Did you know April is Foot Health Awareness Month? It’s an excellent opportunity to take a step toward improved foot health by scheduling a visit with an expert podiatrist like Cook County foot doctor Dr. Stavros O. Alexopoulos. Your podiatrist is a medical expert with years of specialized education and training, including a hospital residency, and is the best-qualified medical professional to care for this part of your body. Here are some of the common conditions that your foot doctor can diagnose and treat:
- Ingrown toenails: An ingrown toenail occurs when the nail grows into the skin that surrounds it, causing discomfort. You can spot an ingrown toenail by being aware of pain, swelling, redness, or even pus at the spot where the nail meets the skin. Do not try to correct the problem at home. Infection can result. Schedule an appointment with your podiatrist for professional care instead.
- Heel pain: One common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the soft tissue that spans the bottom of the foot from heel to toe, often characterized by discomfort localized at the heel and worst first thing in the morning. Heel pain is also often the result of Achilles tendinitis, inflammation of a tendon that connects the calf and the heel. Only your podiatrist can accurately diagnose and treat your heel pain.
- Plantar warts: These small, raised bumps on the skin caused by the human papillomavirus are highly communicable pathogens. At-home solutions abound, but these are largely ineffective. If you spot what you think is a wart or notice any other change to the color or texture of the skin on your feet, the best course of action is an appointment with your podiatrist.
Keep your feet healthy in April and beyond! Call the friendly My Chicago Foot Expert staff at (773) 561-8100 or click here to schedule a convenient appointment with Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM, in our safe, comfortable Ravenswood office today.