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As a nation, we are ashamed of our feet. While the world of bunions, verrucae and corns is by no means glamorous, they are extremely common complaints. Although the average British citizen will experience some sort of foot ailment during their lifetime, many will never seek professional treatment due to embarrassment.
Podiatry is the name given to the branch of medicine concerned with complaints in the lower extremities (the leg beneath the knee and the foot), and there are over 12,000 podiatry practices in the UK alone. There is a growing demand for healthcare professionals who specialise in a single area of the body, and due to the complexity of the human body with 206 bones, 640 muscles and 78 different organs, it is not hard to see why.
Podiatrists play a valuable role in diagnosing, treating and preventing foot and ankle pain. We have listed some great reasons below not to ignore painful podiatry problems.
They can treat your foot problems
It sounds obvious, but podiatrists specialise in treating a number of minor foot-related ailments including nail conditions, fungal infections and skin lesions, as well as more serious complaints such as diabetic ulcers and bone deformities.
If you ignore seemingly minor foot complaints, they can quickly develop into major problems that affect your whole life. For example, if bunions are left untreated in the early stages, they can worsen to the point where the patient is unable to wear normal shoes and surgery is needed to correct the bone structure. Further complications such as toe displacement and arthritis are also relatively common if late-stage bunions are left to develop.
They prevent future problems
The saying goes “prevention is the best cure”, and this is certainly true when visiting a podiatrist regularly. Those who attend regular check-up appointments can avoid many potential problems, as podiatrists are trained to recognise issues before they become serious.
People with diabetes in particular should visit a podiatrist regularly due to their increased risk of ulcers and slower healing. The majority of ulcers caused by diabetes occur on the lower leg and foot, and if they are not checked in the early stages, infection can occur and may even lead to amputation. Regular podiatry care can help prevent serious complications and reduce long-term health risks.
They can get you back to sport
Sports injuries are one of the most common reasons people visit a podiatrist.
Running, particularly on roads and hard surfaces, can put a lot of stress on the muscles, tendons and ligaments in the lower leg, and problems such as shin splints occur regularly. A podiatrist can not only treat the symptoms of running injuries, but can also perform a gait analysis and recommend the best type of footwear for your foot shape and running style.
In sports such as rugby, the lower limb is often the most frequently injured area of the body. Due to the high-contact nature of the sport, pressure is often applied to the ankles and feet during scrums or tackles. After treating a sports-related injury, a podiatrist may offer an aftercare programme to ensure the correct boots, insoles and support are being used, and that good foot care is maintained.
They can help you make lasting lifestyle changes
A podiatrist can also provide valuable foot care advice. Nutrition is important for nail and skin health, and the body needs certain vitamins and minerals to prevent nails becoming thickened, discoloured or brittle. In some cases, alongside treatment, a podiatrist may recommend dietary changes or supplements such as iron or protein.
Podiatrists can also give advice on suitable footwear and good hygiene habits. For people over 60, maintaining good foot health is especially important. As we age, joints can become stiffer and swelling around the ankles becomes more common. With the right advice and care, podiatry treatment can help keep feet comfortable and healthy.
Foot problems should not be covered up or ignored. If you have concerns about your feet, it is always best to seek professional advice from a qualified podiatrist.
