Podiatrist Indooroopilly - Find Relief for Foot and Ankle Problems  

What foot conditions need to be referred to the podiatrist?

Any foot condition that causes pain, discomfort, or affects your mobility should be referred to a podiatrist. These include ingrown toenails, fungal infections, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, corns, calluses, and bunions. Additionally, any foot injury or deformity that affects your gait or causes difficulty in walking or performing daily activities should also be referred to a podiatrist.

Foot and Ankle Injuries

Athletes and people who exercise frequently are at a high risk for injuries to their feet. However, most foot and ankle injuries are non-life-threatening and heal within weeks with proper treatment.

Ankle sprains are the most common foot and ankle injuries. Sprains occur when the ligaments on the outer side of your ankle stretch or tear, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes an inability to bear weight.

These sprains typically resolve on their own with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Talk to your doctor if you have severe swelling or a deformity.

The most common types of foot and ankle injuries are sprains, strains, and rupturing tendons. These include Achilles tendonitis, which occurs when excessive stress on the tendon that attaches your calf muscle to your heel causes inflammation and small tears.

Other ankle and foot conditions include adult acquired flatfoot deformity, osteochondral defect of the talus, peroneal tendinopathy, subluxation, and arthritis. These conditions develop when repetitive impact over time breaks down bone tissue, leading to tiny cracks in the bones.

Diabetic Foot Care

If you have diabetes, the best way to keep your feet healthy is to see a podiatrist for regular foot exams. You should also be aware of common diabetes foot complications and work with your health care team to keep your blood sugar levels in the target range.

If your blood sugar isn't well-controlled, a small cut or sore can quickly turn into a full-blown infection. It may even lead to gangrene (decay and death of tissue) that requires amputation.

Having a Podiatrist Indooroopilly inspect your feet regularly and treat any problems you may have is a key part of managing your diabetes. Having diabetic neuropathy can make it difficult to feel changes in your feet or detect problems early, so it's important to check them daily for red spots, blisters, cuts, and bruises.

Keeping your feet clean and dry is a big help, but your best protection comes from wearing the right shoes for you. You can often get Medicare to cover one pair of orthotic shoes a year that can reduce pressure on your feet and lower your risk of developing ulcers.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are very common and can lead to pain, redness, swelling and tenderness in the toe. In some cases, they can even become infected.

The best way to prevent ingrown toenails is to always trim your nails straight across with nail clippers. Also, avoid wearing shoes that are too tight or narrow as this can place too much pressure on your toes.

If you do develop ingrown toenails, soaking the affected area in hot water will help relieve pain and prevent infection. Applying antiseptic lotion and a bandage can also be helpful.

Visiting a Podiatrist Indooroopilly can be the key to relieving pain and discomfort caused by ingrown toenails. They will be able to properly assess the toenails and identify the most appropriate treatment option. Click here to know more.

Footwear Advice

Choosing the right shoes is an important part of caring for your feet. Podiatrists can help you find the right fit, comfort and support to suit your lifestyle and needs.

It’s also important to wear shoes designed for the type of activity or environment you are going to be involved in. Using the wrong shoe for your activities can cause pain and injury.

Footwear can contribute to a number of injuries including Achilles tendon problems, shin splints, corns and bunions and postural issues. Often, these problems are preventable with good footwear choice and advice.

Before you purchase shoes, try on a range of styles to determine what fits your feet best. If you have an orthotic insole, ask for shoes that accommodate it. The insole should fit the shoes snugly, but be roomy enough so you can wiggle your toes.

What happens at a podiatry assessment?

During a podiatry assessment, the podiatrist will first take a medical history and ask about your symptoms. They will then conduct a physical examination of your feet, looking for signs of any foot problems or abnormalities. This may include assessing your gait, checking the range of motion in your joints, and testing the strength of your muscles. The podiatrist may also use diagnostic tools like X-rays or ultrasound to get a better understanding of the problem.

Frequently Asked Question

What exactly does a podiatrist do?  

A podiatrist is a health care professional who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of foot, ankle and lower leg disorders. This includes caring for a wide range of conditions such as bunions, plantar fasciitis, ingrown toenails, arch and heel pain, heel spurs, and sports injuries. Podiatrists also provide advice on general foot care, footwear selection, and orthotic therapy.

What are reasons to see a podiatrist?  

1.  Pain or discomfort in the feet, ankles, or lower legs 

2.  A change in the color or texture of the skin of the feet 

3.  Ingrown toenails 

4.  Toenail fungus 

5.  Athlete’s foot 

6.  Bunions, hammertoes, or other deformities of the feet 

7.  Uneven weight distribution when walking 

8.  Foot or ankle injuries 

9. . Diabetes-related foot issues 

10. . Heel pain or plantar fasciitis.

Do podiatrists cut toenails?  

Yes, podiatrists can cut toenails as part of a foot care routine. They can also trim and file ingrown toenails, which is a procedure that requires special instruments. 

Can a podiatrist help with ankle injuries?  

Yes, a podiatrist can help with ankle injuries. They can diagnose and treat ankle injuries, provide orthotics to support the ankle, and provide physical therapy and rehabilitation. 

Why is foot care important?

Foot care is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. Discomfort in the feet can have a significant impact on daily life, making it difficult to work, socialize, and relax. Proper treatment and care of symptoms are crucial to improve the quality of life for individuals.

What services does Align HC - Podiatrist Indooroopilly offer?

The clinic offers a range of services, including footwear advice, nail and callus care, shockwave therapy, manual therapy, exercise therapy, and orthotics. The team at Align HC - Podiatrist Indooroopilly takes everyday foot care seriously, approaching each client with professionalism and expertise.