Numerous Indians experience issues in their feet repeatedly, and are in a dilemma which doctor to seek treatment from. Some decide to see their family specialist, some go to Ayurvedic/ Homeopathic specialist while few go to emergency in various hospitals. Very few actually look for a foot specialist to have their condition evaluated and treated. Various conditions need podiatric care from the beginning, as the approach to a similar condition may be very different between a general practitioner and a specialist. This article will talk about those conditions in which you need to consult a foot and ankle specialist.

Metatarsalgia

It is a condition in which pain is felt under the ball of the toes. It is one of the most common, but also the most neglected causes of foot pain. It is more common in runners, overweight, those wearing improper footwear and with high arch or abnormally long second toe. A proper evaluation is warranted to understand the causative factor of this condition. Management is mainly non operative including exercises to stretch the calf muscles, using proper footwear, modifying activities and using ice packs or pain killers. Customised orthotics including metatarsal pads are also helpful in these cases. Surgery is rarely indicated but if needed, it depends on the root cause of the problem.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toe nails happen when the side of the nail grow under the skin next to the nail. It mainly affects the big toe but can actually involve any other toe. It is most commonly seen in older people as the nail thickens or with those who have sweaty feet. As the nail grows and presses on the skin, inflammation may be precipitated that would cause pain, swelling, redness or pus discharge under the nail.

Though there may be a genetic predisposition for people to have ingrown toe nails, but the condition can also happen in those who wear tight footwear, those who cut nails incorrectly or due to poor foot hygiene.

Soaking feet in warm water, cutting toe nails straight, pushing the skin away with a cotton ball and using over the counter medicine or creams may be used as home remedy in the beginning for those who develop ingrown toe nails. An infected ingrown toe nail needs oral or topical antibiotics but in few cases may need surgery to decompress the infection. In cases where the condition does not settle down despite the above mentioned procedures, a small surgical procedure to remove full/ part of toe nail may be needed.

Bunion and Toe Pain

A deformity where big toe deviates towards the second toe is called bunion. Lesser toes, however, may be affected by a lot of deformities like hammer toe, claw toe or mallet toe. There can be numerous reasons for these deformities including hereditary and mechanical causes. Bunion may lead to pain not just in the big toe but can also cause secondary pain under second or even third toe.

Treatment for these conditions may include measures like using a proper footwear and doing some exercises to alleviate the pain or prevent the progression. In severe cases, surgery is needed to align the toe to its normal position by releasing the soft tissues and even cutting the bone. These conditions are effectively treated throughout the day by foot and ankle doctors, and they should be the first and final point of contact if you suffer from any of the toe deformity. 

Heel Pain

Pain in the undersurface of heel, specially when taking the first step in morning or prolonged walking is due to a condition called plantar fasciitis. It is more commonly found in obese people, women, runners , those wearing poor footwear and with tight calf muscles. Plantar fasciitis is very commonly seen and managed by general practitioners but it is prudent to consult a specialist to understand the role of foot biomechanics in its causation. In most cases, it can be treated by measures like wearing proper cushioned footwear and exercises to stretch plantar fascia and calf muscles. Those who don’t recover may need novel treatment options like Extracorporeal shock wave therapy. However, in a limited subset of patients where the condition still persists, surgery may be needed.

So, if you are suffering from pain due to any such condition, please do consult Dr Anuj Chawla who is one of the best foot and ankle specialist in Gurgaon.