If you have persistent foot problems or recurring pain that you cannot resolve, seek medical treatment from a medical specialist. There are pedorthists, physical therapists, athletic trainers, massage therapists, and sports chiropractors that can provide assistance for strengthening, alignment, rehabilitation, and footwear design and fit.
Listen to your whole body; especially your feet. Be attentive to when the pain begins and what makes it hurt more or less. Then be prepared to tell the specialist about the problem, its history, what you have done to correct it, and whether it worked or got worse. Conditions that could require the services of a specialist include ingrown toenails, burning feet, cold feet, warts, arch pain, forefoot pain, heel pain, and severe cases of Athlete’s foot.
- Podiatrists are Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.), specialists who work on the feet up to and including the ankles. The American Podiatric Medical Association and American Association of Podiatric Sports Medicine.
- Orthopedists are orthopedic surgeons, experts of the joints, muscles and bones. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society.
- Pedorthists work with the design, manufacture, fit, and modification of shoes, boots, orthotics, and other footwear. The American Orthotics and Prosthetics Association and Pedorthic Footwear Association.
- Physical therapists are licensed to help with restoring function after illness and/or injury. Most work in close relationship to medical specialists. The American Physical Therapy Association.
- Athletic trainers are licensed to work specifically on sports-related injuries. The National Athletic Trainer’s Association.
- Massage therapists work with athletes in reducing pain and tightness in muscles, tendons, and ligaments-the body’s soft tissues. The American Massage Therapy Association.
- Chiropractors are doctors of chiropractic medicine who specialize in the alignment of the body’s musculoskeletal system. The American Chiropractors Association and International Chiropractic Association.
It is easy to email others and seek answers, especially online forums, but there comes a time when professional help is needed. The above are the best at whet they do. Check out their web sites for more information.
