The Importance of Foot Health: Understanding the Role of Podiatrists

From foot pain to foot health, Dr. James Hurst at Centreville Foot & Ankle & Sports Medicine in Centreville, VA, is the podiatrist to have on your care team.

What’s So Important About Foot Health? 

 You know you need to visit your primary care physician for your general health, your dentist for your oral health, and your eye doctor for eye health. One doctor people often overlook, though, is their foot doctor. Why is foot health so important? And what can a podiatrist do for you? Dr. Hurst and the team at Centreville Foot & Ankle & Sports Medicine in Centreville, VA, explain below. 

Understanding Foot Health 

 You might not think much about your feet unless they are in some type of pain. However, they are there with you and supporting you through every step you take. Though it might seem strange, your feet have an impact on the rest of your health. 

Your feet are made up of bones, ligaments, tendons, over 30 joints, more than 100 muscles, and more. Everything from the shoes you wear to how and where you walk can injure these various components. 

Think about what you do when one of your feet hurts. You naturally put more of your weight on the other foot. This might not seem like a big deal, but it is. In addition to potentially harming the foot that’s not currently in pain, walking unevenly can impact your knees, hips, and back. Additionally, as your feet do so much work and are often in shoes that do not fit properly, you can end up with a wide range of foot and ankle injuries. Some of these include sprains, ingrown toenails, and plantar fasciitis. 

How Can a Podiatrist Help? 

 Podiatrists specialize in diagnosing and treating issues in the feet, ankles, and lower legs. They use a variety of techniques and therapies to treat issues such as: 

• Sprains 
• Ingrown toenails 
• Toenail fungus 
• Gait issues 
• Balance issues 
• Ulcers 
• Tumors 
• Fractures 
• Corns 
• Calluses 
• Bunions 

 After an assessment and diagnosis, podiatrists determine the best course of action. Treatment plans typically involve a combination of lifestyle adjustments, exercises, orthotic devices, and more. Surgery might be recommended for specific conditions but only after conservative approaches fail to provide the desired results. 

It’s time to start making foot health a priority. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Hurst – your Centreville, VA, podiatrist – at Centreville Foot & Ankle & Sports Medicine by calling (703) 830-3338.