Understanding the Role of a Podiatrist
Are your feet stiff or achy when you wake up, or do you have recurring issues such as athlete’s foot? If any of these apply, or you have other concerns with your feet or lower limbs, consider seeking podiatry guidance.
A podiatrist is a healthcare practitioner specialising in foot and lower limb care, assessing these areas and providing management strategies to support ongoing function and wellbeing.
Ways a podiatrist may provide support
Nail Care
Nail care may support monitoring nail health and provide guidance for conditions such as fungal nail infections.
Wart Treatment
Approaches to plantar wart care may include natural therapies, cryotherapy, or freezing, tailored according to a clinician’s evaluation.
Diabetic Foot Care
People with diabetes understand the importance of podiatry for foot health and may benefit from regular assessments to support circulation and monitor potential concerns.
Corn And Callus Treatment
Podiatrists provide treatment for corns and calluses, assessing potential contributing factors and offering guidance that may support management.
Common Foot And Lower Leg Conditions
Heel And Ankle Pain
Heel and ankle pain may be related to plantar fasciitis or other conditions. Assessment can provide strategies to support safe movement and activity.
Sports Injuries
Among sports injuries affecting the feet are conditions like Achilles tendonitis, stress fractures, ankle sprains, and heel spurs.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails may develop due to tight shoes, improper trimming, or minor toe trauma, and may be linked to tenderness, redness, or swelling.
Fungal Nail Infections
Fungal nail infections may be linked to nails becoming thicker, brittle, crumbly, or ragged, most commonly affecting toenails but sometimes fingernails.
Calluses And Corns
Calluses are thickened areas of skin on the feet, whereas corns are typically smaller, harder, and can be associated with mild discomfort.
Plantar Warts
Foot warts, commonly referred to as plantar warts, are firm, grainy areas that usually develop on the heel or ball of the foot and can be associated with discomfort.
Athlete’s Foot
This fungal skin infection, commonly called athlete’s foot, may occur in situations where the feet remain warm and moist, including in snug footwear.
Diabetic Foot Care
Those living with diabetes may experience foot health considerations linked to nerve function, circulation, or susceptibility to infections.
Book your initial podiatry assessment today
State of the Art Technology
Our clinic is equipped with modern podiatry technology to support assessment and treatment
Zebris 3D Gait Analysis
At our Cottesloe, Perth clinic, gait analysis forms part of a biomechanical assessment, and the Zebris FDM-T treadmill is used to record foot and movement patterns.
MLS High Power Laser Therapy
Known as ‘cold laser’, MLS therapy is a non-invasive approach that delivers light to the affected area and may be incorporated into a treatment plan to assist with inflammation and tissue support.
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)
Our clinic offers both Radial and Focused shockwave therapy with EMS DolorClast® technology, which may form part of a treatment plan to assist with tissue support and managing discomfort.
Power Plate
Power Plate neural stimulation uses a whole-body vertical vibration platform and may be included in programs designed to support lower limb activity and balance.
3D Scanners
We utilise 3D scanning to record foot contours, and together with information from a biomechanical assessment, this may be used to inform the design of custom orthotics.
What occurs during podiatry appointments
Comprehensive Assessment
Our process seeks to investigate possible underlying factors affecting the foot, ankle, or lower limb, including history taking and physical assessments to guide a comprehensive evaluation.
Customised Diagnosis
Every assessment is customised, and the findings are specific to the individual; this information may help highlight options that could be considered as part of your management.
Tailored Treatment
As part of your assessment, the care plan may incorporate approaches that consider your individual needs and support appropriate strategies for your situation.
Seeing an experienced podiatrist will not only ensure you get the most accurate diagnosis, but they will also assess your feet and general health to determine how quickly you are likely to respond to SWIFT Microwave Therapy.
Answers to common podiatry questions
What should I know when seeking a podiatrist?
Education, experience, and a collaborative approach are key. Seek a podiatrist who understands your concerns and offers informative responses.
How regularly should I attend podiatry appointments?
The frequency of podiatry visits may vary depending on your condition, so it’s best to discuss your individual schedule with your podiatrist.
What role can a podiatrist play for individuals with diabetes regarding foot care?
People living with diabetes may benefit from periodic podiatry assessments to support foot health. Our team can offer information about suitable podiatry services.
Why could I experience foot pain when walking or exercising?
Pain in the feet when walking or exercising may be associated with various factors, including plantar fasciitis, ingrown toenails, foot structure differences, or conditions affecting foot function.
Could foot discomfort be associated with lower back discomfort?
Given the role of the feet in supporting the body, issues with foot mechanics may be related to lower back discomfort.
Which locations does your clinic provide podiatry services to?
Patients across Perth, including suburbs like the following, are able to access our podiatry services: Crawley, Dalkeith, Nedlands, Claremont, Peppermint Grove, Mosman Park, Karrakatta, Mount Claremont, Swanbourne, Shenton Park, Subiaco, Floreat, Wembley and Fremantle.