The human foot is made up of 26 bones and 33 joints. It’s a complex structure that allows us to walk, run, jump and even stand on one leg. Podiatrists are specially trained doctors who specialize in treating problems in the foot and ankle area. They treat everything from bunions to heel pain to sprained ankles. But what conditions does a podiatrist in Tarzana treat?
Who are Podiatrists?
Tarzana Podiatry is a medical specialty that focuses on treating conditions related to the feet, ankles and lower extremities. Podiatrists treat many foot ailments and injuries, including bunions, hammertoes, heel pain, ingrown toenails and more. They also perform biomechanical assessments to determine what type of shoe is best for each patient’s foot anatomy and gait pattern.
Podiatrists are not limited to just treating foot problems, however. They also specialize in ankle sprains, biomechanics, sports injuries, and diagnosis and treatment for diabetes. In addition, podiatrists can help you prevent foot pain by helping you with proper fitting shoes and advising you on proper exercise techniques.
Is a Podiatrist Foot Doctor?
Podiatrists are doctors who specialize in the treatment of the foot and ankle. They can be found working in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. Podiatrists perform surgery on the feet and ankles, diagnose foot problems, and treat conditions such as bunions, ingrown toenails, and heel pain.
Some podiatrists specialize in treating athletes’ injuries. Others focus on helping people with diabetes manage their condition. In addition, some podiatrists offer cosmetic services like laser vein treatments or foot peels that improve the appearance of your feet. You can go to the foot doctor in Tarzana or a podiatrist if you have any foot condition.
Treating Foot Conditions
Podiatrists are medical doctors specializing in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the foot, ankle, and lower leg.
Podiatrists treat various conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Some of the most common conditions include:
Hammertoe deformities
Hammertoe deformities are common among older adults who have been wearing high heels for many years. Hammertoe deformities occur when toes bend downward toward each other due to tight muscles or poor footwear choices. Podiatrists provide treatment options for hammertoe deformities that include surgery or custom orthotics.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain. It’s caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that connects your heel bone to the ball of your foot. When this band becomes irritated or inflamed, it can cause pain in your heel. Podiatrists can diagnose plantar fasciitis using an X-ray or MRI scan if necessary. Once diagnosed, they can provide several treatments for plantar fasciitis, including:
- Ice and rest
- Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or naproxen sodium (Aleve)
- Stretching exercises to strengthen your calves and Achilles tendon
Heel Pain
Heel pain is a common condition caused by several factors. An injury often causes it to the heel or tendon and causes inflammation and pain. This type of pain can be treated with over-the-counter medications and rest. If your heel pain is not improving or getting worse despite these treatments, you should seek professional medical attention from your podiatrist in Tarzana.
Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Diabetes is one of the most common medical conditions in the United States today, affecting nearly 25 million people nationwide; however, many people do not know they have diabetes until they have already suffered from complications such as high blood sugar levels for years before being diagnosed with diabetes. People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing foot ulcers due to poor circulation caused by damaged blood vessels in their feet; these ulcers can lead to infection if not treated immediately. If you experience any symptoms such as redness or swelling on your feet or toes, contact your doctor directly!
Bunion
A bunion is a painful deformity that occurs on the side of the big toe joint. The bones in your foot curve inward toward each other at this joint, causing the big toe to drag forward and out of place. The result is extreme pain and discomfort during activities like walking or running. Bunions are common among women, especially those who wear high-heeled shoes. They also tend to run in families.
Podiatrists treat bunions by:
- Removing corns and calluses to help relieve pressure on the bunion area.
- Applying medication, laser surgery, or other procedures reduces bunion pain and improves function.
Fungal Infections
Fungal infections can occur when fungi grow on the skin of your feet or toes, causing redness, itching, burning sensations and peeling skin. Proper treatment from a podiatrist will help clear up this problem once and for all to get back to enjoying life without worrying about what’s going on with your feet!
Ingrown toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when the nail grows into the skin surrounding it. This can lead to inflammation, infection, and even permanent damage to the underlying tissue if it’s not treated quickly. Podiatrists can treat ingrown toenails by trimming away the excess nail and smoothing out the edge of the nail that’s growing into your skin. They may also prescribe antibiotic ointments for you to apply at home or recommend oral antibiotics if there’s been significant damage done by the ingrown nail.
