Key Summary
Podiatrists are movement experts who go beyond simple foot care. They assess biomechanics, prescribe orthotics, manage chronic conditions, provide performance optimisation for athletes, and coordinate with multidisciplinary teams. Their training equips them to detect problems that may be contributing to pain at the feet, ankles, knees and hips, and to create personalised strategies that help people stay active and injury-resilient.
1) Podiatrists are highly trained movement specialists
Podiatrists complete university degrees focussed on the foot, ankle and lower limb — including anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, gait analysis and pathology. Their training equips them not just to treat symptoms, but to identify the root causes of pain and movement dysfunction. This is why they’re often asked to collaborate with physiotherapists, orthopaedic surgeons and sports doctors on complex cases.2) They don’t just treat symptoms — they prevent problems
While many people see podiatrists when pain is already present, a key part of the profession is prevention. Podiatrists assess movement patterns, footwear choices and training loads to reduce the risk of injury before it takes hold. This proactive approach can save months of frustration and downtime for runners, walkers and active Australians of all ages.3) Biomechanics and gait analysis are core skills
One of the most powerful tools in a podiatrist’s toolbox is gait analysis — a detailed study of how someone walks or runs. Video analysis and force platform assessments can reveal subtle inefficiencies that contribute to pain in the feet, ankles, knees and hips. Once identified, these can be addressed with targeted exercise, footwear changes or custom orthotics. See our Functional Feet and Running Assessment pages for examples of how analysis improves movement.4) Custom orthotics are only part of the picture
Orthotics — personalised shoe inserts — are one of the most recognised treatments, but they’re not a standalone solution. Podiatrists use orthotics alongside strength training, manual therapy, footwear advice and movement retraining to improve structural alignment and tolerance to load. This holistic approach often produces far better results than orthotics alone. Learn more on our Orthotics page.5) They manage chronic conditions such as plantar fasciitis
Common lower limb conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, shin pain and bunions are routinely treated by podiatrists. These conditions often have multiple contributing factors — from training loads to foot mechanics — that require a layered and tailored treatment strategy rather than a one-size-fits-all fix. For more detail, see our Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles Pain pages.6) Podiatrists help athletes perform better
Performance podiatry is an expanding area where podiatrists help athletes optimise biomechanics, load management and footwear choices to improve performance and reduce injury risk. Whether it’s running faster, jumping higher, or training harder, fine-tuning mechanics at the foot and ankle can have benefits all the way up the kinetic chain.7) They can diagnose more than foot pain
Because podiatrists are trained in the musculoskeletal system, they often identify issues that extend beyond foot pain, such as knee, hip and back referral patterns. For example, altered foot mechanics can contribute to knee pain — and addressing foot function often helps ease discomfort higher up the body. Explore our Knee Pain and Foot Pain guides for examples.8) They guide footwear choices
A well-fitting, appropriate shoe can make a huge difference to comfort and performance. Podiatrists assess how shoes interact with an individual’s mechanics and daily demands, and can recommend specific features — from cushioning to toe-box width — to support optimal movement. Our Functional Feet guide includes more on footwear assessment.9) Podiatrists can help reduce recurrence
A common frustration for many patients is recurring pain — a condition that gets better but always comes back. Podiatrists don’t just treat the symptoms — they assess and address underlying causes to reduce the likelihood of recurrence by improving tissue capacity and movement quality.10) You don’t need a referral to see one
Unlike some specialists, you do not generally need a GP referral to see a podiatrist. You can book directly, which means quicker access to care and earlier resolution of problems before they become more complex or chronic.Want to Understand Your Feet Better?
Our podiatrists can assess your mechanics, gait and biomechanics, then build a tailored plan that reduces pain, improves comfort and enhances performance — whether you’re active, on your feet all day, or managing chronic symptoms.
