What Is the Most Common Problem Treated by a Podiatrist?

Written by Mr Brant Radford
Podiatrist and Owner, Foot Focus Podiatry, Perth

When patients walk into my clinic for the first time, they often say something similar:
“I wasn’t sure if this was serious enough to see a podiatrist.”

In most cases, it absolutely is.

Over the years, working as a podiatrist in Perth, I’ve treated a wide range of foot and lower limb conditions. Some are complex, some are straightforward, and some have been quietly bothering people for months before they finally seek help.

If I had to name the single most common problem that brings people through the door, it would be heel pain, most commonly caused by plantar fasciitis.

Heel pain might sound minor, but for many people it becomes life-limiting. It affects how you walk, how long you can stand, and whether you can stay active without discomfort.

Why Heel Pain Is So Common

Your heels take a lot of pressure. Every step you take sends force through the heel into the rest of the foot and leg. Over time, if that load isn’t being managed properly, pain develops.

In Perth, I regularly see heel pain in:

• People who are on their feet all day at work

• Runners and gym-goers

• Parents juggling busy routines

• Older adults trying to stay mobile

The most common underlying issue is plantar fasciitis. This involves irritation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and supports the arch.

Patients often describe the pain very clearly. It tends to be worst:

• First thing in the morning

• After sitting for a while

• At the end of a long day

This pattern is one of the reasons many people eventually search for a podiatrist Perth and realise they need professional care.

What Actually Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

One of the biggest misconceptions is that plantar fasciitis just “happens.” In reality, there is almost always a reason.

In my experience, heel pain usually develops because of a combination of factors rather than one single cause.

Some of the most common contributors include:

Foot Structure and Movement
Flat feet, high arches, or uneven walking patterns place extra strain on the plantar fascia over time.

Footwear Choices
Shoes without proper support, worn-out runners, or hard soles can all increase heel stress. This is something we see very often.

Sudden Changes in Activity
Starting a new exercise routine, returning to sport after a break, or increasing daily walking too quickly can overload the foot.

Tight Calf Muscles
Limited ankle movement forces the foot to work harder, increasing tension through the heel.

Prolonged Standing
Many Perth workers spend long hours on their feet, which can gradually lead to heel pain without an obvious injury.

When someone visits Foot Focus Podiatry, the goal isn’t just to name the condition. It’s to understand why it developed in the first place.

How a Podiatrist Diagnoses Heel Pain

A proper assessment makes a big difference to recovery time.

Rather than relying on guesswork or generic advice, a podiatry assessment looks at the whole picture. This includes:

• Your symptoms and when they started

• Your daily routine and activity levels

• How your feet move when you walk

• Your footwear habits

• Areas of tenderness and restriction

Sometimes people assume they have plantar fasciitis when the pain is actually coming from a different structure, such as a nerve or tendon. That’s why professional diagnosis matters.

In some cases, imaging may be recommended, but most heel pain can be diagnosed accurately through a thorough clinical assessment.

How Heel Pain Is Commonly Treated

The good news is that most heel pain responds very well to conservative treatment. Surgery is rarely needed.

Treatment plans are tailored to the individual, but commonly include:

Orthotics
Custom orthotics help redistribute pressure, support the arch, and reduce strain on the plantar fascia. They are particularly helpful for long-term relief.

Footwear Guidance
Wearing the right shoes consistently is one of the most effective changes a patient can make. This alone often reduces pain significantly.

Stretching and Strengthening
Simple, targeted exercises help improve flexibility and foot strength. These are chosen carefully to avoid aggravating symptoms.

Shockwave Therapy
For persistent heel pain, shockwave therapy can stimulate healing and reduce discomfort without injections or downtime.

Activity Adjustments
This doesn’t mean stopping everything. It means finding the right balance so healing can occur without unnecessary flare-ups.

People are often surprised by how much improvement they see once the underlying cause is addressed properly.

Other Common Problems Treated by a Podiatrist

While heel pain is the most frequent issue I see, podiatrists treat many other conditions on a daily basis.

These include:

• Ingrown toenails

• Corns and calluses

• Achilles tendon pain

• Ankle instability

• Flat feet in children and adults

• Sports injuries

• Diabetic foot care

• Nail and skin conditions

Many of these problems start small and become worse when ignored. Early assessment usually leads to simpler and more effective treatment.

Why Early Treatment Makes Such a Difference

One of the most common things patients say during their appointment is that they waited too long to book in.

Foot pain rarely resolves on its own when it has been present for weeks or months. The longer it lingers, the more the body adapts in ways that can cause further issues.

Seeing a podiatrist early often means:

• Faster recovery

• Less ongoing discomfort

• Lower risk of recurrence

• Better long-term foot function

As a podiatrist in Perth, my focus is not just short-term pain relief, but helping people stay active and confident on their feet.

Experience You Can Rely On

At Foot Focus Podiatry, patient care is built on experience, evidence-based treatment, and trust. As the owner and treating podiatrist, I take a hands-on approach to assessment and care.

Our clinic has earned strong Google reviews from patients who value clear explanations, realistic treatment plans, and honest advice. We believe patients should understand what is happening with their feet and why certain treatments are recommended.

Foot health affects your ability to work, exercise, and enjoy everyday life. It deserves proper attention.

When Should You See a Podiatrist?

You should consider booking an appointment if:

• Heel pain lasts more than two weeks

• Pain is worse in the morning

• Walking becomes uncomfortable

• Foot pain affects your job or lifestyle

• You have diabetes and notice any foot changes

Ignoring foot pain often leads to longer recovery times. Early care leads to better outcomes.

Final Thoughts

The most common problem treated by a podiatrist is heel pain, particularly plantar fasciitis. While it is common, it should never be dismissed as something you just have to live with.

With the right assessment and treatment, most people recover well and return to normal activities without ongoing pain.

If you are looking for a trusted podiatrist Perth, Foot Focus Podiatry is here to help you move comfortably and confidently again.