How many people actually have perfect feet? Just about all of us have bunions, calluses, corns, and other indubitably unglamorous foot conditions. Most people go through painful foot ailments at some point during their lives, but not that many people get help for it. It’s embarrassing, after all.

We believe that foot care isn’t something to be ashamed of. That’s precisely what podiatrists exist for. These medical professionals are trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent foot and ankle conditions. Here are some reasons why you should seek one out to treat your feet:

Podiatrists can treat your foot problems

Podiatrists in Perth are trained to treat everything from simple foot infections to diabetic ulcers wearing down to the bone. Instead of just pouring some iodine on your foot and hoping it will recover, consider visiting a podiatrist, even for minor foot complaints.

Those seemingly little things, when unaddressed, will often result in much more harmful conditions. Take bunions, for instance. In the early stages, they are merely inconvenient. When left untreated, however, they can become so painful and swollen to the point where footwear can no longer be worn and surgery is required to fix bone structures. Toe displacement and arthritis has also been known to develop as a result of untreated bunions. By seeking help for your minor ailments early on, some simple measures to improve symptoms and slow it down, can save yourself from a world of hurt in the future.

Podiatrists can help prevent future occurrences

It’s always better to prevent painful foot conditions than to have to get treated for them. Did you know that you can get regular checkups with a podiatrist, just like you would with a general practitioner? This will allow your podiatrist to recognize any conditions and treat them early on so you never have to feel the worst of it.

If you are a diabetic, you may find this especially useful as you are prone to ulcers and a slower healing time. Most diabetic ulcers occur on the feet or lower legs, and if you don’t know how to recognize it early on, you could end up getting an infection and losing a leg. By regularly visiting a podiatrist, you can decrease this risk massively and enjoy good foot health.

Podiatrists can improve your sports performance

Athletes in particular have a lot to gain from a podiatrist. Even if you aren’t a competitive athlete, you’ll find these professionals useful.

A lot of sports involve running. Running, although great for health, involves a lot of high-impact movement that can strain your muscles, ligaments, and joints. It isn’t uncommon for runners to experience leg and foot pain due to overuse injuries such as shin splints and plantar fasciopathy. A podiatrist is not only able to treat such injuries, but can also help you prevent future occurrences by helping you understand your feet, strengthening and helping correct running styles. This will allow you to choose the right pair of shoes, exercises to greater tolerate load, and if needed customised foot orthotics that will support your feet and help you perform better.

Podiatrists can help you change your lifestyle

Everything starts from the ground up, taking care of your feet will help you take care of your body. Your toenail health is also impacted by the food that you eat, and you need to ensure that you are taking in the right vitamins and nutrients to keep them healthy and strong instead of discolored and brittle. A podiatrist will help you figure out the foods that you should be eating, and may even prescribe some supplements.

Besides nutrition, podiatrists in Perth can also guide your decision in footwear and foot hygiene. Aging individuals especially need to care for their feet, as their joints stiffen, their nails harden, and their ankles aren’t as mobile. With the help of a podiatrist, you can age gracefully and stay comfortable on your feet.