, and itching.
Other reasons one might see a Foot Specialist in Jacksonville FL include diabetic ulcers which occur in almost 15-percent of diabetic patients; nail fungus infection can be painful if not treated; and ingrown toenails that become infected are quite painful and often need to be removed. Foot Specialists also treat a varied range of injuries such as strains, sprains, and dislocation of the ankle, tendinitis, and Achilles heel ruptures. Contact First Coast Foot and Ankle Clinic for more information.
