Your feet are the foundation that supports you through work, keeping fit, spending time with family and friends – basically everything you do. That’s why it’s important to give them the care they need. A podiatrist specialises in the treatment of foot, ankle, and lower leg injuries and conditions.

They are also experts in general podiatry including the diagnosis and treatment of corns, calluses, bunions, hammertoes, heel spurs, ingrown toenails, flat feet, shortened tendons, plantar fasciitis, arthritic and diabetic foot and ankle problems. They can also offer advice and education on foot hygiene, foot care, and health promotion. They can also provide a range of treatments like steroid injections, orthotic devices, and surgical procedures.

In a typical podiatry appointment, Dr Angus Chard, Foot and Leg Pain Centre will start by reviewing your medical history and current symptoms. Then, they’ll do a thorough physical exam of your feet and legs. This may include a visual inspection of your toes and their joints as well as an evaluation of your balance and walking pattern. In addition, they’ll likely perform imaging tests to detect bone fractures, blocked or narrowed blood vessels, and other structural issues.

During this process, your podiatrist will be looking for signs of swelling or redness as well as checking the overall condition of your foot and ankle. They’ll also want to know about any medications you’re taking and any surgeries you’ve had on your foot or ankle. This information will help them determine the best course of treatment for your specific situation.

The type of treatment your podiatrist will recommend depends on the condition or injury you have and how severe it is. For example, an ingrown toenail is a common problem that could begin with a small amount of pain or inflammation but can progress quickly into an infection. Catching this problem early with a simple at-home treatment can significantly reduce the risk of having to have surgery on the toenail later.

Another common problem is neuroma, a painful nerve condition that occurs when there’s pressure or thickening of the nerve that runs from your heel to your toes. This is usually caused by shoes that are too tight or high-heeled and can cause intense, burning, tingling pain in the feet.

A good podiatrist is a professional who has earned a doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM) degree. This means that they’ve completed years of rigorous foot and ankle training in a podiatric medical school and hospital-based residency program. This makes them uniquely qualified to care for the feet and ankles. They also stay up to date with the latest advancements in foot and ankle health. So when it comes to your foot and ankle health, make sure you see only the best Rouse Hill podiatrists. Book an online appointment with them to find a specialist who fits your needs. You can use the search filters on our website to refine your search results based on specialty, gender, and clinic hours. You can even filter by billing option, to book with a provider that offers your preferred method of payment.