Maintaining foot health is crucial for overall well-being, and that’s where the expertise of a podiatrist comes in. Whether you’re dealing with lower limb pain, injuries, or general foot concerns, podiatrists offer specialised care to address and manage these issues effectively.
From routine foot care to custom footwear solutions, a podiatrist’s role is comprehensive and essential for those experiencing foot-related problems. In this blog post, we’ll explore the various reasons for visiting a podiatrist, what to expect during appointments, and how their services can significantly improve the quality of life, especially for veterans.
Why would you need to see a Podiatrist?
A Podiatrist would be beneficial to see if you have any lower limb concerns, pain, injuries or problems relating to foot health.
How often do you need to see a Podiatrist?
If you’re having general footcare, usually we would see you every 4-6 weeks. If we’re treating your pain or injury, generally we see you weekly or fortnightly and as you progress we can move your session to monthly.
What Happens in a Podiatry Appointment?
Generally, there are 2 different types of Podiatry – Biomechanics and General Care (Nails and Skin). In a Biomechanical appointment, we look to address any pain or injuries you could be experiencing. We go through a thorough history, asking you a few questions about your pain and then undertake an assessment. The assessment generally includes checking how your lower limb joints are moving (hips, knees, ankles, feet), checking your muscle strength and flexibility and of course watching the way you are walking or running to see if any of this is contributing to your pain. From there, we look at formulating a management plan.
This could include – orthotics, footwear recommendations (or prescription), joint manipulation, TENS machine, exercise prescription or a referral through to another allied health professional.
In a General Care appointment, we focus on overall foot health. So if you have any corns, callous, thick toenails or problems relating to nails and skin this is what we will be assessing and treating. We can also make recommendations to enhance your foot care at home. If you are a diabetic, we also offer diabetic foot screening.
When would Custom Footwear be appropriate?
Custom Footwear, or Medical Grade Footwear is prescribed when someone has a specific lower limb problem that can only be addressed by having shoes made for them. The specifics for this is person dependent and your Podiatrist can assess your need for footwear. Custom Footwear could work well for anyone who has fused joints, leg length differences, wide feet or a hard to fit foot shape. Custom Footwear alongside orthotics can work well for offloading foot ulcers also. Not everyone is entitled to Custom Footwear and it would be up to your Podiatrist to undertake an assessment.
How many sessions would it take to get your footwear fitted?
Every situation is different but usually it should take around 3-4 sessions to have your footwear fitted. On the initial assessment we can give you a referral to the Footwear Provider and then you will see them, be sized up and wait for your footwear to be ordered/made. The Podiatrist then checks your footwear and makes sure they are suitable, and fits orthotics if applicable.
How can seeing a Podiatrist change a Veteran’s life?
We work to improve quality of life by working with Veterans to figure out what is most important to them. Sometimes it’s as simple as addressing foot pain so that they can continue on with their daily walks, or treating a skin/nail issue to improve the overall health of the feet. We like to help Veterans out so that they continue on with their activities, and life without the worry of being sore or uncomfortable.
Common Misconceptions About Podiatry
FACT
Podiatrists obtain a degree through university and are registered with a governing board
FACT
Podiatrists can advise you of many lower limb conditions, we have knowledge in lower back, hips, knees and foot/ankle injuries
MYTH
Podiatrists just cut toenails. This is a huge misconception and our scope of practice covers way more than just nails.
MYTH
Only old people see Podiatrists. We see a range of people in different ages and stages of life, there is no age limit to see a podiatrist!