Hiking offers a great way to explore nature and stay active, but it can be demanding on their feet. If you experience foot issues as a hiker, consider seeing a chiropodist. Blisters are a common complaint among hikers, typically healing within a couple of weeks. However, if you notice that your blisters are not healing, it is important to consult a chiropodist. The lingering blisters may be infected or aggravated by your footwear, and this type of doctor can determine the cause and suggest effective treatments and lifestyle adjustments. Additionally, if you experience ongoing arch pain, especially after taking rest days, this could be a sign of conditions like plantar fasciitis or heel spurs. These issues can last for a long time without proper treatment, which can include wearing specialized orthotics or receiving cortisone injections. Lastly, if you feel a sharp, localized pain on the top of your foot that worsens when pressed, it could indicate a stress fracture. This type of injury is often seen in long distance hikers and requires a chiropodist's examination, possibly followed by wearing a protective boot for healing. If you are a hiker, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist if you suffer from any type of foot or ankle pain related hiking.
Injuries to the foot and ankle are very common among athletes. If you have experienced an injury, please consult with one of the chiropodists from Complete Family Footcare & Therapy. Our clinicians will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Common Injuries Among Athletes:
Achilles tendon injuries
Ankle strains or sprains
Plantar fasciitis
Fractures
Turf toe
Joint dislocations
Sever’s disease
Morton’s neuroma
Symptoms
Symptoms will depend on the cause and severity of the injury. Common symptoms for a foot or ankle injury include pain, swelling, tenderness, bruising, a reduced range of motion, and difficulty bearing weight or walking on the affected foot or ankle.
Diagnosis
Sports injuries are typically diagnosed after carefully examining the affected foot or ankle. This includes moving the injured area to test its range of motion. Medical history will need to be provided, as well as detailed information about how the injury occurred. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs, may be used to confirm or rule out certain diagnoses.
Treatment
Just like symptoms, treatment will depend on the type of injury and its severity. Initial treatment for many sports injuries is aimed at controlling inflammation and promoting the healing response. The acronym R.I.C.E is a helpful guide to implement for most acute injuries. This method involves resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot or ankle. In addition, anti-inflammatory medications may be administered and orthotic devices may be prescribed. For more severe injuries, surgery may be required. Lastly, rehabilitation or physical therapy may be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
