Podiatry is a branch of medicine dedicated to the study, diagnosis, and medical treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle, and lower extremity. Podiatrists are healthcare professionals who specialise in treating these areas, addressing everything from minor ailments like ingrown toenails and bunions to more serious conditions such as fractures, diabetic foot complications, and biomechanical issues. Podiatrists play a crucial role in maintaining mobility and enhancing the quality of life through the management of foot health, especially for those with chronic health conditions affecting the lower limbs.

A podiatrist is a healthcare professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the foot, ankle, and lower leg. They manage various issues ranging from common ailments like bunions and heel pain to more complex problems like fractures, diabetic foot care, and biomechanical issues. Podiatrists also provide preventive care and advice to help maintain healthy feet.

Podiatry can provide significant benefits by addressing foot and ankle problems that can impact your overall mobility and quality of life. Treatment from a podiatrist can relieve pain, correct deformities, improve functionality, and prevent complications associated with foot abnormalities. Regular podiatric care ensures that you can remain active and pain-free. Custom orthotics is one example of a powerful tool a podiatrist may use to improve your foot health.

Podiatry and physiotherapy both aim to enhance your health and physical function but focus on different areas of the body. Podiatry specifically targets conditions of the foot, ankle, and lower leg, helping to treat and manage foot-related disorders. Physiotherapy addresses a broader range of physical issues across the entire body, focusing on improving mobility, strength, and overall function.

Both professions are essential for holistic healthcare; they often work together to ensure a comprehensive approach to treatment, especially for patients who require care for conditions that affect both foot health and overall body mechanics. Depending on your specific health needs, you may benefit from the specialised services of a podiatrist, the broader focus of a physiotherapist, or a combination of both.

Podiatrists are specialised in treating a wide range of conditions affecting the foot, ankle, and lower extremities.

1. Structural Disorders:

   • Bunions

   • Hammertoes

   • Flat feet

   • High arches

   • Heel spurs

2. Skin Conditions:

   • Athlete’s foot

   • Calluses and corns

   • Plantar warts

   • Ingrown toenails

   • Fungal nail infections

3. Pain Management:

   • Heel pain (such as plantar fasciitis)

   • Metatarsalgia (pain in the ball of the foot)

   • Ankle sprains

   • Achilles tendinitis

   • Shin splints

4. Injuries:

   • Fractures (broken bones in feet and ankles)

   • Ankle sprains

   • Sports injuries

   • Stress fractures

   • Overuse injuries

5. Diabetic Foot Care:

   • Diabetic ulcers

   • Neuropathy (nerve damage)

   • Poor circulation issues

   • Infection management

   • Foot deformities related to diabetes

6. Circulatory and Nerve Disorders:

   • Peripheral arterial disease

   • Venous insufficiency

   • Peripheral neuropathy

   • Raynaud's disease

7. Pediatric Foot Concerns:

   • In-toeing and out-toeing

   • Flat feet in children

   • Sever’s disease (heel pain in children)

   • Congenital foot deformities

8. Arthritis and Joint Pain:

   • Osteoarthritis

   • Rheumatoid arthritis

   • Gout

   • Joint swelling and inflammation

9. Geriatric Foot Care:

   • Arthritis management

   • Balance issues leading to falls

   • General foot care for the elderly

10. Miscellaneous Conditions:

    • Gait abnormalities

    • Limb length discrepancies

    • Cysts and tumors of the foot and ankle

    • Mortons Neuroma

Podiatrists utilise a variety of treatments, including conservative care (such as orthotics and braces), medications, physical therapy, and, when necessary, surgical interventions to manage these conditions effectively. They play a crucial role in improving mobility and quality of life for patients of all ages.