A podiatrist is a medical specialist dedicated to the treatment of various foot, ankle and lower limb disorders for people of all ages and activity levels. A Podiatrist deals with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of conditions of the feet.
The podiatrist cares for people of all ages, treating any foot problem. Common disorders include bunions, heel pain/spurs, hammertoes, neuromas, ingrown toenails, warts, corns and calluses, Plantar Fasciitis and various biomechanical abnormalities. Care of sprains, fractures, infections, and injuries of the foot, ankle and heel.
Podiatrists play an important role in maintaining the mobility of many elderly or disabled people, this is achieved by constant monitoring of foot health, in particular of those with circulation problems and diabetes. The conditions podiatrists treat include those resulting from bone and joint disorders such as arthritis and soft-tissue and muscular pathologies as well as neurological and circulatory diseases.
CHERIE' VILJOEN
Cherie’ Viljoen is a healthcare practitioner, specialising as a Podiatrist, in Johannesburg Gauteng.
Cherie Viljoen is a member of the Health Professions Council of South Africa as well as the South African Podiatry Association.
Cherie’ completed her pedorthics course in Chicago in the U.S.A and went on to complete her BTech Pod (SA) at the University of Johannesburg. She has a special interest in biomechanical gait assessments, sports podiatry,video gait analysis, pressure footscans and the manufacturing of foot orthotics, specialised footwear advice and prescriptions, and or custom shoe manufacturing as well as shoe modifications.
Some more of her special interests include diabetic foot care, ingrown nails and or painful lesion treatment.
FOOT PROBLEMS
Plantar Fasciitis
An inflammation on the bottom of the foot that leads to heel and/or arch pain. A variety of foot injuries or improper foot mechanics can lead to plantar fasciitis.
Treatments range from icing and foot exercises to the prescription of custom orthotics to correct the foot position and help alleviate pain.
Bunions
Misaligned big toe joints that swell and become tender, causing the first joint of the big toe to slant outward and the second joint to angle toward the other toes. Bunions tend to be hereditary, but can be aggravated by shoes that are too narrow in the forefoot and toe.
Hammertoes
Usually stemming from muscle imbalance, this condition occurs when the toe is bent into a claw-like position. Hammertoe can affect any toe, but most frequently occurs to the second toe, when a bunion slants the big toe toward and under it. Selecting shoes and socks that do not cramp the toes may help alleviate any aggravation of pain or discomfort.
Heel Spurs
Growths of bone on the underside, forepart of the heel bone. Heel spurs occur when the plantar tendon pulls at its attachment to the heel bone. This area of the heel later calcifies to form a spur. Proper warm-up and the use of appropriate athletic shoes can reduce the strain to the ligament and prevent the formation of heel spurs.
Ingrown Toenails
Toenails with corners or sides that dig painfully into the skin. Ingrown toenails are usually caused by improper nail trimming, but can also result from shoe pressure, injury, fungus infection, heredity, and poor foot structure. Women are more likely to have ingrown toenails than men. The problem can be prevented by trimming toenails straight across, selecting proper shoe styles and sizes, and responding to foot pain in a timely manner.
Neuromas
Enlarged benign growths of nerves, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. Neuromas are caused by tissue rubbing against and irritating the nerves. Pressure from ill-fitting shoes or abnormal bone structure can also lead to this condition. Depending on the severity, treatments may include orthotics (shoe inserts), cortisone injections, and, in extreme cases, surgical removal of the growth.
Sesamoiditis
An inflammation or rupture of the two small bones (known as sesamoids) under the first metatarsal bone. Proper shoe selection and orthotics can help.
Shin Splints
Pain on either side of the leg bone caused by muscle or tendon inflammation. Shin splints are related to excessive foot pronation, but also may be related to a muscle imbalance between opposing muscle groups in the leg. Proper stretching before and after exercise and corrective orthotics for pronation can help prevent shin splints.
Stress Fractures
Incomplete cracks in bone caused by overuse. With complete rest, stress fractures in toes or any bones of the foot heal quickly. Extra padding in shoes can help prevent the condition. Left untreated, stress fractures may become complete bone fractures, which require casting and immobilization.
Diabetic related foot conditions
Most commonly diabetics will develop foot ulceration.
Burning Feet
Burning feet are a common complaint among many groups of people, most commonly those over 50 years of age and in diabetics. There are many causes. Heavy alcohol use may lead to the condition. Neuropathy and loss of sensation often are contributors as well. Other causes include thyroid dysfunction and gastric restriction in obesity. Some infectious diseases, such as leishmaniasis, a rarely reported neurologic change secondary to a bacteria, also may cause burning feet. Treatments vary, depending on the cause of the burning foot syndrome. Diagnostic tests often are performed before a diagnosis is made.
Nail Fungus
Treatment of nail fungus with laser therapy is an effective and safe solution with no side effects.
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