When it comes to foot problems, people tend to ignore them until they develop excruciating pain. This is not advisable because if they are left to become exacerbated, you could end up dealing with a larger medical problem. There are an array of reasons why you may develop problems with your feet. These range from being hereditary to simply being caused by trauma. Here are some of the common reasons why you should visit a podiatrist.

Hammertoes

Hammertoes begin to form when the ligaments in your toes start shortening over time. They are characterized by all your toes, excluding the big toe, bending at the middle joint thus giving them the appearance of the stubby side of a hammer. This condition will typically arise in people who do not wear shoes that properly fit them. Since the toes do not have much wiggle room, the ligaments start receding. If left untreated, this ailment leads to chronic pain and eventual surgery to rectify the problem.

Bunions

This will typically occur at the base of your big toe. As it leans toward the adjacent toe, the joint begins to swell and become inflamed. Although commonly a hereditary ailment, bunions can also be caused by trauma, arthritis, some congenital defects and more. Once you notice the onset of a bunion, it is best to visit a podiatrist so that they may establish its cause. The sooner this is done, the better the chances of getting on a course of treatment that may not have to involve surgery.

Bacterial infections

One of the most common bacterial infections that people's feet will suffer from is athlete's foot. Athlete's foot tends to develop when your feet are constantly in a warm, dark and moist environment. Thus, people who are constantly in socks and not aerating their feet sufficiently will generally experience it. Since the feet stay constantly covered, it makes the space between your toes and the bottom of your feet a prime breeding environment for fungi and bacteria. Some of the symptoms associated with athlete's foot include redness caused by inflammation, itching or a burning sensation. A podiatrist will typically recommend an antifungal cream to counter this and will recommend airing your feet for extended periods.

Ingrown nails

These occur if you fail to cut your nails appropriately. As such, the nail starts growing into the skin rather than out and can prove to be quite painful. If left unchecked, it can lead to a bacterial infection thus needs to be attended to by a podiatrist at your nearest convenience.