Your feet do a lot of work. They are all-in-one stabilizers, shock absorbers and propulsion engines that need expert care.

A foot specialist podiatrist Adelaide can help prevent, diagnose and treat issues like bunions, hammer toes, corns and ingrown toenails. They can also help manage foot problems caused by health conditions like diabetes and arthritis.

Pain

Foot injuries and conditions can cause a lot of pain, especially when the problem is not addressed promptly. Visiting a podiatrist can help you deal with painful conditions, like hammertoes, heel spurs, bunions and other deformities in your feet and ankles and get back to your normal life.

The feet are a complex system of bones, ligaments and tendons that are designed to support the weight of the body. They are also responsible for movement, and without them, you would not be able to walk or run. Foot problems, if not treated early, can worsen and even affect the knees, hips and lower back.

Visiting your podiatrist at least once a year is a good idea to check up on your feet and ankles and prevent serious issues. In addition to a visual examination, they can perform diagnostic tests such as X-rays and ultrasounds to detect bone fractures and other structural problems. They can also provide you with recommendations on footwear, orthotics and exercise/stretching programmes to improve foot posture and gait.

Heel pain can be caused by a number of issues, including stress fractures, sesamoiditis (common in children) and arthritis. A podiatrist will be able to diagnose and treat the issue, which can include prescription medication, injections or surgery. 

Changes in your feet

A foot specialist podiatrist Adelaide is not only on hand to treat injuries and chronic problems in the feet, but they can also spot changes that may signal more serious health issues. Unlike general physicians, who might only briefly inspect your feet during an office visit, podiatrists dedicate their entire appointments to your foot health. They will ask you questions about any symptoms or feet-related changes you have noticed and take a detailed look at your feet and ankles, checking how well the bones in your feet move and how your shoes fit.

For example, a change in the way your feet look might be a sign of arthritis. It is a painful condition caused by inflammation and swelling of the 33 joints in each foot. Your podiatrist can help you manage the pain with physical therapy, medications and special inserts or shoes.

Health issues

When you visit a podiatrist for a health issue like ingrown toenails or fungal nail infections, the doctor may want to know your general medical history. The information you provide will influence the diagnosis and treatment plan. It can also be helpful if you keep a written list of medications and treatments that you are currently taking.

The podiatrist will then perform a basic physical exam of the foot and ankle. It includes checking the skin, joints, and blood vessels. They will ask you to move your feet in different positions and examine the pressure points and areas of discomfort. They will use imaging tests like X-rays, ultrasounds, and CT scans to detect bone fractures, narrowing or blocked blood vessels, and other structural problems. They might also take a sample of the nail or foot to test for conditions like diabetes.

Fitness goals

Visiting a foot specialist podiatrist Adelaide, who specializes in foot health, can help you achieve your fitness goals. Your feet are your foundation for physical endurance and must be in tip-top condition for you to live a healthy life. A podiatrist can help you keep your feet healthy through routine care and advice on the right footwear for your exercise regimen. They can also help you avoid running injuries by identifying any niggles and warning signs that may be present. This way, you can address them before they become major problems that derail your marathon training and race day.

A podiatrist can recommend therapies such as physiotherapy, medications and orthotics to manage your foot problems. They can also provide surgery to help you treat serious issues like bunions or heel spurs. Podiatrists have medical training to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the lower extremities, including the feet, ankles, knees, legs, and hips. Their expertise includes foot and ankle injuries, disorders, and diseases such as diabetes and vascular disease.