Foot issues often become debilitating if they’re not addressed early on. A podiatrist can help you find relief and prevent further issues from developing.
As the old saying goes, ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.’ A podiatrist can keep your feet strong and healthy, so they’re ready to carry you through life.
Pain Relief
Whether you have pain or a condition like bunions, heel spurs or a corn on your foot, a podiatrist can provide relief. Podiatrists are highly trained in conducting a comprehensive assessment and evaluation of your feet and ankles. They will take into consideration your medical history, lifestyle and any other factors that may be causing or contributing to your problem, which can help them come up with an effective treatment plan.
The feet and ankles are complex structures with 26 bones, 33 joints and over 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments. The right care and attention can help prevent foot-related problems that can interfere with your daily activities. Seeing a podiatrist on a regular basis can keep your feet in optimal health and reduce the risk of serious complications.
A podiatrist is a specialist in the lower extremities, which means they understand foot and ankle conditions in a way that no other healthcare professional can. Their tertiary education focuses solely on the feet and lower legs, which allows them to diagnose even the most obscure foot-related issues that can impact your overall health.
Podiatrists are also skilled in managing sports-related foot and ankle injuries, helping athletes recover quickly so they can return to their favourite physical activities. They are also experienced in providing guidance on proper footwear selection that will protect the feet while promoting flexibility and preventing injury.
Prevention
Just like you go to your dentist for regular checkups to prevent cavities and gum disease, visiting a podiatrist can also help keep your feet healthy. A podiatrist can offer advice on hygienic practices and proper footwear to reduce the risk of developing fungal infections or ingrown toenails. In addition, they can help you determine if your feet require extra support or a change in the way you walk to decrease the likelihood of injury and improve your balance and mobility.
If you notice a sudden increase in the size of your feet, numbness or tingling, pain, or changes to the appearance of your nails, it’s important to see a podiatrist as soon as possible. Addressing these symptoms early on can help to avoid more serious injuries and conditions such as diabetic foot care or arthritis (Cleveland Clinic, n.d).
The feet are an integral part of the body, so it’s important to keep them as strong and healthy as possible. Regular visits to a podiatrist can ensure that your feet are well supported and healthy, whether you have a chronic condition or not. For example, if you suffer from diabetes, your podiatrist can teach you how to better manage your foot care so that you don’t experience more severe complications such as neuropathy, foot ulcers and poor circulation in your feet and legs.
Diagnosis
Your Podiatrists are experts in the lower extremities. They know your feet better than anyone, which means they can help you solve your foot problems and prevent other health issues from developing. For example, if you have chronic heel pain that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter treatments, a podiatrist may be able to prescribe more potent topical or oral medications. They can also provide you with expert advice on good foot hygiene and exercise to promote healthy feet.
In addition to treating foot-related conditions, podiatrists can also help with conditions that are caused by other medical issues, including diabetes and arthritis. They can recommend customised shoe inserts, physical therapy and/or orthotic devices to improve your daily quality of life.
If you have diabetes, regular visits to a podiatrist can help you maintain the best possible level of foot care and avoid serious complications such as infection or slow-healing wounds. They can also help with other underlying medical conditions that affect the lower extremities, such as neuropathy or peripheral vascular disease.
A podiatrist is an allied healthcare professional with tertiary qualifications and years of study focused on the feet, ankles and lower legs. They’re ideally positioned to diagnose and treat conditions that can often go untreated or overlooked, especially those that are difficult to assess. Untreated foot and ankle problems can cause pain, loss of mobility and lead to other more serious health concerns, so seeing a podiatrist is the best way to stay healthy and active.
Treatment
With 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments, the feet and ankles are highly complex anatomical structures. A podiatrist specializes in treating issues with these structures, including bunions, hammertoes, fungal infections, ingrown toenails, and heel pain.
Regular foot exams are also critical for diabetic patients. These examinations help catch issues, such as foot ulcers, in their early stages, reducing the risk of infection and even amputation.
If you experience swelling, a numbness, or a tingling sensation in your feet and legs, this could be a sign of poor circulation or nerve damage, often associated with diabetes or neuropathy. Podiatrists in Balwyn north podiatry clinic are trained to spot these issues, and they can offer immediate relief as well as guidance on preventing recurrence.
Podiatrists can also provide guidance on general foot care, including wearing comfortable shoes that are the correct size and providing support for your feet. They can also recommend stretches or exercises to strengthen your feet and ankles. They can also prescribe orthotic devices, splints, or in severe cases surgery to treat specific conditions. In addition, a podiatrist can assess and treat chronic wounds, often associated with complications from diabetes or poor wound healing due to other health concerns. They can also manage vascular diseases that affect the feet, such as peripheral artery disease. They can also refer patients to a specialist for more advanced treatment options if necessary.