[ Angela P. Dominique ]
[ Frequently Asked Questions II ] [ Frequently Asked Questions III ]

What kinds of treatments do Podiatrists perform? There are many ways to treat foot problems. Podiatrists are trained in conservative treatments such as: 1) Orthotic Devices: The use of custom fitted shoe inserts (Fig 1.) can remedy structural problems of the foot much like glasses correct vision. 2) Palliative Debridement: The simple paring of corns/calluses and the debridement of thickened nails can provide instant pain relief. 3) Prescription Medications: Prescription medication can be used to relieve infectious diseases of the foot and aids in reducing pain when combined with other treatment methods. 4) Padding/strapping techniques: Certain painful conditions can be alleviated by the simple use of appropriate padding or strapping (Fig 2.) combined with appropriate shoe gear. 5) Physical Therapy: Some foot conditions respond to physical therapy such as stretching exercises, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation. If conservative measures do not provide sufficient relief from pain, your podiatrist may recommend surgery. Most podiatrists have completed training in surgical procedures of the foot to correct problems such as bunions and hammer toes (fig 3.). What are Ingrown Nails? Ingrown nails cause pain, which may extend from the tip of the toe to the base of the nail. Sometimes an ingrown nail may lead to inflammation or infection (Fig 4.). What can be done for Ingrown Nails? For a minor ingrown nail, simple trimming of the involved corner of the nail may be all that's needed. For totally ingrown or infected nails, antibiotics may be needed along with complete removal of the nail border all the way back under the cuticle. If you have suffered from multiple occurrences of an ingrown toenail on the same toe, your podiatrist may recommend permanent removal of the involved nail border or of the whole toenail.

Photos courtesy of the Podiatry Institute, Tucker, GA

[ Angela P. Dominique ]
[ Frequently Asked Questions II ] [ Frequently Asked Questions III ]