A podiatrist may not be at the top of your list of doctors to see after a car accident or an injury at work in New York, but you should reconsider that. Podiatrists can provide more help than you may realize, thanks to their specialization.
Podiatrists specialize in treating the feet as well as the lower legs. They commonly treat injuries, such as work-related trauma or auto accidents, and complications from diabetes and other health conditions. Car accidents and other injuries often cause your ankle or foot to experience a very forceful impact. In addition to fractures, this can cause ligaments or tendons to tear. Of course, there is also always a risk of punctures or bruises.
The most common conditions that podiatrists treat following a workplace or car accident are sprains and fractures. However, they can also treat diabetes, nail disorders, hammertoes, bunions, arthritis, growing pains, Morton’s neuroma, and heel pain. Most of those will not be the result of a car or workplace accident, except for heel pain and bunions. Achilles tendinitis can also develop from work.
Heel pain can result from wearing ill-fitting shoes or from bearing too much weight, creating the potential for workplace injuries that gradually occur over time. Foot compartment syndrome can also occur as a result of a car accident. This happens if excess swelling from one of your foot’s closed compartments leaks into another compartment.
Overall, the following are some possible injuries from work or car accidents that can require you to see a podiatrist:
There is also the risk of some of these problems, like a broken bone or fracture, causing you to develop arthritis.
Treatment
The first time you see the podiatrist, expect them to examine your foot and ask you to make various movements. They will at least want to see you stand and walk, if not perform other activities as well. Some podiatrists will also use x-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs, or CT scans to help diagnose your issues and determine the ideal treatment.
In terms of treatment, podiatrists have various options that they will suggest based on your condition. For example, they may remove an ingrown toenail with a nail anvil or scalpel to remove calluses or corns. They may use cryotherapy to remove plantar warts.
They may give you pain medication via syringes in their office following an accident or prescribe a medicine. They may also give you a flexible cast that will hold your ankle or foot sprain, or fracture in place. Podiatrists try to use non-invasive treatment methods, but they can also perform surgery if those don’t heal your injuries.
Explore some of how podiatrists will help you following an accident, whether at work or in a car.
Because podiatrists specialize in treating feet, ankles, and lower legs, they are more likely to spot issues in these areas. It is always better to have a specialist look at a specific part of your body than relying on a general doctor, although seeing any doctor is better than nothing.
Right after an injury occurs, you will likely experience a rush of adrenaline. This helps your body power through the incident, but it also masks the pain. While that is good temporarily, it can also make it harder to spot problems. Because of their expertise, a New York podiatrist should be able to spot injuries after an accident, even if they don’t hurt yet.
As mentioned, sometimes a broken or fractured bone can lead to arthritis if it is left untreated. Your podiatrist can reduce the risk of this happening by diagnosing the break or fracture and treating it as soon as possible.
During the treatment process, a podiatrist can help you restore strength to your foot and ankle. This is typically done via a combination of braces, orthotics, and physical therapy or exercises.
Many podiatrists will suggest alternatives to pain medicine, such as casts, foot orthotics or braces, (temporary) lifestyle changes, or specific footwear. This can reduce your need for pain medication, thereby reducing the risk of addiction.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment with an experienced podiatrist near you.
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