We rely on our feet for our independence, to help us run errands, exercise and enjoy our everyday experiences. It’s clear then how important it is to look after our feet. A podiatrist is trained to treat our foot conditions and offer preventative measures to avoid further injury or illness. But how often should you be going to see them?
Whether or not you see a podiatrist should rely on your current experiences. Here we’ll explain the different reasons you should see a podiatrist and how often that might be.
For personalised advice, contact our team at the Foot and Leg Pain Centre today.
When Should You See a Podiatrist
For most people seeing a podiatrist is not a regular event. This is because there is no recommended number of visits you should have. But this can often result in people not seeking a podiatrist’s help when they need it. This can cause conditions or injuries to worsen without the correct intervention.
Injury
Looking after your foot health is an important part of getting through the day. If you’re experiencing any kind of lower leg or foot pain, seeing a podiatrist can help identify the problem. Foot injuries can develop into worse conditions if left untreated. If you have experienced a recent foot or ankle injury, a podiatrist can offer a treatment or rehabilitative plan to get you back on track.
For example, if you play sports regularly, you may be at higher risk of developing a serious injury or condition. Plantar fasciitis is caused by continuous strain on the bottom of your foot. The area between your heel and toes becomes inflamed causing stabbing heel pain. If left untreated this could result in muscle tears that may cause long-term damage.
Infections
Likewise, podiatric physicians are practised at treating a range of different infections or skin conditions. Foot odours, skin rashes, blisters and warts can all be treated by a podiatrist.
Podiatrists are also familiar with nail conditions such as ingrown toenails. Ingrown toenails can become painful and make walking extremely difficult if left untreated. A podiatrist can offer different treatments, depending on the severity of the problem. This could usually comprise painless removal of the offending splinter of nail and in more complex cases nail surgery where a small portion of toenail is permanently removed.
Difficulty With Walking and Movement
If you’ve noticed you are struggling to walk, a podiatrist can assess your gait. Flat feet or other foot imbalances can make it difficult for you to move smoothly. You may notice you are tripping or falling more often than other people. A podiatrist can evaluate your walk and determine the right treatment.
Orthotics are a common prescription that can help balance the 28 bones and 33 joints in each foot for fast comprehensive results. They can also redistribute the pressure going to your feet, offering some relief if you often experience pain while walking.
These are just a few of the different reasons you should seek professional advice or help. Whether you need a specific treatment, or just want to know how to better care for your healthy feet, a podiatrist is your best choice.
Chronic Conditions and Podiatry
If you experience a chronic condition that affects your feet it can be a good idea to see a podiatrist more regularly. Conditions like diabetes can affect the circulation of your blood and eventually damage the nerves in your feet. With regular podiatrist check-ups, they can make assessments to determine how healthy your feet are. They can help plan treatments and use preventative methods to help reduce the impact of your condition on your feet.
Likewise, other conditions such as arthritis or osteoarthritis can impact your ability to walk. These conditions can affect the joints of your ankles, causing pain. It is important to monitor and treat these conditions as they develop. A podiatrist’s treatment plan can help you find ways to reduce pain, tenderness and swelling.
Chronic Conditions and Medicare
If you are living with a chronic condition that affects your ability to use your feet, you will most likely qualify for a Medicare rebate. The Medicare Benefits Schedule includes the Enhanced Primary Care Program which can partially or fully cover up to five podiatrist appointments a year for those with chronic conditions.
A chronic condition is any condition you have experienced for longer than three months. A podiatrist can help you manage the effect your condition has on your feet. Depending on the severity of your condition, a podiatrist can assess your needs and determine how often you may need to see them.
Frequency of Podiatrist Appointments
How often you should visit the podiatrist will most likely be dictated by the severity of your chronic medical condition.
For instance, Diabetics may experience symptoms that worsen over time. Without the right care, foot problems could quickly become a serious issue that affects movement and comfort. It is recommended that a Type 1 Diabetic seeks podiatry services at least once every six months to assess their lower limbs and foot health.
Likewise, people with Type 2 Diabetes should organise a podiatry appointment at least once a year. This ensures that any foot discomfort or pain can be identified and treated before it develops into a concerning issue.
Foot Care as we Age
As we age our muscles and bone strength can slowly begin to decline. This can put a lot of additional pressure on our feet and cause significant pain. Likewise, injuries are more difficult to recover from as our internal systems begin to slow down. Monitoring your feet with regular checkups can help mitigate these concerns and ensure your overall health as you age.
The condition of our feet can also impact our entire body. Experiencing pain in your lower legs and constantly sore feet can put additional strain on other areas, such as your back or neck. This can make moving much more painful and taxing on our already strained systems.
If you have noticed that you are struggling with recurrent tripping, balance or weakness in your lower limbs, seeking professional advice is the best course of action.
Why Seeing a Podiatrist Matters
Seeing a podiatrist is the best way to make sure your feet are as healthy as they can be. Without the right care, smaller injuries and conditions can worsen over time. A podiatrist can find the right treatment for you and offer advice to help you prevent future problems.
If you feel pain while walking, notice discolouration on your feet or have experienced a recent injury contact your podiatrist today. At the Foot and Leg Pain Centre, our professional team is always ready to support you. If you’re looking for great foot health advice look no further. Book an appointment with us today to show your feet the care they need.
