Types of Disorders Podiatrists Treat

Everyone knows to call their podiatrist when it’s time to take care of ingrown toenail or remove a wart or bunion, but podiatrists also treat disorders of the foot. Unlike injuries or inconveniences – like a fracture or plantar fasciitis – disorders of the foot often take the form of congenital and other medical conditions. Here are just a few of the disorders that your podiatrist can treat.

Diabetic Foot

Diabetes foot problems are one of the most common complications of the disease and are the result of nerve damage that is caused by poor circulation. With a reduced feeling in the feet comes the risk of not knowing the foot has been injured or compromised; oftentimes when even small injuries are left untreated, they can result in ulcers, wounds, deformities, and life-threatening infections. Podiatrists are highly skilled at treating people who have diabetes and the complications that often accompany it, such as Charcot fractures, corns, and swelling.

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton’s Neuroma is a painful condition that occurs the nerve, usually between the third and fourth toe, becomes inflamed. Patients with Morton’s Neuroma may complain that they feel like they are standing on a pebble; this is caused by the thickening of the tissue around the nerves leading to your toe and leads to inflammation. Podiatrists will treat Morton’s Neuroma first with conservative means, such as rest, ice and pain management injections. Should these treatments fail to provide relief, your podiatrist may recommend surgery to release the pressure on the nerve.

Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep Vein Thrombosis – DVT – occurs when a blood clot forms in the deep veins of your body, most often in the legs. Although patients may feel leg pain and swelling, for others DVT is asymptomatic. Should a clot dislodge, it could travel through the bloodstream to the heart or lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism, stroke, heart attack or death. Podiatrists are skilled at helping patients manage their DVT with blood-thinning medications and lifestyle changes, to include staying active, maintaining a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water, and not sitting too long or in tight spaces.

Arthritis

Rarely would you think of visiting your podiatrist for arthritis or arthritic symptoms in your ankles or feet, but there is no doctor who is more familiar with this anatomy. As such, podiatrists can treat certain arthritic symptoms and types with a variety of treatments – from prescribing medication to developing a treatment plan that may include pain management injections and physical therapy, and even aquatic therapy. Depending on the type of arthritis, surgery may become an option for long-term relief.

Outstanding Orthopedic Care in Missouri

At Advanced Bone & Joint, our expert team of orthopedists, neurosurgeons, sports medicine doctors, and pain management specialists are ready to treat your bone and joint conditions. Specifically for the foot and ankle, our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Anthony Lombardo, is renowned for his traditional and state-of-the-art approaches to ensure the best foot and ankle available. Why live with pain in your feet – or anywhere else? With locations in St. Peters and O’Fallon, we offer a variety of services, treatments and diagnostics. Should you need orthopedic urgent care, our Ortho Urgent Care Clinic services have you covered. Call us today at (636) 229-4222 or request an appointment online to get on the right foot again.