What a Podiatrist Does: More Than Just Toes!

You might think of a podiatrist when you have a stubborn verruca or an ingrown toenail. And while we certainly deal with those (and much more!), the world of podiatry is surprisingly broad and plays a vital role in keeping you mobile, comfortable, and healthy from the ground up.

So, what exactly does a podiatrist do? Let's delve into the fascinating scope of our profession:

We are Foot and Ankle Specialists:

At its core, podiatry is a branch of medicine devoted to the study, diagnosis, and medical and surgical treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle, and lower limb. Think of us as the specialists for everything below the knee!   

Our Expertise Covers a Wide Range of Conditions:

We see patients of all ages and backgrounds, dealing with a diverse array of issues, including:

• Skin and Nail Problems: This is often what people first associate with podiatry. We diagnose and treat conditions like:

  • Ingrown toenails

  • Fungal nail infections (onychomycosis)

  • Verrucae (warts)

  • Athlete's foot (tinea pedis)

  • Corns and calluses

  • Dry, cracked skin

• Musculoskeletal Issues: Your feet and ankles are complex structures with numerous bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. We address problems such as:

  • Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)

  • Achilles tendinitis

  • Ankle sprains and instability

  • Metatarsalgia (forefoot pain)

  • Bunions and hammertoes

  • Flat feet and high arches

• Biomechanical Problems and Gait Analysis: We assess how you walk and the mechanics of your feet and lower limbs. This helps us identify and treat issues contributing to pain in your feet, ankles, knees, hips, and even lower back. We may recommend:

  • Custom-made orthotics (shoe inserts)

  • Stretching and strengthening exercises

  • Advice on footwear

• Footwear Advice: We understand the crucial role shoes play in foot health and can provide guidance on selecting appropriate footwear for various activities and conditions.

• Management of Chronic Conditions: Podiatrists play a vital role in managing the foot health of individuals with chronic conditions like:

  • Diabetes (preventing and treating diabetic foot ulcers and neuropathy)

  • Arthritis (managing pain and maintaining mobility)

  • Poor circulation (addressing potential complications)

• Sports Injuries: Athletes often rely on podiatrists to diagnose and treat foot and ankle injuries, as well as to provide advice on injury prevention.

• Paediatric Podiatry: We also care for the feet of children, addressing issues like flat feet, in-toeing, and developmental concerns.

• Minor Surgical Procedures: Many podiatrists perform minor surgical procedures to address conditions like ingrown toenails, verrucae, and some soft tissue lesions.

Why See a Podiatrist?

Ignoring foot pain or discomfort can lead to more significant problems down the line, affecting your mobility, posture, and overall well-being. Consulting a podiatrist can help you:

• Get an accurate diagnosis: We have the expertise to identify the root cause of your foot and ankle problems.

• Receive effective treatment: We offer a range of treatments tailored to your specific needs.

• Prevent future problems: We can provide advice and strategies to keep your feet healthy and prevent issues from recurring.

• Improve your quality of life: By addressing foot pain and mobility issues, we can help you stay active and enjoy life to the fullest.

More Than Just a Foot Doctor:

While "foot doctor" is a common term, it doesn't fully encompass the breadth of our expertise. Podiatrists are highly trained healthcare professionals dedicated to the health and well-being of your feet and lower limbs. Visit our website here for further information about our treatments and to book in