A podiatrist is a university-trained health professional who diagnoses, treats and prevents foot and lower leg problems. GPs or child and family health nurses can refer children for podopaediatric care.
Regular podiatrist for children Adelaide checkups are important to spot issues such as flat feet, high arches and improper gait early and help correct them before they worsen. Children can also be treated for sports injuries and warts.
Find a Podiatrist
You spent a lot of time finding the right pediatrician for your child, and it makes sense that you would want to find the best podiatrist, too. Podiatrists are university-trained health professionals who specialise in the feet, ankles and lower legs. They diagnose and treat problems in these areas, as well as provide treatment for foot wounds and sports injuries.
Children are constantly on their feet, so parents need to keep an eye out for issues with them. If your child complains of heel pain, a tingling sensation in the toes, or anything else that could be related to the feet and legs, it’s worth booking an appointment with a podiatrist without delay. Foot problems tend to develop quickly and may worsen if not treated early.
A podiatrist can offer a range of treatments, including orthotics to relieve pain, removing corns and calluses, padding and taping, exercise and stretching programmes and surgery. They can also advise on footwear and recommend appropriate shoes for your child.
When choosing a podiatrist for children Adelaide for your child, look at their reviews and ratings. Check where they went to school and whether they’re board-certified. It’s also a good idea to see whether they work with other health professionals, such as pediatricians, to ensure that your child receives the best possible care.
Consultation
Podiatrists are well used to working with children, and they’re skilled at putting them (and their parents) at ease so that the appointment can be an easy and pleasant experience. They are also able to explain things in terms that young patients can understand, which will make the process even easier.
A podiatrist will ask the parent or child for some basic information about their health and any medications they are taking. They will also ask about any previous foot problems or surgeries and look at the child’s feet and ankles. They may also want to observe the child walking around the room.
Some children have gait abnormalities, like toe-walking or pigeon-toed walking. These can affect a child’s balance and coordination, causing pain. It is best to see a podiatrist about these issues as early as possible.
Podiatrists are also able to provide shoe inserts called orthotics, which help prevent injuries. These are placed inside a child’s shoes and work by limiting excess foot motion, cushioning the feet, and offering arch support. They are especially useful in cases of flat feet, high arches, and structural imbalances in the foot and ankle. They are also often recommended for athletic injuries and to help reduce the risk of developing bunions, hammertoes, and other painful conditions.
Examination
Podiatrists use a combination of medical history, physical exams and imaging tests to form a comprehensive picture of each patient. They also often collaborate with other healthcare specialists like physiotherapists, orthopedists and dermatologists to provide complete patient care.
The examination process begins with the podiatrist asking the patient for a full medical history and taking a detailed look at the foot and lower leg. The podiatrist will note any symptoms that are present, including swelling, redness or tenderness. The podiatrist may also request the person to walk or move their foot and toes in different positions, as this can help identify any structural issues like a bone fracture or blocked or narrow blood vessels.
In addition, the podiatrist for children Adelaide will also ask about the patient’s lifestyle and previous treatments that have been tried. It can help them determine the best treatment options.
A podiatrist needs excellent critical thinking skills to be able to assess each patient’s case and find the best course of action. They also need good written communication skills so they can explain their findings and recommendations clearly to patients. Podiatrists are also required to undergo extensive education and training before they can practice independently. It includes completing an undergraduate degree, a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree and a residency program.