Whether your ankle is sore, your big toenail suddenly looks different, or you feel pain in your feet when you wake up in the morning, it’s best to have it looked at. And when you’re experiencing foot pain, you might wonder who to see and think ‘Should I go to a doctor or a podiatrist?’.
While your GP may be an excellent resource for many health conditions, their knowledge is typically generalised rather than focused on any one particular area. Podiatrists do have a particular interest— the feet and lower limbs. This means that they may be able to offer more specific treatment options for your pain and be able to assist you to get back on your feet sooner and with less pain.
This article explores the role of podiatrists, the types of conditions they may address, and why you may want to see one instead of your GP for foot-related concerns. For personalised advice, contact our team at Advanced Family & Sports Podiatry today.
What Does a Podiatrist Do?
Podiatrists are healthcare professionals who aim to address and prevent foot and lower limb conditions. While many GPs may have some general knowledge of foot care, podiatrists have dedicated many years to studying the complexities of the feet, ankles, and lower legs. Their experience allows them to handle a wide variety of foot-related issues, such as:
- Ingrown toenails
- Plantar warts
- Heel pain
- Arch pain
- Skin issues
- Balance issues
- Sprains
- Strains
They may also be able to address foot conditions related to underlying medical conditions like diabetes and arthritis, making them an essential part of your healthcare team if you have these conditions.
When Should I See a Podiatrist?
Knowing when to see a podiatrist instead of your GP may be tricky, but some signs that say it’s time to see a podiatrist include:
- Persistent foot pain— Whether in your heel, arch, or toes, ongoing pain is a sign to get checked out.
- Skin or nail problems— DIscoloured nails, rashes, or persistent foot odour may be symptoms of underlying issues.
- Injuries— If you’ve sprained your ankle or are dealing with another foot injury, a podiatrist will aim to provide dedicated care to assist in your recovery.
- Chronic conditions— If you have diabetes, arthritis, or balance issues, regular visits to a podiatrist may assist in preventing complications and improving your quality of life.
It’s important to remember that healthy feet are crucial to our overall well-being. Foot problems may cause more than just discomfort— they have the ability to affect how you walk, exercise, and go about your daily activities. With all the work our feet do for us throughout our lives, it makes sense for us to take care of them as well as possible!
What to Expect at a Podiatrist Appointment
Your first appointment with a podiatrist will likely start with a discussion of your symptoms and medical history. They’ll ask about any past foot issues, your family health history, any medications you’re taking, any potential allergies, and anything else that may be relevant.
Next, they’ll look at your feet and possibly check your gait using a type of treadmill that provides real-time data on how you walk. If necessary, they may also take X-rays or use other imaging tools in an effort to get a clearer picture of what may be going on.
Depending on what their assessment finds or suspects, your podiatrist may recommend:
- Foot care advice
- Custom orthotics
- Exercises aimed towards strengthening your feet and ankles
- Creams or balms for skin conditions
- Shoe modifications or other corrective devices
- Pain relief or nail trimming for ingrown toenails
- Fungal nail treatments such as Lunula Laser
- Cutterage or microwave therapy for warts
What May a Podiatrist Treat That a GP Typically Can’t?
Although GPs are knowledgeable about many health issues, podiatrists have advanced training specifically in foot care that most GPs typically won’t. A podiatrist may also have specific equipment that the average GP won’t have on hand. With that, a podiatrist may be the best choice if you have:
- Ingrown toenails— Podiatrists are the go-to professionals for ingrown toenails. If your GP prescribes antibiotics for an infected toenail, it may help temporarily, but the problem will likely persist until the nail is properly trimmed, dressed, or potentially addressed with a minor surgical procedure in some cases.
- Corns and calluses— These thickened areas of skin tend to cause discomfort, and while a GP may offer some general advice, a podiatrist aims to address them with specific techniques.
- Plantar warts— Podiatrists see plantar warts often and recognise that treating them usually requires more than a one-time freezing or topical application. Treatment usually involves cleaning and potentially removing some of the wart areas before using other methods, with the aim of ensuring a higher success rate.
- Heel pain— Heel pain, especially if it’s caused by plantar fasciitis, may be tricky to diagnose and address. Podiatrists are skilled at assessing foot mechanics and providing targeted therapies that aim to go beyond just taking painkillers.
Step Into Advanced Family & Sports Podiatry
If you’re wondering whether you should see a GP or a podiatrist for your foot concerns, remember that while GPs are typically skilled in many areas of medicine, podiatrists are generally the go-to when it comes to your feet and lower limbs. From ingrown toenails to complex foot injuries, podiatrists like our team at Advanced Family & Sports Podiatry aim to provide dedicated care, assisting you to get back on your feet sooner. Ready to take the first step? Contact us today!
