There are many medical conditions associated with the foot, ankle, and lower leg that podiatrists treat.
Many people do not consider visiting a podiatrist until they have a foot or ankle condition that necessitates specialised care. If you’ve never considered seeing a podiatrist, you’re likely missing out on critical foot care.
When it comes to assessing and managing foot pain and problems, a podiatrist is well-equipped to help you get back on track.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms below, you may want to visit a podiatrist for treatment!
1. Pain, numbness or swelling in one foot
Sudden pain, swelling, or numbness in one foot for no apparent reason can be a sign of a severe problem and a trip to the podiatrist would be recommended.
2. Shin splints
There are numerous causes for shin splints, and you can be confident that your podiatrist will quickly identify the source of your pain and devise an individually tailored treatment plan.
3. Sports players
A podiatrist can help you keep your feet healthy to limit impairing your performance. Do not put off seeking the advice and care of a podiatrist until an injury has occurred. Preventative care is always the best option.
4. Flat feet
Flat feet can negatively impact the health of your feet and create several uncomfortable symptoms. Consult a podiatrist if you have foot pain or suspect you have flat feet.
5. Knee and back pain
Our feet’ movement and interaction with the ground below can significantly impact the loads transferred to our knees and back. A podiatrist will investigate the loading from down at the foot level.
6. Heel pain
Different factors can cause heel pain. The goal of a podiatrist’s examination and x-rays is to identify the origin of heel pain and develop a treatment plan.
7. Repeated ankle sprains
If you suffer from recurrent sprains, we will work with you to identify the causes and prevent them from happening in the future. This will allow you to move with confidence and reduce your risk of joints stiffening up and causing more problems.
8. Arthritis
A podiatrist can assess whether your feet have been affected by arthritis by seeing you regularly. Maintaining your feet’s health and staying symptom-free for as long as possible is feasible with the help of your podiatrist.
9. Running
Consult a podiatrist and learn how you can improve efficiency, reduce risks of injury using the necessary running shoes, insoles, or bracing.
10. Diabetics
Diabetics Australia recommends seeing a podiatrist at least once per year for a diabetes foot risk assessment. If you know what to look for, you can reduce the risk of complications associated with diabetes and your feet.
11. Corns and callus
Corns and calluses are hard, often painful lesions that your podiatrist can easily remove and are often prevented from recurring with some clever pressure care and improved skin integrity.
12. Lifestyle change
If you changed your routine by starting at the gym, getting a new job, taking up a new hobby, or becoming pregnant, your feet might have suffered as a result. These lifestyle changes have a significant impact on your foot health. If you are experiencing foot or ankle pain due to a lifestyle change, see a podiatrist before the symptoms persist.
13. Smoking
A smoking habit can have debilitating effects on the feet. Many of these conditions can be reduced and prevented by seeing a podiatrist.
14. Athletes’ foot
A podiatrist can prescribe a more effective cream or oral medication and check for possible infection to address reoccurring athletes’ foot.
15. Dry skin
There are many reasons why your skin could be dryer than the next person’s. Often these reasons can be countered with some simple techniques at home and a quick trip to your podiatrist.
16. Ingrown toenails
It is common for ingrown toenails to become infected and need medical attention. An appointment with your podiatrist can resolve pain, infections, and disability.
17. Nail fungus
If left untreated, you risk spreading the infection to other toenails, making the nails thick and discoloured.
18. Old injury
Have a podiatrist evaluate your symptoms if you recently had a foot injury, even if it was a long time ago. You may need further treatment to correct the issue resulting from your old injury.
19. Bunions
Bunions are a common foot deformity that can cause pain and discomfort if left untreated. The condition is often hereditary, but wearing tight or high-heeled shoes can make them worse by increasing pressure on your feet. It’s also possible for bunions to form after an injury or arthritis causes changes in how you walk or stand. Consulting with a podiatrist may help you find the correct solution to your problem.
Final thoughts on Seeing a Podiatrist
An appointment with a podiatrist is your best option if you have any issues with your feet or ankles, such as a sports injury, arthritis, joint pain, skin or nail problems.
If you think continuous foot pain is normal, it’s not. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s time to see a podiatrist.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, book an appointment with one of our podiatrists at Super Foot Podiatry, now consulting from Australian Sports Physiotherapy today!
