When should you see a podiatrist? If you have ongoing foot or heel pain, recurring ingrown toenails, bunions, changes to your toenails or changes in the way you walk, it may be time to have your feet assessed by a podiatrist.
Foot problems can be easy to ignore, particularly when they develop gradually. However, ongoing discomfort or changes that begin to affect your movement and everyday activities may benefit from professional assessment.
A podiatrist is a health professional who assesses, diagnoses and manages conditions affecting the feet and lower limbs.
Here are 10 signs it may be time to see a podiatrist.
1. You have ongoing heel pain
Heel pain is one of the common reasons people visit a podiatrist.
Pain may occur underneath the heel, around the back of the heel or through the surrounding area. There are several possible causes, including plantar fasciitis and other conditions affecting the structures of the foot.
If your heel pain keeps returning, is getting worse or is affecting your normal activities, a podiatry assessment can help determine what may be causing it and what management options may be appropriate.
2. You have pain in your arch or the bottom of your foot
Pain through the arch or sole of the foot can make standing, walking and exercise uncomfortable.
There are many possible causes of arch and foot pain. A podiatrist can assess your foot structure, movement and symptoms to help identify what may be contributing to the problem.
3. You have a bunion that is becoming painful
A bunion is a change around the joint at the base of the big toe that can become increasingly prominent over time.
Some bunions cause little difficulty, while others may lead to pain, irritation from footwear or changes in movement.
If a bunion is causing ongoing discomfort or interfering with everyday activities, a podiatrist can assess the condition and discuss the available treatment and management options.
4. You keep getting ingrown toenails
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into or irritates the surrounding skin.
It can cause pain, redness and swelling and, in some cases, infection.
If you regularly experience ingrown toenails, have significant discomfort or notice signs of infection, it is worth having the area professionally assessed rather than repeatedly trying to manage the problem yourself.
5. You have corns or calluses that keep coming back
Corns and calluses commonly develop in response to repeated pressure or friction.
While they can seem like a relatively minor concern, recurring corns and calluses may indicate that particular areas of your feet are experiencing increased pressure.
A podiatrist can assess the affected area and look at factors that may be contributing to the problem.
6. Your foot pain keeps coming back
Recurring foot pain should not necessarily be accepted as something you simply have to live with.
Whether the discomfort is in your heel, arch, toes, forefoot or another part of your foot, recurring pain may have an underlying cause.
A podiatry assessment can help determine what may be contributing to your symptoms and what options are available to manage them.
7. You have noticed changes in the way you walk
Changes in the way you walk may develop because of pain, injury, changes in foot structure or a range of other factors.
You may notice that you are placing more weight on one side, wearing your shoes unevenly or changing the way you move because certain movements are uncomfortable.
A podiatrist can assess your feet and lower limbs and examine how they are functioning during movement.
8. Your toenails have changed
Changes in the colour, thickness, texture or shape of a toenail can occur for several reasons, including injury and fungal nail infections.
If you have noticed significant changes to a toenail, it has become painful or the problem is not improving, a podiatrist can assess the nail and discuss appropriate treatment options.
9. Your child has foot pain or changes in the way they walk
Children’s feet and legs change considerably as they grow.
If your child regularly complains of foot or leg pain, frequently trips, avoids physical activity because of discomfort or you notice changes in the way they walk, a podiatry assessment may be appropriate.
A podiatrist can assess your child’s feet, lower limbs and movement and determine whether any further management may be required.
10. Foot pain is stopping you from doing the things you normally do
One of the clearest signs that it may be time to see a podiatrist is when foot pain begins affecting your everyday life.
If walking, exercising, working, playing sport or simply wearing your usual shoes has become uncomfortable, consider having the problem assessed to determine what may be contributing to it.
What does a podiatrist treat?
Podiatrists assess and manage a wide range of conditions affecting the feet and lower limbs.
These can include heel and arch pain, plantar fasciitis, bunions, ingrown toenails, corns and calluses, nail concerns, children’s foot problems and changes affecting walking and movement.
The appropriate treatment or management approach will depend on the underlying condition, your symptoms and your individual circumstances.
About Dr Maree Marks
Dr Maree Marks is a Specialist Surgical Podiatrist with extensive training and clinical experience in Australia and the United Kingdom.
Dr Maree commenced her surgical training in Australia in 2003 before relocating to the United Kingdom in 2007 to further her qualifications and surgical training at Charing Cross Hospital in London. In 2011, she attained Fellowship of the College of Podiatric Surgeons UK.
She continued her clinical and surgical practice in the United Kingdom, where she also contributed to the education and training of surgical trainees, before returning to Australia to continue her practice in Sydney.
As a Specialist Surgical Podiatrist, Dr Maree assesses a wide range of foot and ankle conditions and can discuss both non-surgical and surgical treatment options where clinically appropriate.
Consulting a surgical podiatrist does not mean surgery will be required. Dr Maree considers the available treatment options based on your condition, circumstances and preferences, helping you make an informed decision about your care.
Dr Maree Marks (POD0001275007) consults at GMC Cosmedical in Narellan and Randwick.
Looking for a podiatrist in Sydney?
If you are experiencing ongoing heel pain, arch pain, bunions, recurring ingrown toenails or another foot or ankle concern, consider having it professionally assessed.
At GMC Cosmedical, you can book a podiatry consultation with Dr Maree Marks at our Narellan or Randwick clinics to have your concerns assessed and discuss the treatment or management options that may be appropriate for you.
Narellan: (02) 4627 2000
Randwick: (02) 9399 6444
Book your podiatry consultation with GMC Cosmedical today.
Important information
This information is general in nature and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Diagnosis, suitability and treatment options vary depending on individual circumstances. A consultation with a qualified health practitioner is required to assess your concerns and determine appropriate management. All medical and surgical procedures carry potential risks. These, along with expected recovery and other relevant considerations, will be discussed during your consultation.
All medical and cosmetic procedures carry risks. Individual suitability, risks, side effects, downtime and results vary. A personalised consultation with a qualified practitioner is essential to determine whether this treatment is appropriate for you. For further information, please visit our risks and recovery page.
