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The Benefits of Seeing a Podiatrist

  • by Elite Podiatry Centre
  • 26 Nov, 2018

Think about how much work your feet do daily.


The average, moderately active person does around 7,500 steps per day. That’s pretty much walking around the equator 5 times in a lifetime.


Yet, our feet are often taken for granted. A lot of us don’t pay much attention to our feet until problems arise. And even then, because some foot and lower limb problems go away with time, rest, and home remedies, most of us delay seeking professional help.


No matter how physically active you are, your feet deserve a treat. If you’re experiencing any foot or lower limb discomfort, or just concerned about the health of your feet, pay a foot and ankle specialist a visit. Enjoy the following benefits and your feet will thank you.


GENERAL BENEFITS OF PODIATRY


  • Preventing future foot problems
  • Extensive knowledge on the internal and external make-up of feet and lower limbs
  • Specialised approach to diagnoses and treatments as compared to general practitioners
  • No need for referrals and going around different consultations
  • Tailored advice for long-term foot health

SPECIALISED PODIATRY SERVICES


Diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of foot and lower limb conditions

Podiatry is a registered and regulated health profession. Podiatry helps improve feet health through prevention and podiatry treatment problems such as the following:


  • Foot and leg injuries or pain.
  • Shin splints
  • Heel pain
  • Bunions
  • Bone fractures
  • Athlete’s foot and fungal infections
  • Ingrown nails
  • Blisters, corns, calluses, and warts

When you have any foot ailments, even mild and tolerable discomfort that doesn’t go away, don’t wait to see a foot specialist and schedule an appointment as soon as you can.


Biomechanical and gait assessment

Gait analysis is a way of gauging the way we walk or run. It helps to identify the factors contributing to injuries and assists with rehabilitation and preventive care. It involves analysis of leg and foot movement when running and walking, pressure analysis, assessment of ligaments, joints, and muscle motions, and getting the exact foot impressions.


Comprehensive assessments allow podiatrists to determine the best courses of action and recommendations for healthy feet.


Footwear recommendation

With a comprehensive assessment of your feet, your podiatrist is able to recommend the best shoes for your different activities and specific needs. They endorse footwear that can help you avoid foot pains, blisters, injuries, fractures, and general discomfort.


Orthotics prescription

Orthoses, more commonly known as orthotics, are shoe inserts that support the arches of your feet for improved foot and lower leg function and decreased pain.


Podiatrists often recommend custom made orthotics that are fabricated according to the impressions of your feet and prescribed based on a thorough assessment of your needs.


Self-care advice

Podiatrists are your best reference for self-care advice and education when it comes to your feet and lower limbs. Their specialisation and expert knowledge, along with their assessment procedures permit them to provide you preventive care, hygiene, and home treatment instructions, and advice for lifestyle changes.


Athletic consultation

Athletes are one of the most prone to foot and leg injuries, with all their training and competitions. If you’re an athlete, you’d want to have as little training downtime as possible, reduce your risk of injury, and be able to heal quickly and properly, in the event that you get injured.


Podiatrists offer assessment, training recommendations, and injury rehabilitation programmes specially tailored for athletes.


Care for patients with long-term conditions

Foot care is particularly crucial for patients with long-term conditions such as diabetes, Rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinson’s disease and those who have had a stroke. In these cases, foot injuries and sores may take longer to heal and complicate their conditions further.


Foot problems can easily be managed and avoided with consistent, attentive Podiatry care and  immediate action.


To be able to seize these services and benefits, make sure that your podiatrist is qualified and experienced. Do your research and ask for references.


For foot and ankle care and comprehensive podiatry services in Horsham Victoria, contact Elite Podiatry Centre for an initial consultation. We provide professional podiatry services, and personalised treatment plans the best suit your feet’s needs.