Podiatry

The average person takes between 8,000 and 10,000 steps each day. That adds up to about 115,000 miles in a lifetime, or enough miles to circle the globe four times, according to the American Podiatric Association (APA). With all the work that Americans put their feet through, it's not surprising that many feel foot pain. While foot conditions are widespread, many people do not seek medical help.

If you need a referral to a physician at Northern Nevada Medical Center, call our free physician referral service at 775-356-6662.

You don't have to live with foot pain. Doctors of podiatric medicine (DPM), or podiatrists, at Northern Nevada Medical Center can help prevent, diagnose and treat conditions of the foot and ankle. Among the risk factors that can contribute to foot conditions include age, lifestyle, diet, weight and wearing ill-fitting shoes. The most common foot problems treated by podiatrists at NNMC include:

• Plantar fasciitis — Inflammation of a fascia band on the sole of the foot, extending from the heel to the toes.
• Hammertoe — The bending of one or both joints of the second, fourth or fifth toe that can be corrected by surgery.
• Sprained ankle — An injury that occurs when ligaments in the ankle are stretched beyond normal range.
• Bunions — Firm, fluid-filled pads overlying the inside of the joint at the base of the big toe, usually a result of structural deformity of the great toe bone and joints.
• Achilles tendonitis/tendonosis — Persistent pain, tenderness and/or stiffness in the tendon connecting the heel bone to the calf muscle.
• Calluses and corns — Thickened skin caused by frequent rubbing or pressure. When the thickened skin is on the bottom of the foot, it’s called a “callus,” and when it’s on the top, it’s called a “corn.”
• Ingrown toenails — When a toenail is ingrown, it is curved and grows into the skin, usually at the nail borders (the sides of the nail). This “digging in” of the nail irritates the skin, often creating pain, redness, swelling, and warmth in the toe.

When You Should See a Podiatrist

You should make an appointment to see a podiatrist if you experience any of the conditions listed above, or any of the following:

• Foot pain following an injury.
• Sudden, severe foot pain.
• Foot pain, if you have diabetes or peripheral vascular disease.
• An open sore or ulcer on your foot.
• Redness or swelling of your joints.
• No relief from foot pain despite self-care.