What is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a highly trained allied health professional who specialises in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and lower limbs. Podiatrists play a crucial role in maintaining mobility, independence, and overall health—particularly for those with chronic medical conditions, sports injuries, or age-related foot issues.

The conditions podiatrists treat include those stemming from bone and joint disorders such as arthritis, as well as soft-tissue and muscular pathologies. They are also trained to manage complications arising from systemic conditions like diabetes, neurological disorders, and circulatory problems, all of which can have serious consequences for the lower limbs if left untreated.

In addition to managing complex medical issues, podiatrists also provide care for common but often painful foot problems including corns, calluses, ingrown toenails, fungal infections, and cracked heels. They are skilled in performing minor surgical procedures when necessary and can prescribe orthotics or other biomechanical devices to improve alignment and relieve pain.

Podiatrists work with people of all ages and activity levels, from children with growing pains to athletes recovering from sports injuries to older adults aiming to stay mobile. Whether it’s helping a patient walk without pain, avoid complications from diabetes, or recover from an injury, podiatrists play a key role in keeping people on their feet—literally.