What podiatrists do

Podiatrists diagnose and treat both common and more rare skin and nail pathologies of the feet. Podiatrists also play an important role in maintaining the mobility of many elderly and disabled people, and others through the ongoing monitoring of foot health, in particular of those with circulation problems and diabetes.

Arthritic foot problems

As systemic diseases such as arthritis affect the joints in the foot, podiatrists monitor feet for any degenerative changes. The effects of these diseases can result in nail and skin lesions, deformity of the feet and the increased incidence of ulceration. The multiplicity of possible causes and complications demands a comprehensive method of examination by the podiatrist, including the monitoring of circulation and neurological examination, using methods such as Doppler assessment and motor and sensory tests.

A basic area of foot care undertaken by podiatrists is the treatment of various acute and chronic nail conditions. Podiatrists have specific instrumentation for painless and effective treatment of these conditions. Treatment and prevention of corns, callouses and warts are also common podiatric procedures.

See our Information sheets to find out more about some of the most common problems.

Children’s foot problems

The child’s foot is not just a small-scale of an adult foot. Its shape is not finally determined until growth ceases at the end of the second decade of life.

By careful examination of the child’s feet and lower limbs, podiatrists diagnose and treat common, chronic and acute problems of the feet.

See our Information sheets to find out more about some of the most common problems.

Occupational Podiatry

Some occupations, (eg. hairdressers, factory workers and nurses) are more prone than others to develop long-term foot problems which can arise as the result of standing on hard surfaces for long periods. Podiatrists advise on occupational foot health and safety, sometimes involving the prescription of orthoses or surgical advice.

The analysis of the function of human motion is called biomechanics. A podiatrist will often assess the anatomy and function of the foot and lower limb during gait.	Prevention or reduction of foot deformity which often develops later in adult life may involve information on footwear, treatment by splinting, advice on exercises and/or orthotic control of the feet.

See our Information sheets to find out more about some of the most common problems.

Sports Medicine

Any sport which involves walking, running, standing or jumping places greater physical demands on our body than normal day-to-day activities. Injuries to the foot and lower limb make up a large proportion of sporting injuries. Podiatrists examine the foot and lower limb, have a knowledge of the biomechanics of athletic movement, diagnose foot conditions and can recommend appropriate footwear, training regimens, and, if needed, orthotic devices to fit into the sports shoe. Common sporting injuries treated by podiatrists include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, stress fractures, ankle sprains and shin or knee pain.

See our Information sheets to find out more about some of the most common problems.

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