What Does a Podiatrist Do?
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 registered health practitioner who specialises in assessing and managing conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and lower limbs, providing tailored strategies to support foot health.
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
Treatment for plantar warts may include natural therapies, cryotherapy, or freezing as determined by a clinician.
Diabetic Foot Care
Regular podiatry care can support people with diabetes in monitoring foot health, including circulation and areas that may require attention.
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
Among sports injuries affecting the feet are conditions like Achilles tendonitis, stress fractures, ankle sprains, and heel spurs.
Ingrown Toenails
Toe discomfort, redness, swelling, or tenderness can be associated with ingrown toenails, which may result from tight footwear, incorrect nail trimming, or toe injuries.
Fungal Nail Infections
Toenails are most often affected by fungal nail infections, which may be associated with nails becoming thicker, brittle, crumbly, or ragged, and fingernails can also be involved.
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
Warts on the feet, commonly called plantar warts, are firm, grainy growths that often appear on the heel or ball of the foot and may be linked to 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.
Would you like to arrange your first podiatry assessment?
State of the Art Technology
We use current podiatry equipment to assist with patient assessment and ongoing care
Zebris 3D Gait Analysis
Gait analysis is incorporated into biomechanical assessments in Cottesloe, Perth, using the Zebris FDM-T treadmill to gather information on movement and function.
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 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
Custom orthotics may be developed using data from 3D foot scans combined with insights from a biomechanical assessment.
Insights into a typical podiatry session
Comprehensive Assessment
We work to understand factors that may be associated with foot, ankle, or lower limb concerns, using detailed questioning and physical assessments to inform the evaluation.
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.
Answers to common podiatry questions
How do I know what to look for in podiatry care?
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 regularly should I attend podiatry appointments?
Podiatry appointment frequency can vary according to your condition and needs; your podiatrist can advise what might be appropriate.
How might a podiatrist assist someone living with diabetes?
People living with diabetes may benefit from periodic podiatry assessments to support foot health. Our team can offer information about suitable podiatry services.
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?
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?
Our podiatry services cover Perth and surrounding suburbs, including areas such as: Crawley, Dalkeith, Nedlands, Claremont, Peppermint Grove, Mosman Park, Karrakatta, Mount Claremont, Swanbourne, Shenton Park, Subiaco, Floreat, Wembley and Fremantle.