If you are experiencing pain or discomfort in your lower leg, ankle or foot, it may be time to see a podiatrist. Podiatrists specialise in treating foot and lower limb conditions, with an emphasis on prevention and education. They are highly trained health practitioners who provide treatment for a range of problems including heel and arch pain, hammertoes, nail disorders, corns and calluses and dry skin conditions of the feet.
Depending on your condition, the treatment plan will vary. In many cases, your Watsonia podiatrist will recommend conservative treatments such as rest, exercise, wearing orthotics for arch support, night splints to stretch the calf and foot muscles while you sleep and cold therapy (such as rolling your foot over a frozen water bottle). Other options include steroid injections or surgery.
Peripheral Neuropathy
This condition is the result of nerve damage or dysfunction in the foot and lower limbs. If left untreated, it can lead to ulcers, gangrene and other complications. Podiatrists can prevent these complications by performing regular assessments, educating patients on self-management strategies and providing cutting edge treatments to minimise the risk of nerve damage.
Athletic Injuries
Athletes can suffer from a wide variety of injuries that impact their performance and are largely due to overuse, improper footwear and repetitive movements. As a podiatrist, I treat a range of sports related injuries, from recurrent ingrown toenails and fungal nails to painful achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis.
Foot Deformities
Heel Spurs, Hallux Valgus (big toe bunion) and bunions are common conditions that cause pain in the feet and can be associated with other symptoms such as swollen ankles, knees or hips. If left untreated, these conditions can become chronic and require surgery to relieve the pain.
Flat Feet
Flat feet or fallen arches can cause the entire soles of the feet to touch the floor when you stand up. This causes excessive stress on the heels, balls and toes which can lead to a variety of symptoms including pain, swelling and poor posture.
Our podiatrists at Watsonia podiatry are able to diagnose and treat all issues that affect the lower legs, ankles, feet and toes. They have specialised training and experience in professional moon boot fitting, orthotics, foot mobilisation and dry needling and can assist with a number of foot-related conditions. To find out more about how our team can help you, book an appointment online or over the phone today.