When you think of a podiatrist, your mind probably goes straight to basic foot issues like an ingrown toenail or perhaps a nasty case of athlete’s foot. But the truth is, we at Podiatry Center of New Jersey are a specialized team of podiatrists whose expertise extends far beyond simple foot aches. We are uniquely trained to spot and treat a wide range of issues that affect not just your feet, but your entire body. Let’s go over what some of those are.
Diagnosing Systemic Health Issues
Did you know your feet can be early warning systems for serious health conditions? A podiatrist is often the first to notice subtle signs of systemic diseases. For instance, you might see a podiatrist for chronic numbness and tingling, and they might be the first person to diagnose peripheral neuropathy, which is often a complication of undiagnosed or poorly managed diabetes.
They can also spot signs of Peripheral Artery Disease by checking pulses in your feet, which is a circulatory issue that restricts blood flow. This can end up preventing future complications like heart attack and stroke.
Solving Your Back and Knee Pain
Foot problems rarely stay confined to your ankles. Your feet are your foundation, and if that foundation is unstable, the impact ripples upward. If you suffer from chronic pain in your knees, hips, or lower back, the root cause might be a biomechanical issue in your foot, like severely flat feet or overly high arches.
But a podiatrist can correct this instability by prescribing custom orthotics. These personalized inserts realign your gait and make sure your knees and hips track correctly, which often relieves pain in those areas.
Treating Hidden Sports Injuries
You might think a sore ankle only needs rest, but a podiatrist offers advanced solutions for active people. Beyond simple sprains, they treat complex overuse injuries like Achilles tendonitis and stress fractures. They can even assess your running form and recommend sport-specific management strategies.
If you’ve suffered from repeated ankle sprains, they can guide you through rehabilitation and bracing to treat chronic ankle instability and help prevent long-term joint damage.
Managing Arthritis Pain
Arthritis, which includes over 100 different conditions, commonly affects the small joints of your feet and ankles. A podiatrist can help you manage the pain, swelling, and stiffness caused by conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
They can use custom orthotics to cushion and support painful joints, prescribe injections to reduce inflammation, and help you find appropriate, comfortable footwear that accommodates arthritic deformities like bunions and hammertoes.
So yes, we podiatrists do a lot, and a lot more than the typical person would know. Happy International Podiatry Day!
If you have more questions about foot care or want to address specific concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to the expert team at Podiatry Center of New Jersey! Give us a call at (973) 925-4111 or make an appointment online.
