What Can a Podiatrist Do for Me? Everything You Need to Know!

A podiatrist is often known as the doctor for your feet, although their extensive training equips them to work on all types of problems with the lower limbs, including all parts of the feet and lower legs. Like any other medical healthcare worker, a podiatrist attends medical school training and holds the appropriate license to practice. Education is ongoing for a podiatrist, as they must keep their podiatry licenses up to date.

What Does a Podiatrist Do?

A podiatrist specialises in working on their patient’s feet and lower legs. They may provide a range of services to the patient, such as the following:

1. Diagnose the problem the patient is experiencing
2. Assist a patient after an injury or surgery by providing casts or splints as needed
3. Discuss options with patients who are experiencing foot-related pain
4. Order or run tests to determine the extent of a foot issue
5. Discuss physical therapy options for certain foot conditions

What Foot Conditions Do Podiatrists Treat?

Some people are born with foot deformities, while others get an issue with their feet due to an injury or repetitive stress.

Other people develop foot problems because of diseases like diabetes. Podiatrists help patients navigate through all these issues and more. Some of the specific conditions they can assist patients with include:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Heel spurs
• Hammer toes
• Sprains
• Corns, warts, and blisters
• Bunions
• Ingrown toenails and nail infections
• Calluses
• Flat feet
• Intoed gait
• Diabetic neuropathy
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Sesamoids
• Achilles tendonitis
• Heel pain
• Foot injuries
• Foot wounds
• Other unspecified foot pain

How Will a Podiatrist Help You?

A podiatrist helps patients achieve their goal of healthy feet by getting to the root of the problem through proper diagnosis. They will take an assessment of your symptoms and order the appropriate tests if applicable. Some foot problems can be diagnosed from the symptoms without further testing. 

Once the problem is identified, the podiatrist will discuss a treatment plan with you. Treatment will vary depending on the problem, but the main goal of the podiatrist is to ensure your feet's health.

Some of the potential things a podiatrist may do to help with a foot problem include the following:

• Provide physical therapy and exercises to heal a stressed foot
• Fit you with orthotic foot inserts
• Clip an ingrown toenail
• Test for and treat fungus
• Remove calluses or warts
• Treat injuries such as sprains and strains



Next Steps

Take the first step in your foot’s health by reaching out to a qualified podiatrist. Whether you are suffering from chronic foot pain or just starting to have foot issues, scheduling an assessment is the first step in your foot’s wellbeing. At Port Stephens Foot Clinic, a professional, licensed podiatrist will help you with your treatment options. Get in touch today to schedule an appointment.