Podiatrists are specialised healthcare professionals trained to prevent, diagnose and manage conditions affecting the lower limbs, particularly the foot and ankle.
Regular visits to a podiatrist, ideally at least once a year, are essential for maintaining the health of your feet, especially if you have underlying health conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, poor circulation or reduced protective sensation.
Signs you need to see a podiatrist:
- Thickened or discoloured toenails: This may result from aging, fungal infections, nail trauma, or other health conditions such as diabetes. A podiatrist can diagnose the cause and provide appropriate treatment, including trimming, filing or medications.
- Ingrown toenails: If left untreated, ingrown toenails can be painful and lead to infections. Mild cases can be relieved by carefully removing the nail spikes or applying a painless nail brace (Onyfix). Persistent or severe cases might require partial nail avulsion (PNA) surgery to remove a portion of the nail from the side and prevent it from growing underneath the skin.
- Calluses, corns or cracked heels: Dry skin can lead to thickened skin or cracked heels, which can become incredibly painful. A podiatrist can treat these conditions and provide advice on preventing them in the future.
- Warts: Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can look similar to corns, but they normally have a rough, cauliflower-like appearance along with black dots. If left untreated, warts can grow in size and spread to other areas.
- Persistent foot and ankle pain: Occasional discomfort after a long day may be normal, but regular or severe foot pain is not. At Highett Podiatry, we can diagnose the cause and provide different treatment options to relieve your pain, including soft tissue massage, dry needling, sports taping, footwear advice, strengthening programs, orthotic therapy and cupping.
- Lower limb injuries: A podiatrist or other trained professionals should assess sprains, fractures, and other lower limb injuries to ensure proper healing and prevent long-term issues. Our podiatrists can immobilise your injury by strapping, bracing, or placing you in a CAM walker. Soft tissue therapy in the form of ultrasound, deep tissue massage and dry needling is also available.
- Numbness or tingling in feet: These can be nerve damage symptoms, often related to conditions like diabetes or even more serious underlying problems such as peripheral neuropathy or vascular disease. Remember to conduct daily foot inspections for cuts, abrasions, or other foot complications. It is also important to wear protective and supportive footwear, even indoors!
- Infections: Conditions like diabetes, poor circulation, or nerve damage increase the risk of infections and poor wound healing. Proper treatment and regular podiatric check-ups are important to prevent complications.
- Chronic Health Conditions: If you have diabetes, arthritis, or other chronic conditions, make sure you get your feet checked regularly. These conditions can affect circulation, nerve function and skin integrity, making you more prone to foot problems.
- Footwear issues: If you have trouble finding supportive or comfortable shoes that fit your foot type, our friendly podiatrists can recommend appropriate footwear and custom orthotics.
Your feet are the foundation of your mobility, and keeping them healthy is essential for your overall well-being. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above or haven’t had your feet checked in a while, scheduling an appointment with a podiatrist is a good idea. Regular podiatric check-ups allow for early detection of issues that may not yet be causing noticeable symptoms but could lead to significant problems if left untreated.