Tag Archive for: podiatrist

People often think that podiatrists are only concerned with issues relating to the feet, toes and toenails when they hear the term podiatrist. Although foot care is an important aspect of podiatry the role of the podiatrist goes beyond foot problems.

Podiatrists have been trained to diagnose and treat conditions that affect the lower legs, feet and ankles. It is important to note that podiatric treatment may include problems or pain around the ankle, lower leg or foot.

A Perth podiatrist can help you determine if the pain you’re experiencing is coming from your feet, or a different part of your lower leg.

What does a podiatrist actually treat?

Podiatrists, who are allied healthcare professionals, specialize in the health and well-being of feet and lower legs. Healthdirect Australia states that podiatrists are able to diagnose and treat foot, ankle, and lower limb conditions.

The following are some of the most common problems that they deal with:

• Heel and Arch Pain
• Plantar fasciitis
• Bunions
• Calluses and corns
• Ingrown toenails
• Nail problems caused by fungi
• Plantar warts
• Foot and ankle injuries caused by sports
• Sprains and other injuries
• Balance and walking difficulties
• Diabetes and foot problems
• Arthritis and its complications
• Foot skin disorders

The treatment provided can vary depending on the area of expertise, training and scope of practice of the podiatrist.

What are the treatments for ankle problems by podiatrists?

No, podiatry does not only deal with the feet. Problems in the ankle can affect the way the foot works.

An ankle injury, for example, can alter the way you walk. In turn, the altered walking mechanics can place more pressure on your heel, toes, or arch.

Your symptoms may be caused by your footwear, walking patterns, foot position, strength, or movement. A podiatrist will assess these factors.

Not all ankle problems are best treated by a sole podiatrist. A doctor, orthopaedic surgeon or other healthcare professional may need to assess more serious injuries, fractures, or conditions that require surgical management. Healthdirect states that orthopaedic and physiotherapists are often involved in the management of ankle and musculoskeletal issues.

What about the lower leg?

The lower leg can be treated by a podiatrist, especially if the problem is related to the foot, walking mechanics, or lower-limb movements.

When walking or running, a problem with the foot’s position or movement can affect the way forces are transmitted through the lower leg and ankle.

It is especially important for those who are involved in sports. Running, jumping and changing directions repeatedly can put a lot of stress on your feet.

A podiatrist will assess the way your lower limbs and feet function when you move and may suggest changes, such as orthotics, footwear modifications, or exercises.

Can a Podiatrist Treat Sports Injuries?

Another area in which podiatry may be useful is sports injuries.

Running and other high impact activities place repeated load on the legs and feet. Athletes and recreational sport participants can experience problems such as heel and ankle pain, overuse injury, and ankle sprains.

The podiatrist will look at more than just the area of pain. They may not just treat the area of pain, but also consider other factors.

• Foot structure
• Running or walking mechanics
• Footwear
• Training habits
• Muscle flexibility and strength
• Previous injuries
• How the foot moves when you are active

This assessment will help you identify the factors that could be contributing to your symptoms.

A multidisciplinary approach can help an athlete with persistent lower-limb or foot pain. Consulting a Perth podiatrist is one way to get back on track.

Can Podiatrists treat problems caused by other health conditions?

Yes. Yes.

Diabetes is an example. Diabetes can affect the nerves and circulation which increases the risk of foot injury, ulcers, and infection. Diabetes can also cause changes to the skin and toenails of diabetics.

Arthritis may also affect your feet and ankles. This can cause pain, stiffness, and even changes in your movement.

In such situations, podiatry may be incorporated into a patient’s overall healthcare plan. A podiatrist can monitor feet, give advice on foot care and identify any problems that require further medical attention.

It does not mean a podiatrist will replace your doctor or specialist. Instead, podiatrists work with other healthcare professionals to treat conditions that affect multiple parts of the human body.

Can a Podiatrist treat knee or hip problems?

Here’s where you can get more specific.

For conditions that affect the hip or the knee, a podiatrist will not provide the same treatment as an orthopaedic surgeon or physiotherapist. The way that your lower limbs and feet function can affect movement in the entire leg.

Changes in walking mechanics or foot position can alter the distribution of forces through the lower leg.

When evaluating a patient’s movements, a podiatrist can take into account the relationship between foot, ankle, and lower limb.

If you have symptoms that seem to be primarily coming from your knee, hip or back, the podiatrist might recommend another healthcare professional.

What treatments can a podiatrist provide?

Treatment is dependent on the patient’s condition and individual needs. A podiatrist might recommend conservative treatments such as:

• Footwear Advice
• Exercise programs
• Stretching and strengthening exercises
• Custom orthotics
• Techniques of padding or offloading
• Nail and skin care
• Advice on activity modification
• Foot problems are a common problem that requires management.
• Referral to another healthcare professional

Healthdirect notes that, depending on the condition, podiatrists can prescribe specific exercises or custom-made shoe inserts as well as certain medications or topical treatments.

In certain circumstances, podiatry can also include more advanced treatments. The podiatrist’s qualification, registration and scope will determine the options available.

When Should You Visit a Podiatrist

It is not necessary to wait for severe foot pain before consulting a professional.

If you suffer from:

• Foot or ankle pain that persists
• Ankle problems that recur
• Walking or exercising can cause pain
• The painful bunion
• Calluses or corns that recur
• An ingrown toenail
• Toenails and foot skin changes
• Plantar warts
• The arch or heel pain
• Finding comfortable shoes can be difficult
• Balance or walking problems
• Diabetes or arthritis can cause foot problems

Healthdirect recommends visiting a podiatrist if you have any foot, ankle or lower-limb issues, such as pain, injuries, changes in the skin, nails, and balance, and conditions like diabetes and arthritis.

How to choose a podiatrist in Perth

It is crucial to choose the right Perth practitioner if you are experiencing a foot or ankle problem.

Find a podiatrist who has experience in the area of concern. Some podiatrists specialize in other areas, including sports podiatry or diabetic foot care.

Explain when the problem began, how it has improved or deteriorated, and if it is affecting your daily activities, walking, your work, or your exercise. It is also helpful to bring your regular shoes because they may be contributing to foot and lower-limb issues.

Bottom Line

Does a foot specialist only treat the feet?

No. Although they are primarily foot specialists, their care may extend to the lower limbs and ankles. Podiatrists can treat a variety of issues, including everyday problems such as calluses and ingrown toenails, as well as sports injuries, walking difficulties, and foot complications caused by conditions like diabetes.

Nevertheless, podiatry is a separate field of medicine. Some conditions require a GP or physiotherapist. Others may need an orthopaedic surgery, dermatologist, dermatologist, or other healthcare professionals. In many cases, healthcare professionals will work together to deliver the best care.

A qualified podiatrist in perth can help you determine what is causing your pain and which treatment options are best for you.