Foot Doctor Alexandria Virginia
During the winter, we may not think about our feet as much as we do during the summer when we have the opportunities to wear stylish sandals and show off our legs. Just because our feet stay bundled up during the colder seasons doesn’t mean they don’t need attention. It’s common for people to believe that foot pain or discomfort is normal and should be thought of as an everyday part of life. In recent years, the New York Times has reported that 75 percent of all Americans suffer from foot pain during their lives.
Many people also believe that foot conditions like pain or fungal infections will go away on their own without treatment, but things like stress fractures only get worse over time and may even impair one’s ability to stand or walk.
Preventative medicine is as important for our feet as is it for the rest of our bodies. Dealing with unhealthy or painful feet affects all aspects of our lives as we work, play, and meet the expectations of the stressful society we live in. You may think that your feet are the least of your worries, but they mayactually be the cause of them.
If you have noticed or are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s time for you to see a foot doctor Alexandria VA:
- Ingrown toenails –a foot doctor can remove them safely and evaluate if an infection is present that requires further treatment or medication.
- Bunions – as they get larger, they grow more painful. A foot doctor can use x-rays to determine the severity and recommend treatment.
- Corns or Calluses –the buildup of dead skin can cause pain and irritation. A foot doctor can remove the hardened skin and suggest a medication to treat or prevent them.
- Athlete’s foot – while there are many over the counter treatments, sometimes a stronger medication is needed for an infection that keeps coming back. A foot doctor can prescribe an effective one.
- Nail discoloration or fungus – while they don’t generally cause pain, fungus left untreated on toenails will distort the appearance of the nail and even spread to other nails.
- Diabetes – if you have been diagnosed with diabetes, a foot doctor can help you prevent complications like foot ulcers and infections, nerve damage, and impaired circulation.
- Lingering heel pain – it could be caused by several different things including a stress fracture. A foot doctor can diagnose the problem and recommend treatment.
- Joint pain in the ankle or foot – pain that doesn’t improve after treatment with anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen, elevation, applying ice packs, and rest will require further examination.
- Pain, swelling, or numbness –if you can’t think of any reason why your feet would be experiencing these symptoms and they don’t go away after resting, it’s time to see if a foot doctor can determine the reason.
- Sprains or breaks – if you have twisted your ankle and suspect that there is more damage, it’s always a good idea to allow a foot doctor to examine it.
- You have started running or playing contact sports – foot injuries are common among athletes. A foot doctor can recommend proper insoles and athletic footwear to prevent injury.
Some problems are more serious than others and will require more treatment than others but ignoring any issue involving your feet will make matters worse and impair your overall quality of life.
The foot doctors at District Foot and Ankle are always willing to talk to you about any concerns you have regarding your feet and can provide tips for prevention as well as methods of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.