I had an interesting conversation recently with a patient who had surgery on an ingrown toenail performed by her GP.
I had been seeing this patient for over a year for general foot issues — things like corns, calluses, and the like — and during that time, she’d never had a problem with an ingrown toenail.
As we talked more about her toe, she explained that it had recently become sore, inflamed, and infected. So, she called her GP, who examined it and went ahead with surgery. I was genuinely curious — I’ve been a podiatrist for more than 30 years (please, no comments on my age!), and I’ve performed over a thousand ingrown toenail surgeries.
I asked her, “Why did you see your GP about your ingrown toenail and not come to see me?”
She replied, “I didn’t know you dealt with infected, ingrown toenails.”
My pride was slightly wounded (…only joking!).
But the BIG lesson here for me was this: I assumed people knew what a podiatrist does and what we can help with. I was wrong — at least in this case, and probably in many others too.
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What Does a Podiatrist Actually Do?
So, in this short blog, I wanted to let you know what a podiatrist can do — and in some future posts, I’ll dive deeper into some of the more common problems we treat.
A good starting point is to understand that all podiatrists complete a minimum four-year podiatric medical degree at university. Podiatrists can refer for X-rays and ultrasounds, perform conservative treatment and minor foot surgeries, and some can prescribe medications and even perform more extensive foot surgery — think correction of bunions and hammertoes, joint fusions, tendon repairs, and more.
What Are Common Conditions Treated by Podiatrists?
Here’s a list of the some of the more common conditions we manage and treat at Healthy Life Foot Clinic:
Skin & Nail Conditions
- Ingrown toenails (yes, even the infected ones that require surgery)
- Fungal toenails
- Calluses and corns
- Warts
- Smelly feet
- Dry feet
- Cracked feet
Pain & Injuries
- Heel pain caused by heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, heel bursitis, stress fractures and arthritis
- Achilles tendon pain
- Ball of foot pain
- Ankle sprains
- Arch pain
- Shin pain
- Neuromas
- Muscle, tendon and ligament strains
Structural & Functional Issues
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- Gait abnormalities
- Flat feet and high arches
- Knock knees and bow legs (genu varum)
- Unequal leg length
- Knee, hip and lower back pain caused by poor foot bionmechanics
Paediatric Foot Problems
- Growing pains causing foot and leg problems
- Heel Pain (Sever’s disease)
- In-toeing / out-toeing
- Flat feet in children
- Coordination issues
Sports Injuries & Overuse Conditions
- Stress fractures and broken bones
- Tendonitis
- Overpronation-related issues
- Biomechanical imbalances
Diabetic Foot Problems
- Regular diabetic foot checks and vascular testing
- Neuropathy (nerve damage) assessment
- Circulation issues
- Foot wounds and ulcer prevention and management
- Pressure offloading
- Nail and skin care for high-risk feet
Footwear Problems & Advice
- Poorly fitting shoes
- Unsupportive or worn-ou footwear
- Shoes causing blisters, corns, calluses or bunions
- Advice on proper footwear for work, sport or specific foot conditions
- Footwear assessments and modifications
AND we also treat people with DVA, NDIS, Medicare, Workers Compensation injuries.
That’s only half of the conditions we see. If you add them up, that’s over 50 different areas we assess and treat.
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Why See a Podiatrist Instead of Your GP?
Your GP is an essential part of your healthcare team and has done an amazing job — especially over the past few years managing COVID and immunisations.
However, GPs receive very limited training in foot-specific conditions. Most are happy to refer patients to podiatrists — the only health professionals who specialise in the foot, ankle, and lower limb.
At Healthy Life Foot Clinic, we keep your GP informed and collaborate closely with them to ensure you receive well-rounded, up-to-date care.
When Should You See a Podiatrist?
The purpose of this blog isn’t to impress you — it’s to highlight what podiatrists are trained to care for, and how we might be able to help you in the future.
If you’re experiencing any of these issues, let us know. Podiatrists are the only health professionals who specialise in the care and management of the foot, ankle, and lower limb.
So next time your feet, ankles or legs are causing discomfort, don’t hesitate. Book a consultation with one of our podiatrists – we’re here to help, and we’re specialists in exactly what you need.
Looking for a Podiatrist in Burnside or Woodville?
Find Out More About Healthy Life Foot Clinic’s Care Guarantee
Contact Us or Book Online 24/7
