Are you looking for help with your foot or lower leg problems?

Then you have come to the right place!

My name is Leah Waters, I'm a Melbourne Podiatrist, and founder of the Pivotal Podiatry Clinic.

Here you will find many articles on Common Foot Problems and Services by clicking on the articles at the top of the page or to the right.

Or, if you would like to speak with someone about your Foot concerns,
call me today on (03) 9939 3339.

I look forward to helping you!

Leah Waters, Podiatrist
 

For driving Directions to my Podiatry Clinic, please select your suburb from the list below.

Why are healthy feet important?

WE start out taking baby steps.

We then learn to walk and to run. We skip, hop, step or jump every single day of our lives. Regardless of your age, having healthy feet is a vital part of your health and well-being.

The majority of people will experience foot problems at some time in their life. It may be as simple as a blister or corn, or a more significant musculoskeletal injury. But, despite the millions of aching feet out there, many of us don’t seek medical attention that is required for relief.

Improper foot care, poorly fitted shoes, poor muscle strength or flexibility, posture related problems and genetic factors are some of the causes responsible for foot problems. No matter what causes your feet to ache, throb burn or hurt, a Melbourne Podiatrist can help you diagnose the problem and provide treatment. Podiatrists can provide medical and surgical care to people with foot, ankle and leg problems.
 

Who are Podiatrists?

Podiatrists are the health care professional who deal with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of local and systemic conditions affecting the lower limbs.

Podiatrist's are registered practitioners who can diagnose foot and lower limb conditions, refer for diagnostic imaging modalities and prescribe a variety of treatment interventions.

Podiatrists in Melbourne are highly skilled professionals who undergo thorough university training which includes clinical as well as theoretical classes in related subjects.

The training focuses on the knowledge of the foot, ankle and the muscles and the tendons governing foot function.

They are trained to provide multi-faceted foot care, including complete medical histories, thorough physical examination of the feet and the legs and various examinations (vascular, radiological, dermatological, orthopaedic and neurological) to diagnose the foot condition.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Podiatry
 

What skills does a Melbourne Podiatrist need?

Podiatrists in Melbourne need to have a sound knowledge of the related subjects of the foot and good personal qualities, both of which help them to become an efficient Melbourne Podiatrists.

The skills of a podiatrist include -

• Assessing and treating various foot conditions:
  Melbourne Podiatrists can assesses and treats various foot care ailments, such as bunions, corns, calluses, skin infections, injuries to the ligaments and tendons, plantar fasciitis, heel pain, warts, hammertoes, ingrown toenails and spurs. They can use medications, physical therapy or refer for surgical interventions to treat the above mentioned foot conditions.

• Diagnosing rare foot problems:
  A podiatrist can assist in the diagnosis and treatment of  ulcers, skin and nail conditions and structural deformities.

• Surgical management:
  A Podiatrist performs nail surgery using local anaesthetics.

• Performing a clinical, biomechanical evaluation of the lower limbs:
  A Melbourne Podiatrist analyses the function of the human motion by using biomechanics. They utilise specialized equipment to detect pathomechanical anomalies to ensure appropriate and effective treatment.
  
  By evaluating the biomechanics of the foot, your Podiatrist can prescribe special footwear, orthotics and prosthetic devices to correct the imperfect foot and leg structure and function.
  
  They also take care of various sports related injuries such as shin splints and stress fractures.

• Preventing foot conditions:
  The skills of Podiatrist Melbourne are not just limited to diagnosing and treating foot ailments; but, a Podiatrist Melbourne provides information on preventing various foot conditions and keeping your feet healthy. They advise patients about foot health and prevention of foot problems.

• Treating gait abnormalities and preventing foot deformities in children:
  Podiatrists diagnose and treat children’s foot problems by careful examination of foot and lower limb. They provide information on how to prevent or reduce the foot deformity which often develops in the second decade of life.
  
  This may include appropriate information on footwear, recommendation of physical exercises, treatment by splinting and orthotic control of the feet.

• Treating foot problems in people with diabetes:
  People with diabetes are more likely to develop serious foot problems due to complications of diabetes (reduced blood flow and damaged nerves).
  
  Podiatrists in Melbourne can also help diabetic people manage their foot problems effectively and provide information on preventing foot related conditions.

Melbourne Podiatrists can help older people stay active by keeping their feet healthy. Some of the problems treated in older people include soft tissue disorders, nail and skin problems and arthritis.

If you would like to speak to a Melbourne Podiatrist about your foot concerns, please call Leah Waters on (03) 9939 3339 to make an appointment in Hampton East today!