Foot Health Week - Reasons to See a Podiatrist

Diabetes

Footwear is particularly important for people with diabetes as poor circulation from the condition can lead to slower healing and nerve damage. Steve recommends that all people with diabetes should have their feet checked at least once a year to ensure early detection of problems and to prevent ulcers.

Heel pain/plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is the overload and inflammation of the plantar fascia, the fatty pad that cushions the heel of your foot. Symptoms include severe pain in the heel after the first few steps out of bed in the morning, or when standing up after sitting for long periods of time.

It can be caused by spending long hours on your feet, unsupportive shoes, low arches and obesity. Steve points out that, “In severe cases there can be an underlying inflammatory condition, bone disease, infection, stress fracture, or nerve entrapment, so see a podiatrist to determine the underlying cause and an effective treatment”.

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Bony deformities and arthritis

Osteoarthritis is when cartilage in the joints wears down and bones become exposed and rub against each other. This is common in the base of the big toe, causing stiffness also known as hallux rigidus.

Over time, your body will attempt to repair this by growing more bone, which can cause the joint of the big toe to change shape and form a bunion. Depending on the severity, a podiatrist may provide shoe modifications, padding, or orthotics to relieve pain, while an orthopaedic foot surgeon may need to remove bony lumps or fuse the joint. Homyped has designed shoes that cater specifically to bunions and have a fantastic range of footbeds that offer support and comfort in all the right places, and Steve recommends checking those out.

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Pronation

Pronation is the way the foot rolls inwards as you walk or run. When your foot strikes the ground, it rolls inward, and the arch flattens to absorb the shock.

Steve says that although pronation is a natural movement for impact distribution, some people roll inward too much (overpronators) or not enough (supinators), which can cause issues if left uncorrected. A podiatrist can prescribe treatments such as orthotics to bring the joints of the foot back into position and help alleviate symptoms of discomfort.

Problematic toenails

A podiatrist should be the first point of call for conditions such as nail thickening, shedding, discolouration, ingrown or involuted nails. Nail conditions can be the result of acute trauma, such as stubbing your toe, chronic trauma, such as ill-fitting footwear, aggressive pedicures, or fungal infections often caused by moist or wet conditions. These can be extremely painful and lead infection if left untreated.

Falls prevention

Foot problems are a major cause of falls, particularly for people over the age of 65. Steve reiterates that podiatrists have an important role to play in reducing the risk of falls by identifying and correcting underlying and gait abnormalities, assessing and treating foot pain, nail care, prescribing exercise programs, orthotics and advising on footwear.

Ankle sprains

An ankle sprain is where there is a partial or complete tear of the ligaments in the ankle due to a sudden stretching. Most people associate

It typically occurs when the ankle is twisted suddenly in a sports activity or when stepping off an uneven surface. “A podiatrist can assess the damage and strap, brace or immobilise the ankle where required. Mild sprains often require rest and ice packs to reduce the swelling, but more serious tears can require orthopaedic surgery.”