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A podiatrist is a doctor who has the training and qualifications necessary to diagnose and treat disorders that affect the feet. Another name for this kind of physician is a chiropodist. If you are like most people, you may be unsure about when you should book an appointment to see a foot specialist. Should you go at the first sign of a problem, or should you wait a little while and see if the problem resolves itself over time? Waiting too long to seek medical help for a foot problem is not a smart idea. The longer you wait, the worse the condition could become. Foot pain is not something you need to learn to live with. A painful foot condition can lead to tremendous discomfort when walking. When your feet hurt, everything hurts! A podiatrist can treat corns and calluses that develop on the feet and toes. Calluses and corns are areas of dead skin that have thickened and hardened over time. They develop to protect the skin and the underlying structures of the skin from injury, friction, or pressure. They come about as a result of repeated and excessive pressure. Calluses form on the heel, the underside of the big toe, and the ball of the foot. Corns frequently develop where toes rub together. They contain an inner core that is either soft or hard. A soft corn is most often found between the fourth and fifth toes, while a hard corn frequently develops on the fifth toe, over a bony portion of the toe. Both of these conditions can become uncomfortable when they grow big enough to cause pain. A foot specialist can remove a callus, file down a corn, and can take care of hardened skin. Discolored, yellow, or thickened toenails are generally caused by a fungal infection. Topical ointments offer treatment in mild to moderate cases. In more severe cases, the podiatrist or your family doctor may need to prescribe an oral medication to get rid of the problem. The doctor can also sand down thickened toenails in a painless manner and remove an infected nail if necessary. An ingrown toenail can be very painful and should be taken care of as soon as possible by a foot specialist. Ingrown toenails come about when the nail grows into the skin. Any toenail can develop this problem and an infection can rapidly develop if left untreated. A podiatrist can treat pain that originates in the heel. It is crucial that you clearly explain to the doctor when the pain first started and how long it lasted for. If you notice any type of pattern in its reoccurrence, mention that to the chiropodist. Heel pain is frequently due to a condition known as plantar fasciitis. Bone spurs and other injuries can also cause it. An assessment will need to be done first, followed by a diagnosis. Insoles are often recommended for those suffering with this condition. In severe cases, injections will also be recommended. Looking for a podiatrist? Lawrenceville, NJ residents can click here for helpful information: http://www.drdonnabarrese.com.
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