What is Podiatry?
Podiatry is the medical diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the feet, ankles and legs. Healthcare professionals who specialise in the lower limbs, especially the feet, are called podiatrists. They identify potential disorders of the feet in patients and recommend treatment options. Orthotics and other corrective devices are often prescribed for issues related to footwear or injuries, such as bunions and fractures.
Since podiatrists spend a great deal of time studying foot function and structure, they can diagnose medical conditions associated with this part of the body. For example, if a patient has an ingrown toenail caused by poor shoe fit or toe deformities, a podiatrist can treat the problem.
What are the Benefits of Podiatry?
Podiatric treatments are incredibly helpful for promoting wellness and ensuring comfort for people with some foot ailments. In addition to foot problems, podiatrists can also treat a variety of other conditions that affect people's feet. If you have any of the following conditions, you may require podiatric care:
- Bunions
- Calluses
- Corns
- Hammer toe
- Ingrown toenails
- Fungal toenails
- Heel spurs
- Plantar fasciitis
- Plantar warts
- Flat feet
- Diabetic ulcers
How Much Does Podiatry in Brisbane Cost?
The price of podiatric services may differ between podiatric practitioner offices and depending on the extent of treatment. In Brisbane, an initial consultation with a podiatrist generally costs $80, while treatment procedures may cost $250 to over a thousand dollars, depending on your treatment needs. The amount of insurance coverage for podiatry varies widely from policy to policy.
How Many Podiatry Practitioners are There in Brisbane?
The number of registered podiatrists in Australia stands at 4,925, with about 1,000 working in Brisbane and around Queensland. There is an increase in podiatric graduates entering podiatric residency programs, which may lead to more podiatric care services in the state in the next five years.
How Many Brisbane Residents Use Podiatry?
Brisbane has a high demand for podiatry, especially among the ageing population, which requires podiatric care for several medical conditions. Between 2015 and 2016, approximately 10,000 podiatric procedures were performed in Brisbane and throughout Queensland.
