Podiatry FAQs

A podiatrist is a healthcare professional who diagnoses, treats, and helps prevent conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and lower limbs.

You should see a podiatrist if you have foot pain, heel pain, ingrown toenails, corns, calluses, sports injuries, diabetic foot concerns, or any ongoing foot discomfort.

Foot pain can be caused by poor footwear, overuse, arthritis, plantar fasciitis, injuries, or structural issues. A podiatrist can identify the cause and recommend treatment.

The most common cause is plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the tissue running along the bottom of the foot. Other causes include Achilles tendon issues, stress fractures, and arthritis.

Yes. Podiatrists can safely treat ingrown toenails and, if necessary, perform minor procedures to prevent them from recurring.

Orthotics are custom-made or prefabricated inserts placed inside shoes to improve foot function, reduce pain, and support proper movement.

Not everyone does. A podiatrist will assess your feet and gait to determine whether custom orthotics, off-the-shelf inserts, or other treatments are best.

Corns and calluses develop from repeated pressure or friction. They may indicate issues with footwear, foot structure, or walking patterns.

Bunions are often caused by inherited foot structure, although footwear can worsen symptoms. They occur when the big toe gradually shifts toward the other toes.

Numbness or tingling may be related to nerve compression, diabetes, circulation problems, or injury. It is important to have these symptoms assessed.

Check your feet daily, wear properly fitted shoes, maintain good blood sugar control, and have regular foot assessments with a podiatrist.

The best shoes provide good support, cushioning, stability, and enough room for your toes. The ideal shoe varies depending on your foot type and activity.

This can result from prolonged standing, poor footwear, muscle fatigue, arthritis, or underlying foot conditions.

Yes. Podiatrists assess children's foot development, walking patterns, sports injuries, and conditions such as flat feet or in-toeing.

Plantar fasciitis is irritation of the thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot. It commonly causes sharp pain near the heel, especially in the morning.

Yes. Podiatrists regularly treat running injuries, ankle sprains, Achilles tendon problems, shin pain, stress fractures, and other sports-related conditions.

Most people only need to visit when problems arise. However, people with diabetes, circulation issues, or ongoing foot conditions may benefit from regular check-ups.

While foot changes can occur with age, pain should not be considered normal. Many age-related foot problems can be treated or managed effectively.

Yes. Foot problems can affect your walking pattern and may contribute to pain in the knees, hips, lower back, and other areas.

Bring any relevant medical information, a list of medications, and the shoes you wear most often. If you have previous scans or reports, bring those as well.

Yes. Wearing appropriate footwear, maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, practicing good foot hygiene, and seeking treatment early can help prevent many foot issues.

Common conditions include plantar fasciitis, ingrown toenails, corns and calluses, fungal infections, bunions, and sports-related injuries.