What Is Podiatry? And Why You Might Need It
If you’ve ever wondered what exactly a podiatrist does—or if podiatry is just about cutting toenails—you’re not alone. We get this question all the time in clinic!
So today, we want to clear things up and answer a simple but important question:
What is podiatry?
Let’s Start With the Basics
Podiatry is the branch of medicine that focuses on the feet, ankles, and lower limbs. A podiatrist is a medically trained specialist who diagnoses, treats, and helps prevent a wide range of conditions that affect your ability to walk, stand, run, or move comfortably.
From children with flat feet to runners with heel pain, or older adults struggling with balance—podiatry covers it all.
And it’s not just about treating pain. Good podiatry is about helping people live their lives fully—without being held back by something as simple (and frustrating) as foot pain.
So What Do Podiatrists Actually Treat?
At Foot Focus, we see patients of all ages, backgrounds, and activity levels. Here are just a few of the common problems we help with:
- Heel pain and plantar fasciitis
- Bunions, corns, and calluses
- Ingrown toenails and fungal infections
- Flat feet and high arches
- Achilles tendon issues
- Balance problems and fall prevention
- Arthritic foot pain
- Sports injuries related to the feet or ankles
- Foot pain during pregnancy or after surgery
If it involves your feet, ankles, or how you move—we can help.
It’s Not Just About Treating the Pain
Here’s the thing: foot pain is rarely just about the foot.
Sometimes, the problem is tight calves or poor posture. Other times, it’s footwear that’s not quite right, or the way your feet strike the ground when you walk.
Our job as podiatrists is to figure out not just where the pain is, but why it’s there—and what needs to change to stop it coming back.
We do this by:
✅ Listening to your story
✅ Examining your feet, posture, and movement
✅ Using gait analysis and pressure testing
✅ Recommending personalised treatment plans
What Treatments Do Podiatrists Offer?
Treatment depends entirely on the problem. But here are a few tools we use regularly in clinic:
- Custom orthotics: Supportive insoles tailored to your foot mechanics
- Hands-on therapy: Including mobilisation and soft tissue techniques
- Exercise programmes: To strengthen weak areas and improve movement
- Footwear advice: Because the right shoes can make all the difference
- Nail and skin care: Including treatment for ingrown nails, thickened nails, and callus
- Taping and strapping: To offload pain and support healing
Our goal is always the same: to get you moving better and feeling better.
Who Should See a Podiatrist?
Great question! Here are some signs it’s time to book in:
- You wake up with heel pain
- You’ve started avoiding walks or exercise
- You have pain when standing for long periods
- You’ve noticed changes in how your feet look or feel
- You’re worried about your balance or risk of falling
- You have a recurring foot or nail issue that won’t go away
Even if you’re not in pain, a podiatry check-up can help prevent issues before they start.
Is Podiatry Just for Older Adults?
Absolutely not! We work with:
👶 Children – with growing pains, flat feet, or walking issues
🏃 Athletes – managing injuries and improving performance
🤰 Pregnant women – dealing with foot changes due to weight and hormone shifts
👞 Busy professionals – on their feet all day
🧓 Older adults – maintaining mobility and reducing falls
If you use your feet (spoiler alert: you do!), podiatry is for you.
Final Word from Mark & Ste
At Foot Focus, we’re passionate about helping people stay active, mobile, and pain-free. We know how frustrating it is to be limited by your feet—especially when it stops you from enjoying the things you love.
Whether you’re struggling with a niggling heel pain, worried about your balance, or just not sure what’s going on with your feet, come and see us.
We’ll take the time to figure it out properly—and give you a plan that actually works.
📞 Call us today: (01) 556 3662
📍 Visit us in Mount Merrion & Finglas
Your feet carry you through life—let’s make sure they’re looked after properly.