What Is A Podiatrist & When Should I See One?

A podiatrist is a university-trained, registered healthcare professional, and a key member of the allied health workforce. Podiatrists are responsible for the diagnosis and management of disorders, injuries and pain affecting the foot, ankle and lower limbs.

What does a podiatrist do?

Conditions managed by podiatrists include sports and musculoskeletal disorders, injuries, growth and development conditions, chronic diseases such as arthritis, dermatological pathologies and neurological disease. This includes problems such as:

Persistent Foot Pain or Discomfort: If you have ongoing pain in your feet, ankles, or lower legs that doesn't improve with rest after a few days, a podiatrist can help diagnose and treat the issue.

Foot Deformities: & Arthritis Conditions like bunions, hammertoes, athritis or flat feet can worsen over time and become painful. A podiatrist can help diagnose your problem and provide solutions.

Ingrown Toenails or Fungal Infections: Recurring or severe toenail problems, like ingrown toenails or infections, benefit from a podiatrist’s care.

Diabetes: If you have diabetes, regular visits to a podiatrist are recommended to perform a diabetes foot assessment, your podiatrist will check your circulation and for any signs of nerve damage, which can lead to more serious complications.

Numbness, Tingling, or Swelling: These symptoms may indicate nerve issues, or circulation problems, or other underlying health concerns that should be evaluated.

Heel Pain or Plantar Fasciitis: Sharp heel pain, especially after resting or walking, can indicate plantar fasciitis or other conditions that a podiatrist can diagnose and treat.

Foot Injuries: If you experience sprains, fractures, or strains in your foot or ankle, a podiatrist can provide treatment and rehabilitation.

Corns, Calluses, or Warts: Over-the-counter treatments don't always work or are not always suitable for some individuals (such as those who have diabetes or at risk feet) a podiatrist can provide safe removal and solutions to help prevent the recurring.

Sports-Related Injuries: Athletes who experience repeated foot or ankle injuries may benefit from seeing a podiatrist to prevent future problems and receive custom treatment plans.

Who can a podiatrist help?

Podiatrists help people at all stages of life from both to old age. A podiatrist working within a paediatric scope will work with babies, children and adolescents through their developmental years. Some podiatrists develop specific skills that focus on exercise and sports-related injuries.

Podiatrists are essential members of the healthcare team, caring for people with chronic diseases.

Where do podiatrists work? 

Podiatrists work across all areas of the health sector; in private practice, community health services, hospitals, rural and remote outreach clinics, rehabilitation, residential aged care, disability sector and in people’s own homes.

Find a podiatrist near you Head to www.podiatry.org.au and select Find a Podiatrist to find a podiatrist near you.