Aching feel may not feel like a reason to go get professional help. It's easy to fall into the trap of believing that your feet take a beating and that resulting pain is no big deal. Taking care of your feet can be a difference-maker, and you should consider talking with a doctor about these three possible podiatry issues.

Athletic Injuries

Despite the famous claim of "no pain, no gain," the reality is that pain is always your body trying to tell you something important. The appearance of blisters following exercise, for example, is a sign that something isn't quite working right. It may be your shoes or socks, or it may even be how you run. A doctor can help you identify the problem, remedy it and make sure you're getting in a more effective workout. Similar problems include plantar fasciitis, athlete's foot, corns, and bunions.

Less common injuries can occur in athletes and performers, too. Sesamoiditis, for example, appears in both baseball catchers and ballerinas. It's a form of bone inflammation that occurs when tendons attach to the big toes are overworked.

Occupation Issues

Many of the same problems that bring people to podiatry clinics for athletic issues appear as work-related injuries. Especially if you have a job where you stand or walk all day, you can form longer-developing versions of the same injuries. In addition, people who sit a lot can encounter problems like gout and arthritis.

Age-Related Podiatry Needs

A lot of age-related issues, even ones that aren't thought of as foot problems, can appear in the feet. Swelling feet may be a sign of heart disease. Neuropathy in the feet may indicate the onset of diabetes. If you're seeing any slow-healing wounds on your feet, you'll want to consult a doctor as soon as possible.

One surprising issue people encounter is a condition known as claw toes. This is when toes curl up under the feet like a bird's claws. Although this can appear as early as birth, it's often a sign of arthritis or diabetes in older people. Solutions range from medication and physical therapy to surgery.

When to Visit a Doctor

The first remedy worth trying is rest, and many people try cold compresses and pain relievers. If issues don't mellow out with 72 hours, then it is probably time to start looking for a podiatry clinic like Scola Podiatry in your area.