Foot Care Specialists West Des Moines IA

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Foot Care Specialists FAQ in West Des Moines, IA

What are the signs of arthritis in your feet?

Trouble standing or putting weight on your feet. Tenderness when touching the affected joints. Pain when moving your ankles or feet. Redness or swelling of affected joints. Swelling or discomfort even when resting.

What is the white hard stuff under my toenails?

This overgrowth is called subungual hyperkeratosis. People with hyperkeratosis may notice a white, chalky substance under the nail. When this occurs in the toenails, the pressure of shoes pushing down on the nails might cause pain.

What is the best doctor to see for foot pain?

If you have any issues that involve the foot and or ankle—a sports injury, arthritis/joint pain, skin problems, etc. —a visit to the podiatrist is your best bet. A podiatrist is a specialist who manages and treats almost all symptoms that involve the ankle and/or the foot.

Can you self refer to a podiatrist?

Self-referral: You are able to self-refer directly into the podiatry service, you do not need to visit your GP.

Why are my toenails so thick and hard to cut?

Toenails that grow thicker over time likely indicate a fungal infection, also known as onychomycosis. Left untreated, thick toenails can become painful. Prompt treatment can be key to curing the nail fungus. Fungal infections might be difficult to cure and may require months of treatment.

What are signs of diabetic feet?

Tingling, burning, or pain in your feet. Loss of sense of touch or ability to feel heat or cold very well. A change in the shape of your feet over time. Loss of hair on your toes, feet, and lower legs.

What causes bone deterioration in feet?

Blood vessel damage from diabetes can increase or change blood flow to the feet. This can lead to bone loss. Weakened bones in the feet increase the risk of fracture. Injury to the foot signals the body to produce more inflammation-causing chemicals.

How can I make my thick toenails thin again?

Soften your nails first by applying urea cream (Aluvea, Keralac) and wrapping your feet in bandages at night. Then, wash off the urea cream, and use a nail clipper and nail file to trim your nails. Apply an over-the-counter fungal treatment after you gently file your nails. Apply Vicks VapoRub on your toenail each day.

Can your feet indicate heart problems?

Swelling: When heart failure happens, it can make fluid build-up in the body, causing feet and ankles to swell. This can also happen in other body parts, leading to rapid weight gain. Numbness and Pain: When these symptoms occur in the feet it can be an indication of peripheral artery disease.

Why are podiatrists not doctors?

Are They Doctors? Podiatrists are doctors, but they don’t go to traditional medical school. They have their own schools and professional associations. They also have “DPM” (doctor of podiatric medicine) after their names instead of “MD” (medical doctor).

What is the best treatment for neuropathy in your feet and legs?

Regular exercise, such as walking three times a week, can reduce neuropathy pain, improve muscle strength and help control blood sugar levels. Gentle routines such as yoga and tai chi might also help.

Why do your feet hurt more as you age?

With age, the cartilage surrounding the bones in your feet breaks down. This results in bone rubbing against bone, which as you can imagine, causes foot pain. Osteoarthritis, as it’s known, usually affects people over the age of 65.

Why would someone be referred to a podiatrist?

If you have any issues that involve the foot and or ankle—a sports injury, arthritis/joint pain, skin problems, etc. —a visit to the podiatrist is your best bet. A podiatrist is a specialist who manages and treats almost all symptoms that involve the ankle and/or the foot.

Is it good to walk with foot pain?

The activity: walking and running “Walking is always a good exercise for [foot] osteoarthritis,” says Bennell. But even a short stroll might feel excruciating to someone with severe foot pain, so starting with short easy walks is recommended.