Podiatry

What is podiatry?

Podiatry deals with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of medical and surgical conditions of the feet and lower limbs. The conditions podiatrists treat include those resulting from bone and joint disorders such as arthritis and soft-tissue and muscular pathologies, as well as neurological and circulatory disease. Podiatrists are also able to diagnose and treat any complications of the above which affect the lower limb, including skin and nail disorders, corns, calluses and ingrown toenails. Foot injuries and infections gained through sport or other activities are also diagnosed and treated by podiatrists.

Healthy feet are an important part of your overall wellbeing. Foot problems can have a huge impact on your quality of life.

Podiatrists are experts in foot, ankle and lower limb health.

 

What conditions can podiatry treat?

Podiatry can treat the following lower limb issues:

  • Chronic heel pain (plantar fasciitis and heel spurs)
  • Shin pain (shin splints)
  • Achilles tendonitis
  • Nerve pain
  • Stress fracture and fracture management
  • Ingrown toenails 
  • Thickened toenails
  • Mycosis nails
  • Muscular tension, imbalance or weakness
  • Bunions
  • Plantar warts
  • Children’s foot issues

They can help to prevent, diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions including:

They can also treat foot problems that arise from underlying medical conditions such as diabetes and arthritis.

Podiatry helps improve feet health through prevention and podiatry treatment problems such as the following:

  • Foot and leg injuries or pain.
  • Shin splints
  • Heel pain
  • Bunions
  • Bone fractures
  • Athlete’s foot and fungal infections
  • Ingrown nails
  • Blisters, corns, calluses, and warts
  • Children’s foot issues

 

What are the benefits of podiatry?

There are many health benefits associated with podiatry. These include:

  • Preventing future foot problems
  • Extensive knowledge on the internal and external make-up of feet and lower limbs
  • Specialised approach to diagnoses and treatments as compared to general practitioners
  • No need for referrals and going around different consultations
  • Tailored advice for long-term foot health

 

Fun facts

  • Our feet are made up of 52 bones and a network of muscles, joints and ligaments.
  • Research has shown in Australia 63% of people suffer foot pain, over two thirds of those, in the last 12 months. Yet only 2 out of every 5 people sought professional treatment of their problem.