3 Podiatrist Treatments Ideal For Hikers
If you enjoy hiking, nature trails, and long walks in the woods, then you may notice foot pains after all of your long hikes. Instead of covering up the pain with medications, you have the opportunity to see a podiatrist and heal foot pain so you can enjoy more hikes in the future. A podiatrist can provide multiple treatments catered directly to hikers.
Learn about some of the foot treatment options and ways to enjoy your hikes without so much foot pain in the future.
1. Shoe Fits & Recommendations
When you climb inclines and walk across uneven ground, the shoes you wear play a big importance in your foot health. A podiatrist can analyze and measure your feet to give you proper shoe recommendations. For example, a wide shoe may fit on your foot better and prevent the formation of bunions.
A podiatrist may also recommend a shoe that provides more ankle support. As you hike through different terrain, extra ankle support can provide less strain and also help prevent sprains or twisted ankles.
2. Ingrown Toenail Treatments
As you hike, you may put extra pressure on your toes, especially for steep inclines. The pressure could cause you to have ingrown toenails, which can cause pain with each step you take. If you have an ingrown toenail, a foot doctor can provide multiple treatment methods. One method may include surgical removal of part of the toenail so it can grow straight again.
The treatment process will provide a lot more comfort as you go on hikes and feel relief without the extra pressure on some of your toenails. In some cases, the treatment may take a few weeks to heal, but the waiting time will feel worth it as you plan your hikes in the future.
3. Foot Joint Health Treatment
Hiking puts a lot of wear and tear on the feet. Hard surfaces like rocks and trails can put extra pressure on the feet and lead to ankle or joint pain. A podiatrist can examine your foot and provide treatment options to relieve the joint pain. The doctor may recommend specific exercises or gear to help prevent pain over time.
If you suffer from severe pain, then a doctor may order more advanced scans like x-rays to see more details within the foot. They will come up with a treatment plan to help with your joints and reduce the amount of pain you have in the long run.
Reach out to podiatrist services to find out more information on foot treatment and keep all your feet healthy for your planning hiking trips in the future. For more information, contact a podiatrist near you.