Today's medical system is so highly specialized, it is not surprising that many people are confused about what kind of specialist they should see for issues with their feet or ankles. Read more to learn about when you should need to see your Alexandria, VA, podiatrist for your medical condition instead of a general doctor.
Your Feet & Ankles Are in Expert Hands with Our Alexandria, VA, Podiatrist
Our podiatrist in Alexandria is a highly trained health care practitioner who has completed a 4-year doctoral degree from an accredited College of Podiatric Medicine, as well as an additional 2-3 year residency program in surgery. Podiatrists are foot and ankle specialists who can order diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, and perform surgery to correct abnormal conditions of your feet and ankle.
Here are some common reasons to see our Alexandria, VA, podiatrist:
1) You Have Heel Pain or Footpad Pain
According to our podiatrist in Alexandria, VA, there are many reasons why patients experience pain in the bottom of their feet or heels. One common condition is plantar fasciitis, which is caused by inflammation of the thick band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that connects your toes and your heels. Another ordinary cause of heel pain is Achilles tendonitis, a condition where the tendon that attaches the calf muscles to the heel becomes painful or inflamed due to overuse.
Our Alexandria, VA, podiatrist traditionally treats these conditions by prescribing rest, icing of the affected areas, physical therapy, and customized orthotics, or heel inserts. Some patients with advanced chronic pain may end up needing surgery.
2) You Have a Fungal Infection
Fungal infections – such as athletes foot – is a good reason to visit our Alexandria podiatrist, because untreated fungal infections often do not clear up on their own. Although athlete's foot is commonly associated with athletes because the fungus thrives in warm, damp environments – think sneakers or locker rooms – virtually anyone can end up with this itchy skin condition. Our knowledgeable foot specialist in Alexandria may need to prescribe a topical anti-fungal medication.
Our Alexandria, VA, Podiatrist Is Here for Your Foot & Ankle Care
3) You Have a Slow-Healing Sore
A sore or wound that takes longer to heal than normal is sometimes experienced by patients with diabetes, explains our podiatrist in Alexandria, VA. A diabetic's ongoing high blood sugar level can lead to nerve damage and poor circulation, decreasing the natural healing ability of the body. Our expert foot health care team at The Podiatry Center knows how to manage and treat foot conditions related to diabetes.
4) You Have an Ingrown Toenail
An ingrown toenail can be extremely agonizing, advises our Alexandria, VA, podiatrist. As the toenail digs deeper into the toe skin, patients can make a painful situation even worse by experimenting with home remedies or trying to clip the affected nail. Left untreated, an ingrown toenail can also become infected.
Don't let a persistent foot issue keep you from your daily activities! Our foot and ankle specialist in Alexandria has the comprehensive background and training to diagnose and treat your foot or ankle condition. click here or call 301.656.6055 to contact our friendly foot care staff.
The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about when to see a podiatrist, feel free to contact The Podiatry Center, with a convenient podiatry office near Alexandria, VA, by clicking here or by calling 301.656.6055.
