The most common pathologies that can be resolved at an early age are:

• Flat feet.
• Walk with your feet facing inward or outward.
• Tiptoe march.
• Deformities in the fingers (overlapping, misaligned…).
• Knockout legs (Genu valgum).
• Differences in length of the lower limbs.

It is also vital to highlight the importance of podiatry for children who play soccer, since they are more prone to certain pathologies.

Sports podiatry

Sports podiatry encompasses both the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of ankle and foot injuries in athletes or future athletes. In addition to treating the lower limb, it also provides advice on appropriate footwear for the type of activity and muscle conditioning exercises.

In our Podiatry Unit, we not only treat foot and ankle injuries, but we can also prevent knee, hip, and lower back problems.

A rigorous study of the gait and movements of the lower limbs helps us understand athletic gestures and improve performance, preventing potential injuries and treating existing ones.

Geriatric podiatry

Older adults are the ones who need the most help from healthcare professionals, as their anatomy and biomechanics deteriorate during old age, making them susceptible to a series of specific foot conditions. These changes occur with age and cannot be prevented, but they can be improved, thus improving their quality of life and preventing them from becoming incapacitated in their daily lives.

Some of the conditions that are related to age are:

• Thickened nails.
• Arthritis.
• Ingrown toenails.
• Diabetic foot ulcers.

Podiatry for pregnant women

Pregnancy triggers many different changes in a woman’s body. In a relatively short period of time, significant weight gain occurs, causing swelling and pain due to unbalanced loads and the added pressure placed on the knees and feet.

Some of the most common problems in pregnant women are:

• Excessive pronation (turning the feet further inwards).
• Edema (swelling).
• Pain in the heels.
• Existing conditions, such as bunions, are also aggravated.

At Policlínica del Río-Hortega, we advise you on how to improve edema and effectively treat other problems through the use of insoles and appropriate footwear, providing additional support and shock absorption, thereby slowing the onset of other possible pathologies such as plantar fasciitis, bunion enlargement, or metatarsalgia (pain in the ball of the foot).