Your feet and ankles provide mobility and stability. Look into podiatrists if there is any pain and discomfort due to the physical demands and your movements. Podiatrists offer comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders related to the foot and ankle. Here are four services to expect from foot and ankle institutes:

1. Foot Care

You may experience heel pain due to the strain of walking or other physical activities. The doctors at foot and ankle institutes can help you identify the cause of your discomfort. You also get treatment to relieve your pain. Foot and ankle doctors also remove bunions and calluses and offer recommendations for prevention. Conditions like plantar fasciitis, heel pain, and recurrent bunions and calluses may indicate the need for foot support. The specialists at the foot and ankle care facilities can create custom foot orthodontics to give you arch support, helping redistribute the weight on your feet.

2. Toe Care

When exposed to damp conditions in areas like public pools and locker rooms, the toenails can be vulnerable to fungal infections. Nail injuries may also expose you to infections and manifest as discoloration and brittleness in the toenails. When you have a suspected infection, a foot doctor examines your toenails to identify the type of fungus causing the discomfort. They then offer the appropriate treatment in the form of a cream, anti-fungal nail polish, or oral medication. Foot doctors can also treat ingrown toenails and correct hammertoes, helping relieve foot and toe pain. 

3. Diabetic Foot Care

Individuals with diabetes have an increased risk of foot complications due to reduced blood circulation to the feet. This makes their feet susceptible to infections and might slow their healing process. Neuropathy also makes diabetes patients more vulnerable to foot and ankle injuries that may go unnoticed. If you have diabetes, a foot and ankle doctor can conduct tests to check for neuropathy and blood circulation problems and implement preventative measures. 

Foot and ankle doctors also help with diabetic foot ulcer treatment. Your doctor can help with wound care through services such as wound dressing, debridement, and offloading techniques. You also get foot care education, such as selecting the proper footwear and daily foot inspections to reduce your risk of infections and ulcers. 

4. Ankle Care

You may experience ankle pain due to a sprain, arthritis, or injury from strenuous activities. Pain medication, ice packs, and rest can help alleviate pain. If the pain persists, it might indicate the need for support to minimize strain on the bones and ligaments. You may also need support if you have challenges with balance or an ankle that rotates too easily. 

When you visit a foot and ankle care facility, the doctor provides an examination and may ask questions about your lifestyle to determine the cause of your pain. They then create custom orthotics for ankle support. These braces realign the structure of your foot and leg, minimizing stress on the ligaments and tendons during movement. Orthotics also help you to have better control of your ankle movements, preventing strain injuries and improving your gait. 

Get Professional Care at Foot and Ankle Institutes

Pain in your foot or ankles can be debilitating, impacting your ability to move freely. Foot and ankle institutes provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for multiple conditions affecting your feet. These facilities treat foot conditions like pain, bunions, and corns and offer supportive devices for your feet and ankles. You can also get treatment for diabetes-related foot complications and infections affecting your toes and toenails. Book an appointment with a podiatrist if you experience consistent foot and ankle pain or have a wound on your foot.