Modern lifestyles place constant demands on our feet, from daily commuting and long hours on the move to exercise. Our feet support every step we take, even minor discomfort can quickly affect mobility, productivity, and overall quality of life. When early signs are overlooked, what starts as a small issue can develop into persistent pain or more serious foot problems over time. Podiatrist is a allied health professionals dedicated to the care of the feet and lower limbs, with a strong focus on prevention, early intervention, and long-term support. In Singapore, podiatrist plays an important role in helping people maintain comfort, balance, and mobility through every stage of life.
Read the full article to discover the role of podiatrists, how podiatric care supports long-term foot health, and when it’s the right time to seek professional treatment!
What Is the Role of a Podiatrist?
Podiatrists are allied health professionals who specialise in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and lower limbs. Their expertise goes beyond treating surface-level discomfort, as they are trained to understand how foot health influences overall mobility, posture, and long-term physical well-being. From everyday concerns such as corns, calluses, and ingrown toenails to more complex conditions involving biomechanics.
Podiatrists play a vital role in podiatry, which focuses on treating foot and ankle disorders to support long-term mobility and reduce pain. They also manage sports-related injuries, helping athletes and active individuals recover from conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon injuries, and overuse strain while reducing the risk of future injury.
The Expertise of Podiatrist
Podiatrists manage a wide range of foot conditions because the foot is a complex structure. These include heel and ankle pain, Achilles tendon disorders, bunions, sprains, and fractures. They also treat toenail concerns such as fungal infections and ingrown nails, as well as corns, calluses, and plantar warts. In addition, podiatrists have expertise in managing sports-related injuries, supporting active individuals and athletes in recovering from overuse injuries, tendon strain, and impact-related foot problems while reducing the risk of recurrence. While many conditions can be treated conservatively, podiatrists are also trained to perform minor surgical procedures when necessary. They can help to relieve pain, restore mobility, and maintain long-term foot health.
Compared with Orthopaedic Surgeons
Orthopaedic surgeons manage a broader range of bone & joint conditions across the body and are typically involved when major surgical intervention is required. Podiatrists specialise in conservative care and minor procedures tailored specifically to foot and ankle conditions. Podiatrists focus specifically on foot, ankle, and lower limb conditions, emphasising conservative care, biomechanics, and minor procedures.
Compared with Physiotherapists
Physiotherapists focus on restoring movement, strength, and function through exercise-based rehabilitation for the whole body. Podiatrists concentrate on foot mechanics, alignment, and often address the root cause of lower limb issues through orthotics, footwear modification, and biomechanical correction. In many cases, podiatrists and physiotherapists work collaboratively for optimal outcomes.
Compared with Sports Therapists / Sports Trainers
Sports therapists support injury recovery and performance through conditioning, taping, and soft tissue techniques. While valuable in athletic care, they do not diagnose medical foot conditions or prescribe custom orthotics. Podiatrists provide clinical diagnosis and long-term management of sports-related foot and ankle injuries.
Compared with Pedicurists and General Foot Care Services
Pedicurists focus on basic cosmetic nail and skin care, such as trimming nails or removing superficial calluses. They are not trained to diagnose or treat medical foot conditions. Podiatrists, by contrast, manage underlying causes of issues like ingrown toenails, corns, calluses, infections, and foot pain using clinical and evidence-based methods.
Foot Conditions Treated by Our Podiatrist
At My Foot Dr Singapore, our podiatrists provide comprehensive foot care tailored to each patient’s needs. Treatment focuses not only on relieving pain and discomfort but also on identifying and addressing the underlying causes of foot problems. It helps to prevent recurrence and support long-term foot health and mobility. Our podiatrists can treat the following conditions:
Nail and Foot Health Conditions
This includes common but often painful issues such as ingrown toenails, corns, calluses, and plantar warts (verruca pedis). These conditions can worsen over time if left untreated, leading to infection, difficulty walking, or ongoing discomfort. Podiatrists provide safe, precise treatments to remove problematic tissue while protecting surrounding healthy skin.
Wounds, Reduced Sensation, and Circulatory Issues
Foot wounds and skin breakdown require prompt professional care, especially for individuals with poor circulation or reduced sensation. Podiatrists assess wound healing, manage pressure points, and provide guidance to prevent complications. Early intervention is essential to avoid infections and long-term damage.
Foot, Ankle, and Knee Pain
Pain in the lower limbs often stems from muscle imbalances, tendon strain, joint issues, or misalignment of the feet. Podiatrists assess how the muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments work together. They also identify biomechanical issues that may contribute to pain during walking or standing. Treatment plans are tailored to restore comfort and function.
Diabetic Foot Care
People with diabetes require specialised foot care due to reduced sensation and slower wound healing. Podiatrists provide routine foot screening, nail care, and preventive education to reduce the risk of ulcers, infections, and serious complications.
Custom Orthotics and Insoles
Orthotics are specially designed shoe inserts that support proper foot alignment and reduce stress on the lower limbs. Using clinical assessment and gait analysis, podiatrists prescribe custom or pre-fabricated orthotics to help manage conditions such as flat feet, plantar fasciitis, knee pain, and posture-related discomfort.
Shockwave Therapy
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy is a clinically supported treatment used for chronic tendon and soft tissue conditions, including plantar fasciitis. It works by stimulating healing in damaged tissues, reducing pain, and improving function without the need for surgery.
Gait Analysis
Video-assisted gait analysis allows podiatrists to study how you walk or run in detail. This assessment helps identify abnormal movement patterns, uneven pressure distribution, and biomechanical imbalances. Gait analysis is especially beneficial for runners, active individuals, and those experiencing recurring injuries or unexplained pain.
When Should You See a Podiatrist?
Foot problems often start small but can gradually affect how you walk, work, and enjoy daily activities if left untreated. You should consider seeing a podiatrist if you experience ongoing foot, ankle, knee, or heel pain, discomfort when walking or exercising, or repeated issues such as ingrown toenails, fungal infections, corns, calluses, or plantar warts. Conditions like bunions, heel pain from plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon pain, or joint inflammation can also benefit from early assessment.
Getting help early makes a big difference. Treating foot problems at an early stage can prevent pain from worsening and reduce the risk of long-term mobility issues. This is especially important if you have diabetes, circulation problems, reduced sensation, or wounds that are slow to heal. If you already have foot discomfort or notice changes in how your feet feel or move, seeing a podiatrist sooner allows the problem to be identified and managed properly, helping you stay active and comfortable in everyday life.
Book a Podiatrist at My Foot Dr for Your Foot Health
Podiatrist plays an important role in supporting long-term mobility and comfort. Especially for individuals with ongoing foot concerns, arthritis, diabetes, or age-related changes in movement. Trained podiatrists understand how foot health affects the entire body. Podiatrist can provide personalised care that includes pain management, footwear advice, and preventive treatment to reduce future complications. Whether your goal is to stay active, manage a chronic condition, or address discomfort early, professional podiatry care helps keep you moving with confidence.
At My Foot Dr Podiatry Clinic Singapore, our experienced podiatrists are committed to caring for your feet at every stage of life. From preventive care to targeted treatment, we focus on protecting the foundation of your mobility so you can continue with daily activities comfortably. If you have foot pain, movement concerns, or simply want expert guidance on maintaining healthy feet, book an appointment with a podiatrist from My Foot Dr today!