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Podiatrists, also known as chiropodists in Canada, specialize in tending to the health of your feet. Many conditions can affect the foot which can cause problems in other areas of the body and also cause pain. A podiatrist – chiropodist in Burlington Ontario can help in these situations. Here are 6 reasons why you might want to visit a podiatrist.

Athlete’s Foot

This fungal infection can cause itching, cracks, blisters and peeling skin on your feet. While it’s more common between the toes, it can also show up on other areas of the foot as well. This condition, while not serious, can be incredibly bothersome, and is contagious –meaning it can spread to both feet or other parts of the body. A chiropodist can help recommend and prescribe effective topical creams that can be applied to get rid of Athlete’s Foot, while laser treatments of fungal conditions may be required for extreme cases.

Corns

Corns are calluses that develop on the foot which can be extremely painful, especially when wearing shoes. The pain is caused by the cone-shaped core that presses on an underlying nerve. Corns are quite common, and can develop on the sides, top and tips of the toes. Constant friction from footwear can cause them to become inflamed. A foot specialist can remove these corns to alleviate the discomfort they cause.

Cracked Heels

Wearing sandals with open backs or having excessively dry skin can lead to cracked heels which can be both unsightly and even painful. Soaking the feet daily and applying moisturizing creams at the end of the day can help to minimize the occurrence of these cracks, as can limiting the amount of time that open-back sandals are worn. Your chiropodist can help alleviate these cracked heels by prescribing topical medication.

Plantar Fasciitis

This occurs with excessive stretching of the plantar fascia (fibrous tissue that runs along the bottom surface of the foot from the forefoot to the heel). The inflammation caused can result in pain in the heel and arch of the foot. A chiropodist can help by prescribing specific medications that either alleviate pain or help eliminate the condition altogether.  A newer treatment involves sonar waves or sonography – to help alleviate pain.

Improper Gait or Posture

If you have fallen arches, improper posture or gait, it can cause problems elsewhere in the body as the skeletal structure and muscles work to overcompensate.  Left unchecked, the problem can become more severe over time, leading to pain and mobility issues.  One corrective measure that is noninvasive and non-surgical is the use of orthotics. Corrective prescription orthotics are implants that you wear in your shoes to correct these problems and alleviate pressure on certain points for pain relief.  Look for an expert who is highly trained in the specialty of prescribing orthotics to be sure you are getting the correct help.

Plantar Warts

Warts are unsightly and are very hard to control.  Left unchecked, they can spread and multiply – making treatment even more difficult.  Topical medications or ‘freezing’ are rarely effective.  The newest method for treating warts on the feet is using a highly calibrated medical laser machine.

If you are looking for a foot specialist in Burlington Ontario, check out the Wilson Foot Clinic. Voted best in Burlington year after year, you can get the best care possible, and you don’t even need a referral. Simply call or go online today and book an appointment!

The clinic is run by Chiropodist Peter Wilson, a certified trained foot specialist with decades of experience.  Learn more at www.wilsonfootclinic.com.