Podiatry Week runs from 12 to 18 October 2026. This year’s theme from the Australian Podiatry Association is “Your feet do more than you think. So do podiatrists.”
While many people visit a podiatrist for toenail or skin problems, podiatrists also assess and treat foot and ankle pain, injuries and problems with walking. Here are some of the signs that it may be time to make an appointment.
How foot and leg pain affects everyday life
Foot and lower-leg pain can make everyday activities like walking, working and exercising more difficult.
The Australian Podiatry Association’s 2022 Australian Foot Health Survey found that, among Australians surveyed:
- 55% said lower-limb pain had negatively affected their lives
- 24% said it reduced their daily walking
- 13% said they didn’t exercise when they normally would
- 12% couldn’t take part in sport or physical activity
Signs it may be worth seeing a podiatrist
Consider seeing a podiatrist if you notice:
- Pain in your feet, heels, ankles or shins
- Ingrown, thickened or discoloured toenails
- Corns, calluses or persistent skin irritation
- Swelling, lumps or redness on your feet or legs
- Tripping or falling more frequently than usual
- Shoes that no longer fit comfortably
- A foot or ankle injury that isn’t improving
- A health condition that can affect your feet, such as diabetes or arthritis
What a podiatrist does
Podiatrists are university-qualified health professionals registered with the Podiatry Board of Australia. They assess, diagnose and treat conditions affecting the feet and lower limbs.
Nail and skin care is an important part of podiatry, but podiatrists also help with:
- Sports and running injuries
- Children’s feet and concerns about how they walk
- Foot checks and care for people living with diabetes
- Footwear advice and orthotics
- Minor procedures such as ingrown toenail surgery, performed under local anaesthetic
A foot assessment can also identify changes in circulation or sensation that may need further attention.We’ve also explained the difference between a podiatrist and a chiropodist in an earlier post.
Seeing a podiatrist in Brighton
Brighton Road Podiatry has provided podiatry care to the Holdfast Bay community for decades. Our podiatrists assess and treat a wide range of conditions affecting the shins, ankles, feet and toes.
Our services include general podiatry care, sports injuries, children’s podiatry and orthotics.
If you have ongoing foot or ankle pain or another concern, you can book online or call our reception team on (08) 8298 4166.
