Foot problems of various types continue to haunt people, and some require expert clinical intervention. This can happen to children, adults, and senior citizens for various reasons. In Singapore, most people lead a hectic life, and prioritizing foot problems may take a backseat at times. Overlooking foot-related conditions may lead to bigger complications and extra expenses later. One can avoid such issues by visiting a professional podiatrist in time.
Major foot problems a podiatrist can address
Podiatrists deal with a wide range of foot health conditions affecting both genders. The major ones are:
- Plantar fasciitis and heel pain– Many podiatrists in Singapore get visits from people coping with heel pain. The diagnosis reveals a condition called plantar fasciitis. A thick band of tissue on the foot bottom gets inflamed. The sensation is a stabbing pain when one walks in the morning. More often, it is caused by excess walking, wearing low-quality footwear, obesity, and putting pressure on the foot.
A professional podiatrist analyzes the walking pattern, offers customized orthotics, and recommends Stretching exercises. Some may offer shockwave therapy.
- Corns and calluses—Those finding it hard to walk barefoot often are diagnosed with corns and calluses. These are thickened skin layers caused by repeated friction. They are not risky but cause pain, nevertheless. Those wearing shoes with poor fit and high heels tend to develop these.
A podiatrist helps remove such corns and calluses using specialized instruments. They may also ask patients to use custom insoles to prevent their recurrence.
- Bunions—A bony bump developing at the big toe base, abunion causes the toe to move inwards. They can be painful, and victims face hardships in wearing shoes. Bunions can be caused by wearing tight, narrow shoes and also by genetic factors.
Podiatrists in Singapore offer non-invasive treatment to people with bunions. They may offer tailored toe spacers and, in rare cases, surgical intervention. To find expert podiatrists to tackle such issues, one can contact Feet First Podiatry clinic.
- Ingrown toenails—When the nail edges grow in the adjoining skin, ingrown toenails take shape. This causes redness, pain, and infection. This is more than a cosmetic problem. The root causes include genetic factors, foot injuries, and wearing tight footwear.
In Singapore, podiatrists treat ingrown toenails using quick but effective procedures. They use special dressing and eliminate the nail parts to speed up healing.
- Other foot health issues—Top podiatrists also offer treatments for various other foot health problems, including flat feet, fungal toenail infections, and foot warts. They diagnose each case and devise suitable treatments for long-term relief.
Preparing for a podiatrist visit in Singapore
Before visiting a Podiatrist in Singapore, one should take their previous prescriptions, test records, etc. During the consultation and assessment, they should discuss all issues and symptoms for a better diagnosis and treatment planning.
Final words
Before choosing a podiatrist, one should carefully check the credentials and expertise of the podiatrist. Professional podiatrists offer detailed consultations and enlighten their patients about viable treatment options, including financial choices. Their guidance also helps such patients avoid specific foot problems in the future.