Quick Advice for Common Foot and Ankle Issues

Our feet and ankles are prone to a number of problems at different stages of life.  Below is a list of common foot and ankle problems.  With each issue, you can find quick advice for finding relief from your ailment.  If you experience any of the following conditions, contact your Reston, Manassas, or Leesburg, VA podiatrist for further diagnosis and treatment options.

Bunions

A bunion is a painful enlargement at the joint of the big toe.  An important part of treatment is to wear shoes that conform to the shape of your foot and do not cause pressure areas.  By doing this, you can often alleviate your pain.  However, severe cases can be disabling.  Visit your podiatrist in Reston, Manassas, or Leesburg, VA for further treatment options if the change in shoes does not provide relief.

Heel Pain

Heel pain is extremely common and can often begin without injury.  You will often feel pain under the heel while standing or walking, with worsening of symptoms when arising out of bed.  Most cases will improve on their own.  Heel stretching, medication to reduce swelling of the soft tissues of the foot, and orthotics are helpful in providing relief from your heel pain.  For prolonged and troubling cases, visit your Reston, Manassas, or Leesburg, VA podiatrist for further treatment.

Corns and Calluses

Corns and calluses are caused by pressure on the skin of your foot. Treatment involves relieving the pressure on the skin, usually by modifying the shoe.  Pads to relieve the bony pressure are helpful, but they must be positioned carefully.  A visit to your podiatrist in Reston, Manassas, or Leesburg, VA will help in the treatment planning.

Plantar Warts

Plantar warts occur on the sole of the foot and look like calluses.  They result from an infection by a specific virus, and are like other warts, but they grow inward. Plantar warts are extremely difficult to treat, but success has been achieved with repeated applications of salicylic acid to soften the overlying callus and expose the virus.  Other treatments include injection of the warts with medication, freezing the warts with liquid nitrogen and, very rarely, surgery.  Your Reston, Manassas, Leesburg, VA podiatrist can create the best treatment plan for your plantar warts.