Not sure if you should see a podiatrist? The podiatrists at Family Foot and Ankle Associates of Maryland, located in Sliver Spring, Olney, 
Clinton, and Kensington, MD, explain what foot doctors do and answer a few questions about foot and ankle conditions.
What do podiatrists do?
Podiatrists diagnose and treat problems of the foot, ankle and lower leg. They also perform foot and ankle surgery, if needed.
What conditions do podiatrists treat?
Foot doctors treat a variety of foot and ankle conditions, including:
- Plantar warts
- Ingrown toenails
- Toenail fungus
- Athlete's foot
- Corns and calluses
- Excessive sweating
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- Heel pain
- Plantar fasciitis
- Bone spurs
- Shin splints
- Fractures and stress fractures
- Sprains
- Neuromas
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Achilles tendinitis and tendinosis
How do the shoes I wear affect my feet?
Wearing comfortable, supportive shoes are the key to keeping your feet in good shape. If your shoes are worn or don't adequately support your foot, you're more likely to develop a variety of conditions, including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and other conditions.
High heels and tight shoes increase your risk of developing bunions and hammertoes, while flip flops and flats that don't have adequate arch support may cause stress fractures, Morton's neuroma, and plantar fasciitis.
Wearing tight shoes can also increase your risk of toenail fungus. When your shoes press on your nails, they become weaker and may even separate from the nail bed slightly, providing the perfect pathway for fungus to invade your nail bed.
Do I need to see a podiatrist if I have diabetes?
Foot conditions that could be managed at home before you developed diabetes can quickly turn into serious infections after your diagnosis. The problem occurs when diabetes interferes with your body's ability to heal itself. Performing daily foot examinations at home and calling our Silver Spring, Olney, Clinton or Kensington office when you develop problems is important. Open sores and cuts, ingrown toenails, red streaks, corns, calluses, and changes in skin color or sensation should be evaluated by a podiatrist.
Podiatrists are dedicated to keeping your feet and ankles healthy. If you're concerned about a foot or ankle problem, schedule a visit with the podiatrists at Family Foot and Ankle Associates of Maryland. Call the Olney, MD, office at (301) 924-5044, the Silver Spring, MD, office at (301) 439-0300, the Clinton, MD, office at (301) 868-7670 or the Kensington, MD, office at (301) 942-8110.