What is a podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a health professional who specialises in the diagnosis, treatment and management of conditions affecting the feet and lower limbs. That's right — we spend four years studying anatomy, biology, pharmacology and biomechanics, as well as conditions such as diabetes and the effect it can have on your feet.

What Does a Podiatrist Do?

Podiatrists assess, diagnose and treat everything from everyday skin and nail problems to complex conditions affecting how you walk. At Flawless Feet this includes:

• Skin and nail care — corns, calluses, verrucae, fungal nails and ingrown toenails
• Circulation and nerve testing — vital chairside checks, especially for diabetic patients
• Gait analysis and orthotics — assessing the way you walk and whether your feet are correctly positioned for your body
• Musculoskeletal care — heel pain, sports injuries and lower limb problems such as plantar fasciitis
• Advanced treatments — including Swift microwave therapy, laser treatment and shockwave therapy

Why Is It Important to Visit a Podiatrist?

Feet are the most hard-working parts of the body. They support you, carry your weight and enable you to reach some of the most important milestones in your life. Without them, life as we know it would be very different. Yet because our feet are the furthest part of the body from our eyes, they are often overlooked and neglected.

When you have a foot problem, it can have a huge impact on your life — as the saying goes, "if our feet hurt, we hurt all over." A podiatrist can ensure your feet stay healthy using special chairside tests that measure circulation and nerve function — and we can even let you know whether your feet are correctly positioned for your body.

When Should You Book an Appointment?

You don't need to be in pain to see a podiatrist — prevention is always better than cure. It's worth booking in if you notice:

• Persistent foot, heel or ankle pain
• Changes in the skin or nails — thickening, discolouration or ingrown edges
• You live with diabetes — annual foot checks are strongly recommended
• Changes in the way you walk, or new lumps, bumps and swelling

How Flawless Feet Can Help

We at Flawless Feet are a team of dedicated podiatrists, 100% committed to keeping your feet healthy. Through our regular blog we share advice and information on common foot complaints, the latest research in foot care and new technology — answering many of the questions you might have about feet and footwear.

Frequently Asked Questions