![\"Woman's](\"https:\/\/blog.vionicshoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/When-to-See-a-Podiatrist.jpg\")
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Composed of 26 bones, 33 joints, 112 ligaments, and a network of tendons, our feet are more than meets the eye.1<\/sup><\/span> They\u2019re true <\/span>feats <\/span><\/i>of biomechanics. We depend on our feet to carry us through our daily lives, whether we\u2019re running to the grocery store or running to home base during a Saturday kickball game. That\u2019s why when foot issues start to make movement difficult, you may wonder, <\/span>do I need a podiatrist?\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n One of the first things a podiatrist might recommend is adding supportive shoes to your wardrobe. Whether you\u2019re looking for <\/span>stylish shoes for men<\/span><\/a> or <\/span>work shoes for women<\/span><\/a>, Vionic can transform your closet <\/span>and<\/span><\/i> your feet.<\/span><\/p>\n Knowing when to see a podiatrist is key but an orthopedist might be the right route to go instead. A podiatrist vs orthopedist<\/a> has some overlap but they are distinctly different. In this guide we\u2019ll focus on podiatry and we\u2019ll list the top 10 signs you need to make an appointment with a podiatrist, as well as discuss how these foot professionals can help you get back on your feet (<\/span>pun intended<\/span><\/i>).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It can be hard to determine when to see a podiatrist for foot pain. Were you simply walking more than usual, or are you breaking in a new pair of shoes? In these instances, resting those dogs or bribing your partner for a foot massage may be a sufficient solution.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n However, if you notice persistent foot pain, particularly on the bottom of your heel, you should consider contacting a podiatrist.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain, with approximately 2 million patients treated yearly for this condition.2<\/sup><\/span> The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel and the front of your foot, supporting your foot\u2019s arch. When too much pressure damages the ligament, you\u2019re left with inflammation, stiffness, and heel pain. While there\u2019s no singular cause for plantar fasciitis to develop, factors that may increase your risk include:<\/span><\/p>\n By seeing a podiatrist, you can determine whether plantar fasciitis is causing your heel pain and learn the best course of treatment for alleviating your pain. For mild cases, treatment can include anti-inflammatory medication, cortisone injections, and supportive shoes, such as Vionic\u2019s specifically designed plantar fasciitis style shoes that offer additional arch support, as well as increased stability and cushioning.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n You may not consider your ankle pain a foot issue, but your podiatrist does. If you\u2019re experiencing persistent ankle pain, you should make an appointment with your foot professional, as this may be a sign of arthritis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Osteoarthritis (the most common type of arthritis) occurs when the smooth cartilage that protects your joints wears down, causing your bones to rub against each other. This condition affects the feet of 1 in 6 people over the age of 50.3<\/sup><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Persistent ankle pain may also point to rheumatoid arthritis\u2014an inflammatory autoimmune disease that attacks healthy joint tissue. In about 20% of cases of rheumatoid arthritis, foot and ankle pain are among the first signs of disease.3<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n Fortunately, with a podiatrist\u2019s diagnosis, you can work to reduce ankle joint inflammation and pain with medication, steroid injections, and supportive footwear. In fact, Vionic\u2019s arch support, heel cups, and shock absorption can significantly reduce arthritic joint pain.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n We all occasionally experience the uncomfortable, pins-and-needles sensation that occurs when we sit cross-legged for too long. Sometimes it can be the result of poor circulation and you might need some tips on how to improve circulation in feet<\/a>. But if you\u2019re experiencing persistent numbness, or if you\u2019re having trouble feeling sensations in your feet on a regular basis, the issue may be more than pretzel-ed limbs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Your numbness may be due to peripheral neuropathy\u2014a condition that results from damaged nerves and can lead to numbness on the bottom of the feet, the top of the feet, the toes, or the legs. In the U.S. the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy is diabetes, as both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can reduce blood flow to your lower extremities and cause nerve damage.4<\/sup><\/span> In fact, those who suffer from diabetes should visit their podiatrist at least once a year due to their increased risk of foot problems.5<\/sup><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n However, persistent numbness could also be a sign of:<\/span><\/p>\n By understanding the underlying cause of your numbness, your podiatrist can recommend the best course of treatment to promote increased sensation in your feet and prevent the condition from worsening.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n When sores on your feet aren\u2019t healing, they remain at risk of infection. When it comes to your feet, infected sores can increase the likelihood of osteomyelitis\u2014an infection of the bone. This is because the skin covering your feet is extremely thin, and lies closer to the bone than the skin on other areas of your body.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you notice sores on your feet aren\u2019t healing properly, contact your podiatrist. With a thorough examination, your podiatrist can:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n While occasional foot swelling is normal, particularly after walking or standing for long periods of time, frequent instances of swollen feet may be a sign of an underlying condition, such as:6<\/sup><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Although corns and calluses are generally not a cause for concern, they often drive people to their podiatrists. Why? Because over time, the areas of built-up skin that form corns and calluses can become uncomfortable and turn walking into a painful experience. Corns and calluses often develop when:<\/span><\/p>\n To alleviate your pain, your podiatrist may suggest cortisone injections or removal of the built-up skin. After treatment, consider your footwear and the role it may have played in the development of your corns and calluses. You might want to treat your feet to a little TLC with a pair of Vionic\u2019s supportive, yet stylish orthopedic shoes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n A bunion refers to a bump at the base of the big toe that forms when the bone or tissue at the joint moves out of place. When this happens, the big toe bends inward toward its fellow piggies. If left untreated, bunions can become worse over time, as this joint in particular is responsible for carrying a significant portion of your weight.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n To treat a bunion, your podiatrist may recommend padding or taping the area, taking medication, or in severe cases, undergoing surgery to remove the bunion entirely.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Athletes depend on their feet to carry them across fields, propel them through water, and launch them to new heights (literally <\/span>and <\/span><\/i>figuratively). But if feet become sweaty inside of dark, tight-fitting shoes, athlete\u2019s foot can develop.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This fungal infection causes the skin between the toes to become inflamed, itchy, and scaly. While over-the-counter creams are available for treatment, more stubborn cases of athlete\u2019s foot require a visit to the podiatrist.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n To treat the infection and provide much-needed relief, your podiatrist can prescribe powerful creams and oral medications.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If the corner of your toenail digs into the soft tissue of your big toe, it leads to what\u2019s known as an ingrown nail. Ingrown toenails are more than uncomfortable\u2014they can cause redness, irritation, swelling, and can even lead to infection. While you may feel tempted to try to tackle your toe issues at home with a pair of nail clippers, it\u2019s safer to seek professional assistance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Your podiatrist can remove the ingrown portion of your nail and prescribe medication to help prevent infection.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Even if you have healthy feet, it\u2019s worth taking a stroll over to your local podiatrist to receive an examination. This can help prevent foot, ankle, and nail problems before they become a more painful issue.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Your podiatrist can also provide you with helpful foot care advice and recommend the best shoes and insoles to carry and cushion your hard-working feet.<\/span><\/p>\n By understanding when to see a podiatrist, you can stay one step ahead of your foot health. This means ensuring you can walk, skip, run, dance\u2014<\/span>move<\/span><\/i> however you want\u2014with comfort for years to come.<\/span><\/p>\n Looking for even greater support?\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n Vionic\u2019s line of innovative footwear offers arch support, stability, and cushioning without sacrificing style. Choose from sneakers, sandals, flats, and <\/span>even heels, <\/span><\/i>all available in a variety of colors, patterns, and styles.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n You depend on your feet to support you. Isn\u2019t it time you supported them? You can with <\/span>Vionic<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sources:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"#1 Pain While Walking\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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<\/a><\/p>\n#2 Persistent Ankle Pain\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
#3 Numbness or Decreased Feet Sensation<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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#4 A Sore That Won\u2019t Heal<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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#5 Swollen Feet\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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![\"Woman](\"https:\/\/blog.vionicshoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/lina-kraftsoff-jJRpBORcjC4-unsplash.jpg\")
<\/h2>\n#6 Uncomfortable Corns or Calluses\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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#7 Painful Bunions<\/strong><\/h2>\n
#8 Stubborn Athlete\u2019s Foot\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
#9 Toenail Issues\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
#10 You Haven\u2019t Yet\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"bella](\"https:\/\/blog.vionicshoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Bella-II-Bluebell_f5f86961-low.jpg\")
<\/p>\nCarry, Cushion, and Console <\/i>Your Feet with Vionic\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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