It is no coincidence that the common expression about standing on your own two feet is so popular. The ability to stand, to walk and to run is taken for granted by most people and it is only when this ability is diminished that people understand just how important their feet, ankles and related limbs are. Problems in this area are common and varied, as any Austin foot doctor will confirm.
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.
The feet can be injured by a host of things. However, the main reason for injury to the feet remains the wearing of the wrong type of shoes. Perhaps it is not strange to learn that the vast majority of patients seen by podiatrists are female and that the vast majority of problems can be directly ascribed to the wearing of high heeled shoes. The second most vulnerable group is active sportspeople.
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.
Apart from not wearing the correct shoes, poor hygiene is the biggest cause of disease of the feet. The importance of cleaning the feet regularly and to keep them dry at all times simply cannot be overemphasized. Care should also be taken to keep socks dry. Moisture is the main cause of a host of fungal diseases. Trying to deal with problems such as corns at home is also a sure road to more serious problems.
It is important to seek medical help at the first signs of pain or swelling. By ignoring discomfort the problem may be aggravated. Also, if the knees, lower legs ankles or feet are injured during sports or other activities, a doctor should be seen as soon as possible. Where possible, a podiatrist should be seen and not the usual family medical practitioner.
Patients that experience problems in this area should ask their general practitioner to refer them to a specialist. Many general practitioners that treat such problems in their own consulting rooms simply do not have the experience or knowledge necessary to identify and diagnose potentially serious problems. They end up treating the symptoms and may unwittingly cause more harm than good.
There are good reasons why podiatrists are specially trained. These specialists play an important role in keeping people mobile and in preventing pain and discomfort. Many podiatrists focus on prevention and they can help sportspeople to remain competitive, older people to remain mobile and pain free and they can provide the best possible care when problems do occur.
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.
The feet can be injured by a host of things. However, the main reason for injury to the feet remains the wearing of the wrong type of shoes. Perhaps it is not strange to learn that the vast majority of patients seen by podiatrists are female and that the vast majority of problems can be directly ascribed to the wearing of high heeled shoes. The second most vulnerable group is active sportspeople.
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.
Apart from not wearing the correct shoes, poor hygiene is the biggest cause of disease of the feet. The importance of cleaning the feet regularly and to keep them dry at all times simply cannot be overemphasized. Care should also be taken to keep socks dry. Moisture is the main cause of a host of fungal diseases. Trying to deal with problems such as corns at home is also a sure road to more serious problems.
It is important to seek medical help at the first signs of pain or swelling. By ignoring discomfort the problem may be aggravated. Also, if the knees, lower legs ankles or feet are injured during sports or other activities, a doctor should be seen as soon as possible. Where possible, a podiatrist should be seen and not the usual family medical practitioner.
Patients that experience problems in this area should ask their general practitioner to refer them to a specialist. Many general practitioners that treat such problems in their own consulting rooms simply do not have the experience or knowledge necessary to identify and diagnose potentially serious problems. They end up treating the symptoms and may unwittingly cause more harm than good.
There are good reasons why podiatrists are specially trained. These specialists play an important role in keeping people mobile and in preventing pain and discomfort. Many podiatrists focus on prevention and they can help sportspeople to remain competitive, older people to remain mobile and pain free and they can provide the best possible care when problems do occur.
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