The 8 Most Common Problems Managed by a Podiatrist

Our feet carry us through life, yet they’re often overlooked and underappreciated! Prone to a variety of ailments and conditions, our feet can often be the cause of mild discomfort at best, and chronic conditions at worst. That’s where the field of podiatry comes in. 

A podiatrist is a foot and ankle specialist. They are allied health professionals dedicated to diagnosing, treating and preventing a wide range of foot-related issues. These skilled practitioners have the knowledge and experience to address various foot and ankle problems effectively. In fact, our founder has practised as one for the last ten years!

In order to help you better understand potential foot pain and discomfort, we’ve compiled a list of the most common foot problems seen in our founder’s podiatry practice over the last ten years - including symptoms and how they’re treated - so you’re equipped to better understand any foot issues you may be facing.

1: Heel pain

Heel pain needs no explanation; it’s one of the most common podiatry issues faced by Australians. So let’s jump straight into treatments. Treatments include compression, exercises, suitable footwear, and rest to alleviate discomfort and encourage healing. For support, custom or prefabricated orthotics may be prescribed. In more severe cases, shock wave therapy, injections, or surgery may be recommended. If you’re looking for a one-stop shop to alleviate heel pain, you cannot go past our Heel Pain Program & Kit, which uses a combination of the above treatments and promises pain free feet in 12 weeks or your money back. 

2: Corns and calluses

Corns and calluses are common foot issues caused by friction and pressure that result in thick and hardened layers of skin. Both are effectively managed through a technique called 'manual debridement' which is administered exclusively by trained podiatrists. This process involves the careful removal of dead skin, eliminating the source of discomfort. Often, podiatrists combine debridement with offloading methods to reduce the risk of recurrence and promote faster healing. Although the idea of removing skin may sound daunting, patients need not worry as this procedure is entirely pain-free due to the lack of sensation in the dead skin. 

3: Ingrown toenails

Ingrown toenails, a painful and bothersome condition, can be caused by tight shoes, improper trimming of the nails or trauma (like stubbing the toe - ouch!). They are conservatively managed by gently levering the ingrown edge of the nail away from the surrounding skin, providing relief and preventing further irritation. In cases where conservative measures prove ineffective or the condition worsens, the podiatrist may opt for the removal of the ingrown edge. This procedure is performed with precision and expertise, ensuring minimal discomfort for the patient. It can be performed by a podiatrist, your GP, or surgeons. 

4: Diabetes assessment and management

An essential, yet lesser known, role of a podiatrist is conducting diabetes assessments and managing diabetes-related foot complications. Assessments are undertaken to evaluate the patient's gait (ie, the way they walk) and the range of motion in the foot joints. Additionally, a podiatrist will carefully examine the nerve function and blood supply in the feet, as these are critical indicators of potential complications. For individuals living with diabetes, early detection and proactive management of foot-related issues are paramount to prevent complications.

5: Sports-based injuries

An injured foot can be one of the most debilitating conditions for any athlete or sportsperson, but seeing a podiatrist can be the fastest way to get back on your feet. Sports-based injuries, including chronic pains, acute sprains and fractures are skillfully managed by podiatrists using a comprehensive approach. Treatment strategies are varied, depending on the issues, but often involve the use of compression techniques, specialised exercises and appropriate footwear to facilitate healing and support the injured area. Adequate rest is crucial for recovery, allowing the body to heal effectively. Moreover, podiatrists may recommend additional support measures such as braces or orthotics to enhance stability and prevent further injuries. 

6: Forefoot pain

Forefoot pain relates to the ball of your foot - the underside that connects your toes to your arch. A common complaint, forefoot pain is typically well managed by podiatrists through a range of effective interventions such as recommending appropriate footwear changes to alleviate pressure and provide better support to the affected area. Additionally, padding may be used to cushion the forefoot and reduce discomfort. In cases where conservative measures fail to bring relief, further investigation becomes necessary. Depending on the underlying issue, podiatrists may recommend injections or, in severe cases, surgical intervention to address the root cause and ensure lasting relief. 

7: Fungal toenails

Toe nail fungus can be caused by not keeping feet clean and dry, wearing shoes that get too sweaty, or contracted through warm and moist communal areas like showers and locker rooms. Fungal toenails can be treated with ‘paint on’ medications that target and kill the infection. Some podiatrists even provide laser-based therapies for enhanced results. Alternatively, doctors may prescribe antifungal tablets to combat stubborn infections. With their expertise in toenail care, podiatrists offer tailored solutions to restore healthy nails while ensuring long-lasting results. 

8: Warts

Warts are usually treated with cryotherapy, commonly known as 'dry ice.' However, there has been a recent shift towards adopting laser-based therapy, specifically SWIFT, for more effective results. In cases where conservative treatments fail to resolve the issue, skilled podiatrists, dermatologists, GPs, or general surgeons with specialised training may opt to surgically remove the warts. By offering various treatment options, podiatrists ensure that patients can overcome the discomfort of warts and regain confidence in their foot health. Seeking professional care enables effective wart management and minimises the risk of recurrence, ensuring a swift and successful recovery.

So to summarise, the expertise of podiatrists plays a pivotal role in managing a wide array of common foot problems with skill and precision. From heel pain and ingrown toenails to corns and sports-based injuries, these specialised practitioners employ a diverse range of techniques to provide personalised solutions for their patients. By seeking timely and professional care, individuals can confidently entrust their foot health to the professionals, ensuring a smooth journey through life, one step at a time.