The average Australian doesn’t give their feet too much thought until they have a foot or ankle ailment that requires specialised treatment. Recent studies have shown that about one in five, or 17,4% of Australian adults will suffer from chronic or extensive ankle or foot injuries during their lifetime. Additionally, approximately 87% of the population will experience painful feet at some point. Since about 20% of Australians live with chronic ankle pain, it’s easy to see why it’s a good idea to visit the podiatrist Noosa residents rely on for all their foot issues.
What is a Podiatrist?
If you’ve never had the misfortune of dealing with consistent foot pain or suffered an ankle injury, you may not be too sure what exactly a podiatrist does. Essentially, these specialists are allied health professionals who diagnose and treat all types of injuries and conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and even lower limbs.
With this in mind, your local podiatrist can assist you with everything from ingrown toenails to more complex issues such as the effects of diabetes on your feet. After a comprehensive examination, your podiatrist will work with you to prevent potential injuries as well as provide you with preventive measures for chronic conditions.
Top Australian podiatrists typically provide care for the following conditions:
- General and specific foot pain
- Skin rashes
- Corns and calluses
- Foot odour
- Foot pain
- Ingrown or discoloured skin and nails
- Foot injuries
- Problems fitting comfortably in your regular shoes
- Broader health problems such as diabetes or arthropathies
- Recurrent tripping or falling
- Oedema, lumps, or redness in the feet, ankles, or legs
Knowing When You Need to Visit a Podiatrist
Foot care should be an essential aspect of every person’s health care regimen. This is because your feet form the foundation of your body’s mobility. Years of use, injuries, and underlying medical conditions can lead to significant damage or chronic pain that can affect your overall health. We’ve compiled a list of the more common reasons why you may need to visit your local podiatrist.
1. You Have Developed Numbness or Pain in One or Both Feet
It’s normal for your feet or ankles to feel painful after extensive periods of standing or walking. However, it’s essential to know the difference between a mild pain caused by overuse and a more serious condition.
Numbness in one or both feet can often be caused by poor circulation or nerve damage. These, in turn, can be an underlying symptom of nerve compression or injury associated with back or posture problems. Don’t ignore ongoing numbness or pain; schedule a visit with a podiatrist to avoid long-term damage.
2. Sudden Onset of Heel Pain
Overuse can also cause heel pain, which stems from inflammation in the plantar fascia or Achilles tendon. Not only is persistent heel pain uncomfortable, but it can also lead to mobility issues.
Plantar fasciitis affects the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot. The top factors that can lead to this stabbing or burning heel pain include the following:
- Wearing unsupportive or restricting footwear
- Running on hard surfaces
- Being overweight
- Leg or foot injuries
- Medical conditions such as bone spurs or arthritis
3. Recent Diabetes Diagnosis
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with diabetes, it’s essential to visit a podiatrist. This is because diabetes can cause nerve damage to your feet. When this happens, you can expect to experience issues such as loss of feeling and narrowed blood vessels. If left unmanaged, this can lead to poor blood circulation, which can lead to unnoticed blisters and cuts.
Eventually, this may see you dealing with an increased risk of infections, foot ulcers, and, in more severe instances, amputation. Nerve damage in your feet can also create balance issues. A podiatrist will provide tips and guidelines for proper foot care to manage and prevent long-term damage.
4. You Struggle With Ingrown Toenails
Just about everyone will experience an ingrown toenail at some point. However, if this is an ongoing issue, it’s always advised to visit a podiatrist for the correct care and pain relief. Typically, ingrown toenails happen when the corner or edge of a toenail grows into the soft flesh area of the toe.
This leads to swelling, inflammation and eventual infection. Common causes of this include tight shoes, improper nail trimming, or an injury to your big toe. It’s essential to visit a podiatrist before your toe becomes infected. While proper trimming may solve minor conditions, more severe cases may require surgery to remove the ingrown part of the nail.
Final Thoughts
If you’re dealing with a foot pain that won’t clear up or you’ve been diagnosed with a medical condition such as diabetes, it’s essential to visit a podiatrist. These specialists won’t only assess your condition but will also provide you with guidelines to care for and manage your condition. It’s the most effective way to manage all types of foot and ankle conditions!