Podiatrist Kew - Why You Should See a Podiatrist

1. Diabetic Foot Care

The feet are the most vulnerable parts of your body to diabetes complications. Your blood sugar levels (glucose) can get too high because your body doesn't make enough insulin, the hormone that helps glucose get into your cells for energy.

If your blood sugar stays too high for a long time, you can also develop nerve damage in your feet called neuropathy. This causes you to lose feeling in your feet and makes it harder for you to notice changes in your feet, such as dry skin or cracked skin.

Your doctor should check your feet regularly and do a full foot exam every year. This will help your doctor catch problems early and keep them from getting worse.

Diabetic foot problems can lead to infections, a serious condition that can cause hospitalization or even amputation of your foot or leg. Keeping your feet clean and applying lotion often can reduce the risk of infection. Click here to learn more.

2. Sports Injuries

Sports injuries are injuries that affect the musculoskeletal system, which includes muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones. They can occur in anyone, not just athletes.

Injuries can be serious, and they can make it hard to participate in sports. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to help prevent injury, like staying fit and following a good exercise routine.

If you do experience a sports injury, visit your healthcare provider as soon as possible. They will perform a physical exam to find out what happened.

They may also ask you about your symptoms and the way the injury hurts. They may take X-rays of the injured area.

They may also do a CT scan to get a better look at bones and soft tissues. This can show hairline fractures or small irregularities within complex joints.

3. Flat Feet in Children

Flat feet, also known as pronated foot or pes planus, are a common deformity that can affect the feet and lower limbs. They can be hereditary or simply develop over time.

Children with flat feet are not usually painful, and often do not need treatment. However, if they are causing problems for your child and it is affecting their growth, then treatment may be needed to prevent the development of further issues.

Podiatrist Kew has a team of experienced podiatrists who understand the needs of patients and are up to date with the latest research and advancements in the field of podiatry and lower limb care.

The most common treatment for toddlers with flat feet is custom orthotics. These devices are designed to support, stabilize and align the feet to correct the underlying problem and improve function.

4. Intoeing

Intoeing, also known as being “pigeon toed,” is a common foot and lower limb condition. It usually resolves on its own without treatment. However, it’s important to note that a few cases may require intervention by a podiatrist.

Podiatrist Kew is a leading provider of foot and lower limb care in the Kew Gardens area. The clinic’s team of experts provides comprehensive assessment and evidence-based treatments that are aligned with your individual goals, lifestyle and medical history.

The most common cause of intoeing is an excessive twisting of the shin bone (tibia) or femur (thighbone). This occurs in infants and children during the first year of life. The diagnosis is made with a simple physical examination, and the condition typically resolves before your child’s first birthday.

What kind of problems does a podiatrist treat?  

A podiatrist treats issues related to the feet and lower legs, including foot and ankle pain, ingrown toenails, bunions, hammertoes, flat feet, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, foot and ankle fractures, Achilles tendonitis, and other foot and ankle injuries. They may also provide treatments for toenail fungus, warts, and other skin conditions affecting the feet.

When should I see a podiatrist?  

You should see a podiatrist if you are experiencing any kind of foot or ankle pain, or if you have noticed any changes in the condition of your feet or ankles. You should also see a podiatrist if you have any kind of injury to your feet or ankles, or if you have any conditions such as corns, calluses, bunions, hammertoes, arch pain, or heel pain. It is also important to see a podiatrist if you have diabetes, as they can monitor the condition of your feet and ensure that any issues are addressed promptly. 

How does a podiatrist check your feet?  

A podiatrist will typically check for signs of foot problems by examining the feet, ankles, and lower legs. This includes looking for swelling, discoloration, corns, calluses, bunions, and any other areas of concern. They may also use a tuning fork to check the sensation in the feet and evaluate the range of motion of the ankles and feet. They may also check the blood pressure in the feet using a Doppler device to detect any underlying issues. 

Can a podiatrist diagnose nerve damage?

Yes, a podiatrist can diagnose nerve damage. Podiatrists are trained to detect and diagnose nerve damage in the feet, ankles, and lower legs. They can perform a physical exam, order imaging tests, and even refer patients for further testing if necessary. 

What are foot signs of diabetes?

1. Dry, cracked skin on the feet 2. Numbness or tingling in the feet 3. Slow wound healing 4. Dull pain in the feet 5. Swelling of the feet and ankles 6. Changes in the appearance of the toenails 7. Unusual changes in the shape of the feet 8. Recurring infections of the feet.

What kind of services does Align HC - Podiatrist Kew offer?

Align HC - Podiatrist Kew offers a wide range of services to overcome foot and lower limb problems, including footwear advice, callus care, shockwave therapy, manual therapy, exercise therapy, and orthotics.