Podiatrists keep your feet in good walking order

Podiatrists treat foot conditions. Good foot health is very important for people of all ages.

Common foot problems

Some of the more common foot problems that podiatrists treat include:

• Skin problems
• Calluses and corns
• Nail disorders, like ingrown toenails
• Foot injuries
• Foot infections.

People with diabetes are at risk of foot problems

People with diabetes are more likely to develop serious foot problems, including:

• Reduced blood flow to the feet, which makes minor cuts and abrasions slow to heal.
• Damaged nerves in the foot, which results in a reduced ability to feel minor trauma.

People with diabetes should:

• Check their feet daily for cuts, blisters, bruises or signs of injury which they may not have felt happening.
• Have an annual foot check-up with a podiatrist.

Foot problems and older people

Podiatrists can help older people stay active by keeping their feet healthy. Some older people are unable to look after their feet because they have poor vision and limited flexibility. Some common problems treated by podiatrists include:

• Skin problems
• Nail problems, such as thickened or deformed nails that are difficult to cut
• Soft tissue disorders, like sore arches
• Arthritis.

Foot injuries in sport

Some of the more common sporting injuries which podiatrists treat are:

• Stress fractures of bones (these are caused by too much activity)
• Arch pain (plantar fasciitis)
• Inflammation of the tendon at the back of the ankle (achilles tendonitis)
• Pain at the base of the big toe (sesamoiditis).

Many foot problems start in childhood

Podiatrists can help with the correct foot development of children of all ages, including:

• Babies
• Infants who are just starting to walk
• Older children.

Pick the right shoes for your feet

Podiatrists can help you to choose the right shoes for your feet, especially for people who stand on their feet a lot at work or those with arthritis. A good shoe should have:

• A firm heel so that it doesn't slip off your feet as you walk.
• Sufficient depth and width at the toes. There should always be a short space between the tip of the longest toe and the end of the shoe.
• A leather upper.
• A sole made from a manmade material like rubber. These are less slippery than leather.

Inserts for shoes

Podiatrists sometimes prescribe orthoses, which are custom made shoe inserts. These help to:

• Realign bones in the feet and legs
• Reduce pain in the feet and joints like the knees and hips.

Where to get help

• The Australian Podiatry Association (Vic) Tel. (03) 9866 5906

Things to remember

• Podiatrists are university trained professionals.
• Podiatrists perform some surgical procedures.
• Members of the Australian Podiatry Association are bound by a code of ethics.