Podiatrists have specialist skills in the assessment and management of foot, ankle and lower limb injuries. Our scope of practice includes supporting older people, diabetes, structural problems, sports injuries, paediatrics and general foot care.
With over a 100 tendons, ligaments and muscles working together to control the 26 bones and 33 joints of the human foot, this complex shock absorber can be the source of short or long term pain.
Your foot position and structure effects not only the local tissues, but may influence the way that your knees, hips and back function. An orthotic device may be required as adjunct therapy to aid recovery of affected structures or to offload high pressure areas. Alternatively, simple offloading may be indicated to reduce the pressure on a corn or to help straighten out a lesser toe.
Ingrown toenails can occur from leaving a nail spike when cutting nails, the curling of the nail or a nail that is too wide for the nail plate. They can cause pain, redness, swelling and may lead to infection.
Most ingrown toenails can be managed conservatively with appropriate cutting techniques and by addressing the causative factors. However, in some cases, nail surgery may be recommended which is completed in our clinic.
Limited flexibility and poor vision may affect peoples ability to care for their own feet appropriately. Podiatrists play an important role in maintaining our clients general foot care.
It is important to that diabetics take good care of their feet. High blood sugar levels can damage the blood flow and nerve supply to the feet. Therefore a diabetic foot assessment conducted by a podiatrist every twelve months is recommended.
Assessments include -
A child displaying problems with walking or complains of pain in their legs and feet may require assessment by a podiatrist.