What is Podiatry: Why You Should Choose Podiatrists for Foot Pain
Foot pain is something many people experience throughout their lifetime and wrongly attribute to living a life on our feet; we tell ourselves it will pass, blame our shoes, say we’re tired because we’ve been standing all day for work, or assume aches are simply part of getting older. Yet, our feet carry us through every stage of life and they are designed to hold us through the day, so when something is not quite right, it can become remarkably disruptive within a short space of time.
If you’re experiencing foot pain and have come across the term ‘podiatry’ in your research, then you are likely to have questions about the role of a podiatrist and why they would be more beneficial than visiting your GP. As Podiatrists ourselves who have been treating foot and ankle pain for over 45 years,
Tennant Podiatry are experts in the practice. That’s why we have explained why seeing a podiatrist is the best step you can take for yourself.
What Is Podiatry?
Podiatry is a specialised area of healthcare focused on the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions affecting the feet, ankles, hips, lower back, and legs.
Podiatrists are highly trained clinicians who understand the complex structure of the foot, a remarkable system of 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Because the feet are closely connected to how the entire body moves, podiatry also considers how foot function impacts knees, hips, and posture.
Podiatry helps people:
- Walk comfortably and confidently
- Prevent minor problems from becoming serious
- Manage long term conditions
- Maintain mobility and independence at every age
What Does a Podiatrist Treat?
Podiatrists are trained to assess the health, structure, and function of the feet and how these influence the way your entire body moves.
Because the feet absorb significant pressure every day, even small imbalances can lead to discomfort, skin changes, nail problems, or strain in other joints. A podiatrist looks beyond the surface to understand why these issues occur and how to resolve them safely. We treat:
Skin and nail conditions
These are among the most common concerns, yet they can become painful or persistent without professional care. Treatment addresses the mechanical causes to prevent recurrence.
Podiatrists treat the following skin and nail conditions:
- Corns and calluses caused by pressure or friction
- Cracked heels and dry skin
- Thickened, damaged, or fungal nails
- Ingrown toenails
- Verrucae and other stubborn skin lesions
Musculoskeletal pain and foot function
Foot pain is often linked to how we walk and distribute weight. Through biomechanical assessment, podiatrists can identify inefficient movement patterns and recommend targeted treatment or support for:
- Heel pain, including plantar fasciitis
- Arch discomfort or fatigue
- Pain in the ball of the foot
- Tendon or ligament strain
- Flat feet or high arches affecting balance
- Gait issues contributing to knee, hip, or lower back discomfort
Support for long term health conditions
Certain medical conditions require careful, ongoing foot care with regular visits. These include:
- Diabetes related foot monitoring
- Circulatory or nerve changes affecting sensation
- Arthritis impacting joint mobility
- Reduced ability to self manage nail or skin care
Injury prevention
Active individuals often benefit from podiatry even without obvious injury. We can help with early identification and management of minor symptoms to prevent them from worsening as well as footwear advice and help with pressure redistribution. Biomechanical assessments can be conducted to ensure you receive the right support as a runner or an active individual.
Why Choose a Podiatrist Instead of Self Treating?
If you have foot pain, it can be tempting to manage this from home, but pain and skin issues in the feet are almost always linked to other ongoing conditions that can cause long term damage if left unaddressed. Over the counter remedies and online advice offer temporary reprieve where a podiatrist can assess the foot in detail and offer an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
1. Accurate diagnosis
Foot pain can have many causes that look similar but require very different treatments. What feels like a simple ache may stem from joint alignment, tendon strain, or pressure imbalance. A podiatrist carefully assesses:
- How you walk and stand
- Your foot structure and movement
- Footwear and lifestyle factors
- Medical history that may influence healing
2. Treating the cause
Padding or insoles bought online may ease discomfort briefly. But without addressing the mechanical or medical reason behind the issue, pain often returns.
Podiatry focuses on long term solutions such as:
- Offloading pressure points
- Improving foot function
- Supporting natural biomechanics
- Preventing recurrence
3. Preventing problems before they escalate
Many serious foot conditions begin as small points of discomfort. Early care can prevent chronic pain and complications later down the line.
4. Care that supports your whole body
Because your feet influence alignment throughout your body, improving foot health can reduce strain elsewhere. Many patients notice improvements in balance, posture, muscle fatigue, and activity levels once their feet are functioning properly.
Who can benefit from seeing a podiatrist?
Sometimes your lifestyle or living with a long term health condition can merit visiting a podiatrist even without ongoing symptoms.
You may benefit from a podiatry consultation if you are:
- On your feet for long periods at work, such as healthcare professionals, teachers, retail workers, or tradespeople.
- Physically active or involved in sport where repetitive impact can lead to strain or injury.
- Experiencing changes as you get older including reduced flexibility, balance concerns, or difficulty managing foot care.
- Living with conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, or circulation issues that require careful monitoring.
- Noticing persistent hard skin, nail problems, or discomfort even if it seems minor.
- Wanting to maintain mobility and independence through preventative care.
- Wearing unsupportive footwear for long hours, including office based roles where posture can still affect foot function.
When Should You See a Podiatrist?
You do not need to wait until pain becomes severe to reach out to a podiatrist. In fact, earlier intervention does lead to more effective results. If you are experiencing any measure of pain or discomfort in your feet then it is important to see a professional as soon as you are able and get on top of the issue before it escalates.
If something is affecting how you move, it is worth having it assessed.
Consider booking an appointment if you notice:
- Persistent foot or heel pain
- Discomfort when walking or standing
- Changes in nail shape, colour, or thickness
- Hard skin that keeps returning
- Pain during exercise
- Reduced balance or stability
- Any foot concern linked to diabetes or circulation
- A problem that has not improved with home care
- Repetitive impact during exercise is causing strain
What Happens During a Podiatry Appointment?
Many people feel unsure about what to expect, but podiatry visits are calm, practical, and centred on your comfort.
Your appointment typically includes:
- A detailed discussion about your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical background.
- A clinical examination of your feet, skin, nails, and circulation.
- Assessment of movement and biomechanics where needed.
- Clear explanation of what is happening and why.
- Personalised treatment designed to relieve discomfort and support long term health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a GP referral to see a podiatrist?
No. You can book directly with a podiatrist without needing a referral. This allows you to seek help as soon as you notice a problem.
Are podiatry treatments painful?
Treatments are designed to be gentle and comfortable. Your podiatrist will explain each step and tailor care to your needs, ensuring you feel at ease throughout.
How long does an appointment take?
Appointments typically last between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the concern being addressed. This allows time for a thorough assessment as well as treatment.
Will I need ongoing treatment?
Some concerns resolve quickly, while others benefit from occasional maintenance visits. Your podiatrist will recommend a personalised plan that supports your long term foot health without unnecessary appointments.
Can podiatry help if I’ve had foot pain for a long time?
Yes. Many people seek podiatry care after living with discomfort for months or even years. A detailed assessment can often identify underlying causes and provide effective relief, even for longstanding issues.
How much is a podiatry visit?
The cost of a podiatry visit will depend on the treatment you receive. Professional podiatrists will give you an accurate quote before proceeding with treatment so there are no surprises.
Take the First Step Towards Comfortable Movement
Foot pain is easy to ignore, but it is never something you simply have to live with. Addressing concerns early can prevent further strain and help you move comfortably again.
If you have noticed changes in your feet, are experiencing discomfort, have a long term health condition that impacts your joints, or would simply like reassurance about your foot health, a professional assessment can provide clarity and support. Seeking advice sooner often means simpler treatment, and a quicker return to doing the things you enjoy.
AtTennant Podiatry, our accredited podiatrists treat all foot troubles and lower limb conditions with access to state of the art facilities and a comprehensive understanding of how feet are interconnected with the rest of the body. Our aim is always to make your life more comfortable through bespoke, informed treatment.
Contact us today.
