Podiatrists are experts in foot, ankle and lower limb health. They can help to prevent, diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions including:
A podiatrist is a specialist who manages and treats almost all symptoms that involve the ankle and/or the foot. If you are experiencing any of the following problems or symptoms, it's time to make an appointment to see a podiatrist. Numbness, pain or swelling in one foot.
There's no difference between a podiatrist and chiropodist, but podiatrist is a more modern name. A podiatrist (chiropodist) can help you with common foot problems, including ingrown toenails and bunions.
Generally, podiatry services are not covered by Medicare. However, if you have a chronic medical condition like diabetes or osteoarthritis you may be eligible to access podiatry services under a Medicare enhanced primary care plan. In order to access the scheme a general practitioner referral is required.
They may assist other doctors in treating a health issue. Podiatrists may also: Diagnose foot problems like skin and nail diseases, congenital (at-birth) deformities, tumors, and ulcers. Treat conditions like corns, arch problems, heel spurs, shortened tendons, bone disorders, and cysts.
A podiatrist will usually be able to diagnose the cause of your foot pain and offer a treatment plan. Podiatrists have specialist knowledge with managing pain related to musculoskeletal problems, where abnormal mechanics in the foot lead to tissue damage and pain.
The most common foot problem that a podiatrist treats is heel pain. Heel pain can be caused by a variety of different conditions, such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis. Treatment for heel pain often includes things like stretching exercises, orthotic devices, or cortisone injections.
Before going to a podiatrist
You don't usually need a referral from a doctor to see a podiatrist. However, if you have a chronic medical condition, you may be eligible for Medicare to cover some or all podiatry services under your Chronic disease management plan. Ask your doctor for more details.
But there are a few conditions. A Medicare rebate for Podiatry can only be accessed under the Enhanced Primary Care Program or EPC. You must be assessed by your General Practitioner (GP) and meet Medicare's criteria to be eligible for this program.
Your podiatrist will safely cut and shape the nail to ease the problem and even remove it altogether if necessary. Don't leave this untreated as it can lead to nasty infections.
Wait, do podiatrists do pedicures? Absolutely. A medical pedicure professional has a university degree and can answer any of your questions about feet. Using medical-grade equipment, they will restore life to your feet, no matter how bad they seem to you.
You should seek podiatric care when you notice redness and swelling in your ankle or toe joints. This could be due to an injury to the joint or arthritis. A podiatrist knows how to treat joint pain and get you back on your feet so you can lead the active life you desire.
A podiatric surgeon deals with a wide range of problems with the feet , the most common issues are sports injuries, ingrown toe nails, diabetic foot ulcers, infected toenail , wound care and rheumatoid arthritis.
Some of the most common foot problems in older adults include bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, ingrown, thickened or discolored nails, diabetic foot conditions, poor circulation, and heel pain. Regular visits to a podiatrist can help you maintain your foot health as you age.
Pain in the bottom of your foot is often caused by exercise, such as running, wearing shoes that are too tight or a condition, such as Morton's neuroma. Some people also have a foot shape that puts extra pressure on the bottom of the foot. Hard or cracked skin or a verruca can also cause this type of pain.
Does Medicare cover Podiatry? Yes, BUT only to those eligible and referred by a G.P.
There is no significant difference between a chiropodist and a podiatrist. The term chiropody is defined as the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of foot diseases and disorders. On the other hand, podiatrists are trained foot health practitioners registered and regulated under the Australian Chiropodists Act.
See a GP if:
the pain is getting worse or keeps coming back. the pain has not improved after treating it at home for 2 weeks. you have any tingling or loss of sensation in your foot. you have diabetes and have heel pain – foot problems can be more serious if you have diabetes.
Find out what the average Podiatrist salary is
The average podiatrist salary in Australia is $93,393 per year or $47.89 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $80,000 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $115,467 per year.
Your podiatrist can detect a fungal infection early, perform a lab test, determine the cause, and form a suitable treatment plan, which may include prescribing topical or oral medication, and debridement (removal of diseased nail matter and debris) of an infected nail.
A podiatrist can help you manage circulation issues that affect the feet, which is especially important for those afflicted with diabetes. Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention.
Corns and calluses are some of the most common reasons people visit a podiatrist. These areas of built-up skin can be painful if they get too thick. A podiatrist may recommend cortisone injections to reduce the pain. Another option your doctor has is to reduce their size using a surgical blade.
If you are experiencing any symptoms of poor circulation in your feet and ankles, or if you are older and are at a higher risk of developing poor circulation, please seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat this condition.