How much do podiatrists make
Most of the time, we take our feet for granted. Our feet support the entire body’s weight and can have a huge impact on an individual’s overall health. Feet and ankle together have 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This gives problems a lot of scope in the foot area. Ingrown nails, calluses, corns, and other similar issues are just what we see on the outside of the foot. There are many preventive measures to avoid any complications in the feet or ankles. Suppose you are experiencing any problems with your feet or ankle. In that case, it is highly recommended that you consult a podiatrist to figure out the exact nature of the issue and get appropriate treatment. Podiatrists are experts in the area and can offer guidance on preventing difficulties or providing treatment for any ailment in the feet region.
Who is a Podiatrist?
They are doctors who specialize in treating problems with the ankles and feet or lower legs in general. They treat the lower limbs to restore normal functioning, reduce pain, and speed up the healing process after a surgery or injury. The first step while making a diagnosis is to analyze the individual symptoms and medical history. After this, the foot or affected area is physically examined to look for any skin discoloration or indications of swelling. Sometimes, patients can be asked to walk or move their toes in different directions to check their mobility. Depending on the observation, they may advise for the tests before making a final diagnosis. These tests may include blood tests, imaging tests, sensory testing, etc. Podiatrists can also perform surgery, reset broken bones, prescribe drugs, and work closely with other specialists when other issues affect the lower legs. To practice podiatry, they need to be licensed and be under the regulatory purview of state governments in the United States.
Conditions Treated by Podiatrists
People of any age can experience foot-related problems. Some of the common problems that podiatrists in Houston, TX, treat are-
Nail Disorders- Including but not limited to infection in the nail caused by fungus or ingrown toenails. It is when the corner or side of a nail grows into the toe instead of straight out.
Fractures and Sprains- This is a common injury that affects the foot or ankle. These are common occurrences among sportspersons and athletes. Though most of them are accidental injuries, there are ways that these injuries can be avoided.
Arthritis- These are swelling, inflammation, or wear and tear of the joints. Each foot has 33 joints, so the possibility of arthritis affecting your feet is high. By recommending physical therapy medicines or special shoes, a podiatrist can treat your condition. If nothing else works, there is also the option of surgery.
Bunions and Hammertoes- This is a problem that affects the bones in your feet. A bunion is when the joint at the base of your big toe gets bigger or is knocked out of place. This makes the toe bend towards others. Hammertoe is the toe that doesn’t bend the right way.
Diabetes- This condition does not directly affect your feet, it can cause severe nerve damage in the feet and legs, and there might be trouble getting enough blood to reach your feet despite gravity acting in your favor. It can cause serious complications like foot amputation. However, a podiatrist can help you prevent such a drastic outcome. If you have diabetes and get any sores or calluses on your feet, make sure to get it checked in time.
Morton’s Neuroma- If there are nerve problems between the third and fourth bones of your feet, they can cause pain, burning, and a feeling that there’s something in your shoe. This condition usually affects runners, though it may happen to anyone. Tight shoes or overpronation make the condition worse. A podiatrist can advise orthopedic shoes for the condition or give you shots for inflammation and refer you to an orthotic. If the condition is severe, they might need to perform surgery on your feet.
Growing Pains- This is when the child’s feet point inward or the toes don’t line up correctly. Podiatrists recommend exercises, insoles, or braces to help fix these conditions. For extreme cases, they may even recommend surgery.
Heel Pain- There are many reasons why your heel can hurt. When calcium builds up at the bottom of your heel bone, these cause pain, known as Heel spurs. These can happen due to running, ill-fitting shoes, or being overweight. Another common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the band of connective tissues that runs along the bottom of the feet. Non-supportive shoes are usually responsible for this. If your feet bend too in or too out when you walk, known as overpronation, it is often another cause. These mostly affect athletes, similar to Achilles tendinitis, which is the pain at the back of the heel where the tendon attaches itself to the feet. The treatment for any kind of heel pain starts with over-the-counter pain medications and sole inserts and may lead up to surgery.
Your feet do a lot of work. These complex structures need adequate attention and care. So, if you experience any issues with your feet, you should consult a podiatrist near you.
