Understanding the Role of a Podiatrist
Do your feet feel uncomfortable in the morning? Are your heels sore after walking, or do you experience recurring athlete’s foot? If so, or if you notice other lower limb concerns, it may be appropriate to consult a podiatrist.
A podiatrist is a registered health practitioner who specialises in assessing and managing conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and lower limbs, providing tailored strategies to support foot health.
How a podiatrist can assist with foot and lower limb health
Nail Care
Proper nail care can support evaluation of nail health and provide guidance for addressing issues like fungal nail infections.
Wart Treatment
Plantar wart treatment may involve options such as natural therapies, cryotherapy, or freezing, depending on individual assessment.
Diabetic Foot Care
People living with diabetes may use podiatry services to support foot health, with regular checks assisting in monitoring circulation and identifying possible areas of concern.
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 or ankle pain may be linked to plantar fasciitis or other conditions. Strategies can be suggested to help maintain safe and comfortable movement.
Sports Injuries
Foot injuries commonly seen in athletes may include Achilles tendonitis, stress fractures, ankle sprains, and heel spurs.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails may result from tight-fitting footwear, nail-cutting techniques, or toe injuries, and can be associated with symptoms like 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
A callus is a thickened, rough area of skin usually on the soles of the feet, while corns are smaller, firmer, and may be linked to discomfort.
Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are growths on the heel or ball of the foot that are generally firm and grainy, and can be associated with mild discomfort.
Athlete’s Foot
The fungal infection known as athlete’s foot may develop when feet are frequently warm and moist, for example, when wearing tight-fitting footwear.
Diabetic Foot Care
People with diabetes may experience foot-related concerns associated with nerve changes, circulation challenges, or increased susceptibility to infection.
Book your initial podiatry assessment today
State of the Art Technology
Our facilities include up-to-date technology designed to aid podiatry evaluations and treatments
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
MLS therapy, sometimes called ‘cold laser’, is a non-invasive technique that applies light to specific areas and can be part of a broader plan to support tissue health and manage inflammation.
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 whole-body vibration may be used as part of a plan to support movement and provide guidance for balance and lower limb activity.
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 to expect during a podiatry consultation
Comprehensive Assessment
Our goal is to explore possible causes of foot, ankle, or lower limb issues, which may involve discussing your history and performing assessments to gather information.
Customised Diagnosis
No two assessments are identical, and results are specific to you. The information may support exploration of potential approaches within your care plan.
Tailored Treatment
Based on your assessment, the care plan may be designed to consider your individual concerns and support approaches relevant to your needs.
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.
Podiatry guidance: your questions addressed
What factors should I consider when choosing a podiatrist?
Education and experience are important, and so is a constructive working relationship. Look for a podiatrist who understands your concerns and provides clear guidance.
How frequently should I schedule podiatry appointments?
How often you see a podiatrist will depend on your specific condition, and your podiatrist can provide guidance during your consultation.
For people with diabetes, how can a podiatrist support foot health?
For people with diabetes, regular podiatry assessments may support ongoing foot health. Our team can provide information on services available for this purpose.
What factors may lead to foot discomfort while engaging in physical activity?
Foot discomfort during walking or exercise can have multiple contributing factors, including plantar fasciitis, toenail issues, biomechanical differences, or underlying health conditions.
Is there a possible link between foot pain and lower back pain?
Foot function can influence how the body moves, and in some cases, may be associated with sensations of lower back discomfort.
What regions does your clinic cover for podiatry care?
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.