When you think “podiatrist,” what’s the first thing that comes to mind?
Toenails? Corns? Verrucas?
You’re not alone — and to be fair, we do look after those things (and do them well!). But modern podiatry is so much more than skin and nails. In fact, our scope of practice often surprises not just the public, but even other healthcare professionals.
At The Foot Room, we specialise in lower limb health — and that goes far beyond what people expect. Here are 8 things podiatrists do that most people don’t realise:
1. Gait Analysis
We assess how you walk, run, and stand to identify imbalances, compensations, and mechanical issues that might be causing pain or injury. Using tools like PodoSmart, we track your natural movement to find the root cause — not just treat the symptoms.
2. Custom Orthotics
Not all insoles are created equal! We prescribe bespoke orthotics tailored to your feet, your body, and your lifestyle. These can help with everything from arch pain and plantar fasciitis to hip pain and lower back strain.
3. Children’s Biomechanical Assessments
Kids aren’t just little adults — their feet and bodies are growing fast. We treat everything from heel pain (Sever’s) to knee issues (Osgood-Schlatter’s) and toe-walking. Early intervention can prevent long-term problems and boost performance, especially for active or sporty kids.
4. Injury Prevention for Athletes
Whether you’re training for a marathon or playing academy-level football, we help protect joints, tendons, and ligaments from overuse and impact injuries. A podiatrist can be your secret weapon in staying game-ready and pain-free.
5. Support for Neurodivergent Patients
We provide a calm, patient-led environment especially for children and adults with autism, PDA, ADHD and sensory processing challenges. Our team understands the importance of trust, flexibility, and working at the patient’s pace.
6. Nail Surgery & Minor Procedures
We don’t just file toenails — we perform minor surgical procedures, like partial or full nail removal for infected or painful ingrown nails. With local anaesthetic and sterile technique, we make it as pain-free as possible.
7. Help with Circulation & Nerve Issues
Tingling toes? Cold feet? Numbness? We offer vascular and neurological assessments to detect issues like poor circulation or peripheral neuropathy — and refer when necessary.
8. Footwear Advice That Actually Works
We don’t just tell you to “get better shoes.” We explain why certain styles might be causing problems and help you find footwear that supports your unique feet. That includes sports shoes, school shoes, work boots, and more.
So, What Does a Podiatrist Really Do?
At The Foot Room, we focus on the entire lower limb — not just the feet. Our goal is to keep you moving well, feeling great, and living pain-free. Whether you’re 5 or 95, we’re here to help.
So next time someone says “podiatrist — isn’t that just nails and verrucas?”… you’ll know there’s a whole lot more to the story.
Book your appointment today — online or by phone. Your feet will thank you.
Disclaimer: We are not medical doctors. This blog is based on clinical experience and professional opinion. It is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your GP or a medical professional for diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions.
