FAQ
What do I need to know before seeing a podiatrist?
When visiting a podiatrist for the first time, you may feel apprehensive or even embarrassed. However, the first thing to know is that there is nothing to be nervous about – podiatrists look at feet on a daily basis, so this is nothing new to them.
You don’t need to try and make your feet look presentable before seeing your podiatrist by getting a pedicure or shaving your feet/legs. After all, your podiatrist needs to be able to get an accurate assessment of your problem. Make sure you heep a log of your symptoms before your session and then share this with your podiatrist. They’ll want to know about any underlying health issues you have too which could be causing the problem.
If you believe the problem you are experiencing is related to exercising or walking, it can be beneficial to bring along your walking/exercise shoes.
What questions should I ask a podiatrist?
When visiting a podiatrist, you may find it helpful to ask them some questions to ease your worries. Here are some common ones that you could ask your podiatrist:
- Why am I experiencing foot numbness?
- Why do I have cold feet all the time?
- Is it normal to have heel pain?
- Why do I have itchy, flaky skin on my feet?
- What could be causing my toenail to discolour?
- Why does my big toe hurt?
- Why do I have a hammer toe?
What is the difference between a foot doctor and a podiatrist?
Whilst both a foot doctor and podiatrist treat many of the same foot conditions, they differ in their areas of speciality. For example, a foot doctor can treat the entire musculoskeletal system as they are trained to prevent foot and ankle problems that originate from other areas of the body such as the knee, hip or back. However, a podiatrist only specialises in treating disorders affecting the foot or ankle and spends their entire surgical residency training in these areas.
When should I see a podiatrist?
You should see a podiatrist if you notice any issues with either your foot or ankle. This includes pain due to exercise, an injury or an unknown cause; any skin problems or infections; and any unusual shape changes to your feet. Also, you should see a podiatrist if you have an underlying health condition like diabetic neuropathy or Plantar fasciitis that can affect these areas so that they can be regularly checked. If you have any questions or are looking to book an appointment, get in touch today!
What does a podiatrist do?
Podiatrists are healthcare professionals who specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of foot, ankle and lower-leg disorders. They can help treat conditions such as bunions, heel pain, plantar fasciitis, hammertoes, warts, ingrown toenails, athletes’ foot and more. They also provide preventative care such as gait analysis and orthotics to help support your feet. Podiatrists can also provide advice on footwear selection and lifestyle habits that may improve foot health.
What is the most common problem a podiatrist treats?
The most common problem that a podiatrist treats is heel pain, also known as plantar fasciitis. This condition occurs when the band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toe becomes inflamed, causing pain in the heel and arch of the foot. Other common problems podiatrists treat include bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails and athlete’s foot.
When should I see a podiatrist?
It is recommended to see a podiatrist if you are experiencing foot or lower-leg pain, discomfort, inflammation or deformity. Additionally, it is wise to visit a podiatrist for regular preventative care to maintain the health of your feet and lower legs. If you have diabetes, arthritis or other medical conditions that affect your feet, it is important to visit a podiatrist at least annually for evaluation.
Do you sell orthotics?
Yes, our expert team can help relieve your pain with custom orthotics – personalised shoes or shoe inserts designed specifically for you! Whether you suffer from arthritis, bunions and diabetes through to high arches, hammer toes or flat feet, our orthotics provide specialised solutions designed for your individual needs. You can get back on track with improved function and a lower risk of further injury!
Should I see a podiatrist for an ingrown toenail?
Yes, it is important to seek professional care when dealing with an ingrown toenail. A podiatrist has the knowledge and expertise to properly diagnose and treat an ingrown toenail. They can remove the affected part of the toenail and provide care to prevent infection and promote healing. They can also prescribe medication if necessary.
Additionally, a podiatrist can help you to understand the cause of your ingrown toenail and provide strategies to help prevent future occurrences. This can include advice on choosing the right shoes, how to properly trim your toenails, and what to do if you are predisposed to developing ingrown toenails. They can also provide tips for foot hygiene and proper foot care.
