Almost everyone will suffer from a foot problem at some time in his or her life. Your foot is a complex instrument and is composed of 26 bones, 19 muscles, 33 joints and more than 100 ligaments.
Foot care is essential to overall health, particularly for senior citizens and diabetics. Seniors with foot problems may become sedentary or become fearful of walking or falling. Diabetics can lose feeling in their feet and not notice blisters or sores; these can become more severe over time, leading to infection or even amputation.
Preventive care is vital, and podiatrists can treat minor ailments before they get worse. For example, foot swelling can be treated by prescribing special socks that improve circulation.
The most common ailments treated by podiatrists include:
- Ankle pain
- Bunions
- Corns
- Diabetic foot care
- Fasciitis (swelling or tenderness of the soles of the foot)
- Flatfoot deformities
- Hammertoes
- Heel pain/spurs
- Ingrown and fungal toenails
- Neuropathy or tingling in the foot
- Plantar warts
- Wounds or infections
- Sports injuries
If you suffer from a foot or ankle problem, or wish to have more information, contact a Weiss podiatric physician to keep your feet fit for life.
Call the physician referral line at (800) 503-1234 to schedule an appointment.
Weiss offers a free Foot Care Clinic staffed by podiatry residents every Wednesday at the hospital. The service is a one-time, free consultation for new patients. Walk-ins are welcomed, but for an appointment, call (773) 564-7400.