Who Can Benefit From A Visit To The Podiatrist?

Who Can Benefit From A Visit To The Podiatrist?

No matter what our age or lifestyle, our feet have special needs and can benefit from seeing a Podiatrist.

Children
While children’s feet are still forming they can be easily damaged by ill-fitting shoes and trauma. As a preventative measure, it’s important for your podiatrist to conduct an early examination of your child’s feet to identify uneven shoe wear, skin rashes, lumps or bumps which may be abnormal. Symptoms such as pain in the feet or legs, frequent tripping or falling, poor nail growth, discolouration or warts are signs of potential problems. If remedied early, these can prevent more serious problems as the children grow.

Athletes
Athletes place demands on their bodies far greater than that experienced by normal day to day activity. While performing actions such as jumping and running your body can absorb up to three times your body weight and as a result foot and lower limb injuries make up a large proportion of sporting injuries. Podiatrists understand the structure and movement of your feet, therefore they can diagnose foot conditions, recommend appropriate footwear and training regimes.

Workers
Working feet cover many kilometres in a day so it’s no surprise that one fifth of workplace injury claims involve the feet and toes. These often include those related to ill-fitting or inappropriate footwear. Research shows that only a fraction of those suffering from sore feet seek professional help. A common misconception is that sore feet are normal, they are not. Just as you would visit a dentist for a toothache, you should visit a podiatrist if you suffer from sore or tired feet.

Ageing Population
By the time we reach 50, our feet have lost up to half of their shock-absorbing capabilities, making them more prone to injury and disease. Studies show that age alone increases the chances of developing arthritis in the ankle and toe joints.

Diabetes
People with Diabetes are at a greater risk of developing serious foot problems because they are more likely to experience reduced blood circulation and nerve degeneration in their feet and legs. This causes a decreased ability to fight infection and the possibility that wounds will have a reduced ability to heal. Diabetes Australia recommends that people with Diabetes see a podiatrist on a regular basis.