6 reasons why you might see a podiatrist

Our feet do a lot for us. They carry us walking, running, dancing, even busting moves in the living room. So it’s no surprise that when they start hurting, it can throw everything off – causing a lot of pain to our toes, heels or even our knees.

Enter, the humble podiatrist. These foot and lower-limb specialists can spot problems and help get you moving pain-free again.  
 
Here are six common foot issues that might mean it’s time to book an appointment. 

1. Plantar fasciitis

We all have a thick piece of tissue that runs along the bottom of our feet and connects the heel bone to our toes. This is called the plantar fascia and when it becomes sore, you might have plantar fasciitis.

The main symptom of this foot issue is having dull or sharp pain under your heel. But other signs you might have plantar fasciitis include a swollen heel or experiencing lots of pain in the morning.

If your symptoms stick around for more than eight weeks, a podiatrist can check your feet and create a tailored treatment plan. 

2. Ingrown toenails

Our toenails are probably the last things we think about when it comes to our foot health. But if your toenail starts to curl down and grow into the skin, then you might have an ingrown toenail. This condition can be quite painful to deal with and is more common as you get older and your toenail naturally thickens.

Look out for redness, swelling or hard skin around the nail. You can also help prevent them by trimming nails straight across and wearing shoes that fit properly. 

3. Calluses and corns

Has there ever been a patch of skin on your feet that felt really hard? Chances are, it might’ve been a callus or a corn. Calluses form from pressure over a larger area, while corns appear in one small spot under constant pressure.

They can be quite painful, especially if you don’t relieve the pressure that might be causing them. They tend to form on the ball of your foot, under the big toe and on the tips of your toes. A podiatrist can remove corns and calluses with special equipment at their clinic and offer advice on the right shoes to wear.

4. Shin splints

If you’re a dancer or a runner, chances are you’ve experienced shin splints at some stage in your life. A shin splint is when you have pain in the lower leg because of repeated stress on the shin bone. If you have shin splints, you might feel a dull, achy pain in your shin that gets worse with activity but better with rest.

To prevent shin splints, wear well-fitting shoes with shock-absorbing insoles. It’s also a good idea to warm up and cool down before physical activity and give yourself time to rest afterwards.

5. Flat feet

We all have an arch along the bottom of our feet. But for some people, this arch might be a lot lower than usual. This is called having flat feet or fallen arches.  
 
As the name suggests, it means the arch of your foot touches the ground. Sometimes, having flat feet can cause pain in your heel, arch or leg after standing or walking for a long time. If you see a podiatrist, they might recommend orthotics for your shoes or provide recommendations on what shoes you should wear.

6. Bunions

When you have a bunion, it means there’s a bony lump on the joint of your big toe. A bunion might form because of the way your big toe leans towards your other toes and there’s consistent pressure on that joint. Your foot shape is hereditary, which could lead to bunions forming, or they may appear if you have health conditions that cause deformities.

Depending on the severity of your bunions, your podiatrist might give you exercises to do and orthotics for your shoes. But in extremely severe cases, you might need surgery to remove them.

How can you keep your feet healthy?

Before you go rushing to book a podiatrist appointment, there are some simple things you can do to take care of your feet:

• Wash and dry them daily and moisturise to keep skin soft

• Cut toenails straight across and file sharp edges

• Wear well-fitting shoes, suited to your activity – no running in heels

• Keep an eye out for any redness, swelling or skin thickening – and don’t ignore persistent pain.

Get back on your feet with nib

At nib, we want you moving pain-free. That’s why we offer a range of Extras covers to help you with the costs of certain healthcare appointments, like podiatry. Plus, some of our Extras options let you claim towards the cost of orthopaedic insoles and shoes.

If you’re ready to explore your options, you can get a quote or reach out to our friendly team. They’ll help you every step of the way.