With foot pain affecting 20% of the population in Australia, it’s a question affecting 1 in 5 people who are seeking the best treatment without having to use ‘guess work.’
To answer the question of who is the best to see, Tom from Posture Podiatry walks us through what they both do and provides some examples...
Both podiatrists and physiotherapists are dedicated to helping people perform at their best.
Physiotherapists are qualified to assess, diagnose, treat and prevent a wide range of health conditions and movement disorders by physical methods such as movement and exercise, manual therapy, education and advice.
Physiotherapy treatment helps repair damage, reduce stiffness and pain, increase mobility and improve quality of life.
Podiatrists are dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of medical and surgical conditions of the feet and lower limbs.
Podiatry treatment also helps repair damage, reduce stiffness and pain, increase mobility and improve quality of life.
There are things a physiotherapist will do that a podiatrist won't do, and conversely there are also things a podiatrist will do that a physiotherapist won't do, such as:
• Removal of corns, callus and other painful lesions
• Diagnosis and treatment of skin disorders
• Administration of local anaesthetic
• Surgical treatment of ingrown toenails
So, if your foot problem is related to one of the above, it is best to see a podiatrist!
For general foot pain or ankle sprains, physio’s and podiatrists often work together to get the best outcomes for their clients.
Physio to Podiatrist example…
Most teams have a physiotherapist on their roster to be able to help protect, manage and rehabilitate acute injuries such as ankle sprains.
However, if the same person frequently sprains their ankle, they might be referred to a podiatrist to look further into the inner workings of their feet, to uncover other reasons for the injury.
Clients have their foot mechanics and walking assessed, and they may be prescribed orthotics or specific foot mobilisation and strengthening to solve the problem.
Podiatrist to Physio example…
A podiatrist treating someone for chronic foot pain may find there are factors from higher up contributing to the pain, such as gluteal weakness, hip rotation issues and core stability problems. The podiatrist will rely on a physiotherapist to treat the problem areas higher up in the body and prescribe exercises to release and strengthen the area.
Together, clients have a much better chance of a successful outcome!
Both physiotherapists and podiatrists will both provide taping for sports injuries, massage and mobilise feet, and assess posture and gait, but it's important that your physiotherapist and podiatrist are both working together for the best outcome.
Understanding the importance of recognising each other's strengths is what results in the best outcome for our clients.
The Physio Clinic works with the podiatrists at Posture Podiatry, who are highly trained in the treatment of foot conditions, and have won awards for their outstanding level of service.
Your treatment works best when both your physio and podiatrist are both working together for your benefit.
Tom Kolesnik
B.Pod, Accredited Podiatrist
Posture Podiatry
58 North Terrace KENT TOWN SA 5067
Ph: 08 8362 5900
www.posturepodiatry.com.au
facebook.com/posturepodiatry
