02 Jun What do podiatrists do?
Introduction to podiatrists:
Podiatrists treat foot conditions including toenails and skin concerns. Podiatrists diagnose and treat foot and ankle pain including injuries and arthritis and assess whether foot posture and function is contributing towards knee,
pelvis and/or lower back pain.
Nail conditions most seen by podiatrists and how they may be treated:
Fungal nails:
Fungal nails are a very common concern and for some people can be an issue for years. Fungal
nail will not usually get better by itself and will keep recurring unless it is appropriately treated.
Fungal nails usually appear discoloured, thickened, and will get thicker and thicker over the
years. They can be difficult to cut and are generally troublesome due to their bulk and
tendency to in-grow as well as many people find them unsightly. A podiatrist can make the nail
feel immediately more comfortable by reducing and thinning it, which as well as improving the
appearance, is the first step needed for successful treatment and resolution. A podiatrist will
discuss and advise on the different treatment options to eradicate the fungal nail. There is no
down time, treatment is painless and with immediate improvements to comfort and aesthetics!
Ingrown nails:
In-growing toenails can usually be quickly dealt with by removing the ingrowing edge which
brings immediate relief. Occasionally nail surgery may be recommended, but most commonly
the problem nail just needs regular and correct cutting.
Podiatrists and skin conditions:
Corn and callus:
Corn and callus are usually uncomfortable, sometimes very painful. Removal is quick, painless,
brings immediate relief, and is cosmetically pleasing. The podiatrist can advise on long term
strategies to prevent or reduce recurrence. Painless, no downtime, immediate improvement.
Tinea/Athletes Foot:
Tinea/athletes foot, dry skin, sweaty skin, itchy skin, all types of skin conditions. Podiatrists
can treat and advise how to resolve these issues and discuss options for long term
management.
Cracked Heels:
Cracked heels, often uncomfortable/painful and unsightly. In most cases the podiatrist can
painlessly remove the hard dead tissue which has formed the cracks, revealing smooth soft
comfortable skin. This may sometimes it may take a couple of visits but again, painless, no
down time and instant improvement. The podiatrists can discuss prevention and long-term
management.
Podiatrists and Diabetes:
Podiatrists are experts on diabetic foot care and can provide in depth advice and education to
prevent diabetic foot issues such as neuropathy (nerve damage), foot ulcers and amputations.
Diabetic education is especially important for people newly diagnosed with diabetes as
prevention of diabetic foot conditions is preferable to management of issues once they occur,
however whatever the stage of diabetic foot issues, podiatry can play a major role in
maintaining optimum foot health.
Foot pain and biomechanics:
Examples of foot pain may be pain around the joints of the feet and toes, in the tarsal bones or
ankles. Examples of nonspecific pain may be arch pain or pain on the “balls” of the foot.
Another very common presentation is heel pain and plantar fasciitis.
Whether from an injury (old or new), from overuse, from arthritis or where pain just seemed to
start from out of the blue, a podiatry foot assessment can usually identify the factors causing
the problem and provide treatment, options, and recommendations towards resolution.
Options and recommendations may include gait analysis, footwear advice, orthotic therapy,
and specific exercises.
Podiatrists for children:
Children see podiatrists too!!
Children frequently get verrucae. Podiatrist can treat verrucae and advise on methods to get rid
of the verrucae. Painless and with immediate improvements to the foot comfort.
Podiatrists can assess concerns of gait such as in toeing, out toeing, toe walking and concerns
about “flat-feet”.
FOr more information or to book a podiarty initial assessment book online or call (02) 9252 2825.
Post by: Podiatrist Donna Davies