{"id":14251,"date":"2022-02-10T11:16:53","date_gmt":"2022-02-10T10:16:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/clinicadelriohortega.es\/chiropody\/tratamientos-podologia\/"},"modified":"2025-05-05T16:13:38","modified_gmt":"2025-05-05T15:13:38","slug":"podiatry-treatments","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/clinicadelriohortega.es\/en\/chiropody\/podiatry-treatments\/","title":{"rendered":"General treatments"},"content":{"rendered":"

Podiatry treatments in Santa Pola<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n<\/div>

PODIATRY CLINIC IN SANTA POLA<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>

Our goal is to prevent, diagnose, and treat foot problems,<\/strong> which are often related to knee, hip, and back pain.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The podiatrist<\/strong>, like the rest of health professionals, must have the degree that enables him to practice podiatry, for which he prepares for years at the university acquiring specific knowledge in his branch, such as: anatomy, physiology, biology, bioethics, general, pediatric, geriatric and sports podiatry as well as diabetic foot and surgery.<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

At Policl\u00ednica del R\u00edo-Hortega, we work in a multidisciplinary manner, if necessary, to address certain treatments with other healthcare professionals, such as our Physiotherapy Unit<\/a> or Nutrition and Dietetics Unit.<\/a><\/span><\/span> Teamwork and treating the pathology from different professional perspectives are, in most cases, the key to success.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Pedicure<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h3><\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Chiropody is the most common treatment in podiatry practices<\/strong>.<\/span><\/span> It involves removing hyperkeratosis from the feet and improving nail health by delaminating and milling them.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Diffuse keratoses, which are hard, painless skin, are typical, but we also often suffer from localized hyperkeratosis, which can be very painful.<\/span><\/span> These are more influenced by bone factors, and to permanently resolve them, in addition to extensive chiropody, we can resort to insoles or MIS (minimal incision surgery).<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Quiropodia-podologia-policlinica-del-rio-hortega-santa-pola\"<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>HYPERKERATOSIS<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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Hyperkeratosis is a thickening of the skin (corns, calluses, corns, etc.)<\/strong> caused by an increase in the accumulation of dead skin cells in a localized area.<\/span><\/span> It is caused by excess pressure from poor bone alignment, along with the displacement of the layer of fat that cushions the sole of the foot, and is also related to the use of inappropriate footwear.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Biomechanical Exploration<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h3><\/h1><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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By properly studying your gait<\/strong>, we can prevent osteoarticular, muscular, and ligament injuries such as sprains, fasciitis, muscle strain, pain in the forefoot, lower back pain, tendonitis, and knee pain, because poor foot support can lead to knee pain in the upper areas.<\/span><\/span> We also look for possible dissymmetries, which are differences in length between one leg and the other.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>BIOMECHANICAL EVALUATION<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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A biomechanical evaluation consists of an analysis of the footfall and gait to determine the joint, muscle, and ligament condition of the lower limbs and how they interact with other parts of the body. This allows us to determine whether a pathology exists or could develop in the future, as well as the most appropriate treatment.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The biomechanical evaluation consists of several steps<\/strong>:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Anamnesis: This is the conversation with our patients before the study, which aims to understand the reason for the visit, the origin of the ailment, and the needs of each patient.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Examination on the table: Joint condition and range of motion in the ankle, knee, and hip are assessed.<\/span><\/span> Limitations in these areas guide us toward the cause of the pathology.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Weight-bearing examination: Standing allows us to better understand how the muscle groups of the lower limbs are activated and the flexibility we have to move them.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Footprint study on our pressure platform: On it we see the points of maximum pressure\/support on the feet and the position of our body’s center of gravity, which must be centered.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Dynamic analysis: We observe how the foot, ankle, knee, and hips move during walking, allowing us to analyze the compensations that arise from certain pathologies and the pathologies that arise from compensating for certain biomechanical deficiencies.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

    Templates<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h3><\/h1><\/div><\/div><\/div>

    Insoles are special orthotic devices<\/strong> used to treat various foot disorders, helping to correct abnormal function while walking.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

    Before prescribing custom insoles, a biomechanical evaluation<\/a> must be performed, which consists of a thorough examination of the lower limbs (hip, thigh, knee, leg, ankle and foot) in static and dynamic conditions, to determine the cause of our condition.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    After the examination and with a clear diagnosis, a phenolic foam mold is taken.<\/span><\/span> These foams are sent to a partner company to create the templates using CAD\/CAM (Computer-Aided Design and Machining) technology, manufacturing them with the finest materials.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    Once delivered, we provide free periodic check-ups for all our patients<\/strong>, in which we examine the improvement and evolution of the pathology and evaluate the continuation or change of treatment.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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    Plantar Warts<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h3><\/h1><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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    Plantar warts<\/strong> are small benign tumors caused by HPV (human papillomavirus).<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    There are more than 100 different types of HPV.<\/span><\/span> Depending on the type we contract, we will develop warts on different areas of the body, including the feet.<\/span><\/span> Plantar warts cause thickening of the skin, similar to hyperkeratosis, so a thorough examination will ensure timely treatment and prevent infection to others.<\/span><\/span> They are also very painful and can occur more than one at a time.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

    <\/i><\/i><\/span>TREATMENT FOR PLANTAR WARTS (PAPILLOMAS)<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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    Policl\u00ednica del R\u00edo-Hortega has a podiatry<\/strong> unit where we provide personalized treatments based on the patient, the type of wart, its location, and its duration.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    Most people will experience an HPV infection at some point in their lives<\/strong>, but it’s usually fought off by the body’s immune system and can clear up on its own (of course, this isn’t just about cervical cancer, which requires screening and treatment).<\/span><\/span> The downside to HPV is that it’s highly contagious, which is why we recommend treatment.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    Infection can occur in swimming pools, gym showers, the shower at home… humid environments are the preferred habitats of this virus (as well as fungi), and its incubation period ranges from a few weeks to up to eight months.<\/span><\/span> It tends to surface when our immune system is low<\/strong>, which also makes it difficult to treat.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

    Bunions<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h3><\/h1><\/div><\/div><\/div>

    Bunions and hammer toes are treated according to their stage<\/strong>.<\/span><\/span> At the onset or earlier, if you know there’s a history of them in your family, it’s best to have a thorough biomechanical examination by a specialized podiatrist to determine the cause and apply the best treatment to prevent them from progressing.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

    If we have had a bunion for several years (if it is very painful or causes cosmetic discomfort), we will need good surgical guidance, just as with claw toes, since it is the only way to return the foot and toes to a proper shape.<\/span><\/span> Of course, a biomechanical examination will always be necessary (before and after surgery) to determine the cause and treat it as well.<\/span><\/span> There is no point in having surgery if we don’t treat the underlying cause, because the deformity will recur.<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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    Diabetic feet<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h3><\/h1><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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    The role of podiatry in diabetic foot care is essential<\/strong>.<\/span><\/span> If you are diabetic, at our podiatry unit in Santa Pola, we’ll teach you how to maintain optimal foot condition to prevent ulcers. We’ll teach you how to trim your nails properly, practice proper foot hygiene, learn which footwear is best for you, and advise you on the type of custom insole you need to optimize pressure distribution on your foot, contain deformities, and thus prevent the development of ulcers.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    Monthly nail care is very important for older diabetics (along with circulatory problems).<\/span><\/span> Nails grow more slowly and thicker, and we often find small ulcers beneath them that are not visible until we clean the nail.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

    <\/i><\/i><\/span>WHY DOES DIABETES AFFECT THE FEET?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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    Excess glucose (sugar) damages the blood vessels, which stop them from properly nourishing the rest of the foot’s structures, such as the skin and nerves. This affects circulation and sensitivity, which can lead to the development of ulcers as these are weakened.<\/span><\/span> If there are deformities in the toes, for example, which create excess pressure resulting in calluses, the skin is more exposed and eventually ulcerates in that area.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    Pay close attention to dry skin, fatigue when walking, lack of joint mobility, blisters, chafing or cuts, and ingrown toenails, which can cause the skin to break open and become infected.<\/span><\/span> Changes in skin color and temperature indicate infection.<\/span><\/span> Diabetes requires strict monitoring<\/strong> and the use of special creams to control dryness.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

    Nail Pathologies<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h3><\/h1><\/div><\/div><\/div>

    Nails can suffer from different conditions<\/strong> due to fungi, bacteria, poor morphology, age, poor footwear and some systemic diseases.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    Therefore, we must analyze and diagnose comprehensively, taking into account all the patient’s characteristics and history, in order to make a correct diagnosis and provide appropriate treatment.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    Most common nail conditions:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n