Common Foot Problems Podiatrists See

Dealing with Heel Pain

Heel pain can be a real bother, making it hard to walk and play like we want to. Let's find out why our heels might hurt and what we can do to make them feel better.

What Causes Heel Pain?

There are a few reasons why our heels might ache. Sometimes it's because we've been running around a lot or standing for a long time. Other times, it could be because we're wearing shoes that don't fit well or don't have enough cushioning. In some cases, heel pain can happen because of a condition called plantar fasciitis, where the tissue on the bottom of our foot gets inflamed.

How to Make Heel Pain Go Away

When our heels hurt, there are some simple things we can try to help them feel better. One thing we can do is rest our feet and avoid activities that make the pain worse. Putting ice on our heels can also help reduce swelling and ease the ache. Stretching our calf muscles and wearing supportive shoes with custom insoles can provide relief too. If the pain doesn't go away after trying these tips, it's essential to see a doctor, like a podiatrist, who can give us the right treatment.

 Bunions: What Are They and What Can We Do?

Have you ever noticed a bump on the side of someone's foot that looks a little bit like a small hill? That bump is called a bunion. Bunions can form when the bones in our feet move out of place, causing the big toe to lean towards the other toes.

Tips to Keep Bunions Happy

If you have a bunion or want to prevent one from forming, there are a few things you can do to keep your feet feeling good. First, make sure to wear shoes that fit well and don't squeeze your toes. It's also helpful to avoid high heels that put extra pressure on the front of your foot.

Another tip is to give your feet a break by taking breaks from activities that involve a lot of standing or walking. You can also try using padded shoe inserts to give your feet some extra cushioning and support.

If your bunion is causing you pain or discomfort, it's a good idea to see a podiatrist. They can recommend treatments like special shoe inserts, exercises, or even surgery in severe cases. Remember, taking care of your feet is important for keeping them happy and healthy!

Plantar Fasciitis: A Fancy Name for Foot Pain

In this section, we're going to talk about a big word that describes a common problem that can make our feet hurt. It's called plantar fasciitis, but don't worry, we'll break it down so it's easy to understand.

Understanding Plantar Fasciitis

So, what exactly is plantar fasciitis? Well, think of your foot like a rubber band. There's a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel bone to your toes. This band is called the plantar fascia. When this band gets irritated or inflamed, it can cause a lot of pain in your heel or the bottom of your foot. That's plantar fasciitis!

Ways to Soothe Plantar Fasciitis

If you have plantar fasciitis, there are some simple things you can do to help ease the pain. One easy trick is to stretch your calf muscles and the bottom of your foot regularly. You can also try rolling a frozen water bottle under your foot to help reduce inflammation. And don't forget to wear supportive shoes with good arch support to give your feet some extra love!

Ingrown Toenails

Having an ingrown toenail is quite common and can happen to anyone, regardless of age. It's usually the big toe that's affected, where the nail grows into the skin on the side or corner. Wearing shoes that are too tight or cutting nails improperly can lead to ingrown toenails.

For those who have diabetes, dealing with an ingrown toenail can be more serious. Diabetes can make it difficult for the body to fight infections and heal wounds due to poor blood circulation. If you have diabetes and suspect an ingrown toenail or any other foot issue, it's crucial to see a healthcare professional promptly. Your health and well-being are important.

How to Treat Ingrown Toenails

Are you dealing with the discomfort of an ingrown toenail? Don't worry, our team of expert Podiatrists is here to help! Our skilled professionals will provide you with treatment for your ingrown toenail, as well as offer guidance on how to properly care for it and prevent future occurrences.

We advise against attempting any DIY treatments at home, as this can often lead to infections and worsen the condition. Instead, opt for pain relievers to help manage the discomfort and make sure to see your GP if the toe becomes infected. In the meantime, wearing sandals or comfortable shoes can help alleviate any pressure on the affected area.

In more severe cases, a nail avulsion procedure may be necessary to permanently remove part of the nail. Rest assured, our expert Podiatrists are highly skilled in this surgery and will provide you with the best care possible. Don't let an ingrown toenail hold you back, seek treatment with Pinnacle Podiatry today!

When to see a Podiatrist

We'll discuss how a doctor who takes care of feet, called a podiatrist, can help us when we have foot problems.

Signs You Should Visit a Podiatrist

Have you ever wondered when it's time to see a special foot doctor called a podiatrist? Well, here are some clues that tell us it's time to pay them a visit: If your feet hurt a lot and it doesn't go away, or if you notice any lumps, bumps, or strange changes on your feet, that's a sign to visit us at Pinnacle Podiatry. We can help figure out what's going on and how to make it better.

What Happens at the Podiatrist?

When you visit Pinnacle Podiatry, it's like going to a foot expert who knows all about how to keep our feet healthy and happy. Here's what you can expect when you visit us.

We will ask you questions about your feet and how they feel. We might also look closely at your feet to see if there are any problems. Sometimes, we may even take special pictures or tests to understand what's going on inside your feet.

Tips for Good Foot Health

Finally, we'll share some of the best ways to keep our feet feeling good all the time.

Daily Foot Care

One of the most important things we can do to keep our feet healthy is to take good care of them every day. This means washing our feet with soap and water, drying them thoroughly (especially between our toes), and applying lotion to keep our skin soft. It's also a good idea to trim our toenails regularly, making sure to cut them straight across to avoid ingrown nails.

Choosing the Right Shoes

Believe it or not, the shoes we wear play a big role in how happy our feet are. It's essential to choose shoes that fit well and provide proper support. Shoes that are too tight can cause bunions and other foot problems, while shoes that are too loose can lead to blisters and calluses. Look for shoes with cushioning in the soles and good arch support to keep your feet comfortable all day long.

At Pinnacle Podiatry we offer custom orthotics so you can get the shoes customised to your feet.