Your feet and ankles keep you on the move all day long – so if you suffer a foot injury or develop chronic foot pain, the foot and ankle specialists at Hudson MD Group are here for you.
chronic There are several signs and symptoms which indicate that you need a podiatric exam and possible treatment, including the following:
- Changes in skin temperature and texture in the feet or ankle areas
- Sudden foot pain
- Deformities in your toes or ankles
- Difficulty and/or pain with weight-bearing on your feet and ankles
- A sore, cut, or other wound which is not healing
- Swelling and redness
- Numbness and tingling
Your podiatrist will examine your feet and ankles, ask you about your symptoms, and review your medical history. Also, the doctor will watch you walk, possibly take X-rays, and perform other assessments to arrive at a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Conditions Your Foot and Ankle Doctor Treats
Some of the many conditions of the feet and ankles which are often treated by a podiatrist include the following:
Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain
Plantar fasciitis is a chronic and painful inflammation of the thick connective tissue which spans across the bottom of the foot, between the toes and the heel. The inflammation is often caused by excess body weight and repetitive motions, such as walking, jogging, and running.
The main symptom of plantar fasciitis is heel pain, particularly first thing in the morning.
Ankle Sprains
A sprained ankle is the most common podiatric injury, occurring due to a sudden twisting impact on the foot and ankle area. Perhaps you stepped off a curb awkwardly, or your ankle bent at an odd angle when you were walking or running on an uneven surface. This action overstretches the ligaments of the ankle, causing a sprain.
Ingrown Toenails
Usually affecting the nail of the big toe, an ingrown toenail happens when the nail grows into the skin. This condition causes pain, redness, and even an infection.
Diabetic Neuropathy
The high blood glucose (blood sugar) levels characteristic of diabetes can damage the microcirculation and, therefore, the nerves in the feet. The resulting numbness and tingling can progress to foot deformity, limited mobility, balance issues, and the inability to perceive pain.
The biggest problem with diabetic neuropathy is that it can lead to a need for amputation of a toe or a foot if left untreated.
Fungal Infections
Athlete’s foot and toe fungus can occur when small microbes invade the toenails and skin of the feet. These tiny fungi enjoy the moist, dark environment found in sweaty sneakers and socks, but they also thrive on shower floors – particularly in shared areas such as dormitories and locker rooms.
Comprehensive Medical Care for the Entire Family
Headquartered in West Orange, New Jersey, our healthcare providers at Hudson MD Group provide a wide array of medical specialties, including the latest diagnostic and treatment techniques in podiatry. We have convenient locations across the northern New Jersey area.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (973) 705-4914 or by filling out our online contact form. We look forward to being your family’s healthcare partner!
