Your feet are the foundational supports of your body, carrying all of your weight as you navigate your days. They need regular care and attention to stay healthy, pain-free, and strong. A survey conducted by the American Podiatric Medical Association estimated that the majority of Americans, to the tune of 77 percent, report foot ailments. Consult with a podiatrist at Family Foot & Ankle Associates of Maryland, which has offices conveniently located in Olney, Camp Springs/Clinton, Silver Spring, Kensington, Laurel and Maple Lawn,MD, about any foot problems you may be experiencing. A podiatrist can help you identify both possible causes and treatments.
List of Common Foot Problems and Symptoms
Foot pain or discomfort can develop due to a number of foot conditions that affect the ligaments, bones, heels, or even the toes. These are some of the most common foot problems that doctors treat:
- Athlete's foot (fungal infection that causes strong odor and itchiness).
- Ingrown toenails (painful and can cause wounds to develop around the toes).
- Plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the ligaments that stretch across the bottom of the feet, causing pain at the bottom of the heel).
- Diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage that leads to tingling and pain in the feet).
- Heel spurs (bone growths around the heels that hurt when rubbing up against shoes)
- Bunions and corns (growths near the toes that cause tenderness, pain, and aesthetic problems).
- Blisters (form, fill with fluid, and finally burst due to friction, causing painful irritation).
Causes of Foot Ailments
A podiatrist at the Olney, Camp Springs/Clinton, Silver Spring, Kensington, Laurel and Maple Lawn,MD, offices of Family Foot & Ankle Associates of Maryland can give you an idea of what is causing your foot problems. Causes may include:
- Walking or standing for long periods of time (especially in poorly fitting shoes).
- Walking barefoot, especially outdoors, near pools, or in places littered with objects on the ground.
- Women can be more susceptible to foot conditions due to wearing narrow fitting or high heeled shoes for long periods of time.
- Unhealed or untreated wounds.
- Obesity or being overweight.
- Having an abnormal foot arch.
Treatment Options
The treatment options for each individual foot problem will vary but it will usually include keeping your feet clean and moisturized, clipping nails safely on a regular basis, getting shoes that fit properly and have supportive insoles, losing weight, resting, icing the feet, and soaking the feet before bed. However, some treatments must be done by a podiatrist, including:
- Custom-made orthotics.
- Removal of growths (like spurs and bunions) in extreme cases.
- Steroid injections.
- Physical therapy and massage therapy.
Relief for Your Foot Problems
Early intervention is best if you have been experiencing problems with your feet. A podiatrist can examine your feet, consult with you, and prescribe custom treatments. Family Foot & Ankle Associates of Maryland has offices you can visit in Olney, Camp Springs/Clinton, Silver Spring, Kensington, Laurel and Maple Lawn,MD, for foot problems. Call today to schedule an appointment.
- Silver Spring, MD, at (301) 439-0300
- Kensington, MD, at (301) 942-8110
- Camp Springs, MD, at (301) 868-7670
- Olney, MD, at (301) 924-5044
- Laurel, MD, at (301) 317-6800
- Maple Lawn, MD, at (301) 317-6800