So what actually do Podiatrists do?

2 years ago

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Tom Kolesnik Talks About Podiatrists

So what is a Podiatrist?

Have you ever wondered how an entire health profession could be dedicated to looking after just feet? You might be surprised by how much a Podiatrist can help you.

Traditionally, Podiatrists (or Chiropodists in the old language), were and still are known for cutting hard to reach or deformed toenails, removing corns, ingrown toenails and warts, and generally maintaining healthy feet.

And yes, we do this, but this is just “scratching the surface” as to the scope of what podiatrists can offer.

For example, a routine corn can be an indicator of pressure overload, and could actually reveal bigger concerns such as muscle imbalances, joint instability or mobility problems, and other mechanical issues within the body.

Basically, that corn assessed properly could save you from needing a new hip joint!

So What Else Do Podiatrists Do?

Podiatrists help with improving joint mobility through foot mobilisation, assist with choosing the right footwear to ensure shoes are suitable. We also provide taping and strapping for sore feet and weak unstable ankles.

Various paddings, insoles, modifications and orthotics inside footwear can help to stabilise your feet, enhance leg function, improve posture, and assist to strengthen the foundation of your body.

Unstable feet can result in aching feet, heel pain, plantar fasciitis, shin pain, unstable ankles, knee pain, hip soreness and even back pain. It’s important to get your posture right from the ground up.

We ask a lot of our feet. It’s only appropriate that we look after them!

Podiatrists at Posture Podiatry also have a particular interest in manual therapies – using hands on treatment to mobilise the 33 joints of each foot. We also use advanced massage and dry needling techniques (yes, podiatrists use acupuncture needles!) to help release muscle tension if the need arises.

It’s very effective in the treatment of foot pain, or recovery from an old injury that seems to linger and just doesn’t go away.

The forces on the feet from the ground below them to the body above them need to be fully addressed in order to achieve effective relief that is long lasting.

That’s why podiatrists also work closely with other health professionals such as physiotherapists, chiropractors, massage therapists, osteopaths, exercise physiologists and shoe stores for a holistic approach.

Shin pain treatment at Posture Podiatry