Each year, Podiatry Week is recognised across Australia as an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of foot and ankle health. It’s also a time to celebrate the vital role that Podiatrists play in keeping Australians on their feet – literally. This year Podiatry Week is celebrated 13th – 19th of October, 2025!
Whether you’re a toddler learning to walk, a teenager involved in sports, an adult managing daily wear and tear, or an older person navigating chronic conditions, Podiatrists are here to help at every stage of life. Our Podiatrist Ebony is here to shine a light on foot & angle health across all ages for Podiatry Week 2025!
Podiatrists: Key Players in Holistic Healthcare
Podiatrists are highly trained healthcare professionals who specialise in diagnosing, treating, and preventing conditions of the feet and lower limbs. What many people may not realise is that podiatric care is often pivotal in the broader context of a person’s overall health.
From biomechanical assessments and neurovascular evaluations to managing dermatological issues, Podiatrists are equipped to address a wide variety of conditions. Importantly, they treat individuals ranging in age from as young as 3 months old to 100 years and beyond a true cradle-to-grey-care profession.
Foot Health in Children: Early Intervention Matters
The early years are crucial for foot development, and many conditions, if addressed promptly, can prevent long-term complications. Podiatrists commonly manage a variety of paediatric concerns, such as:
- Warts – Viral infections that are common in children, especially in communal spaces like swimming pools.
- Ingrown or Traumatised Toenails – Often resulting from improperly fitting shoes or minor injuries.
- Callus – Though more common in adults, excessive friction or pressure can cause this in children too.
- Tinea Pedis (Athlete’s Foot) – A fungal infection that thrives in warm, moist environments.
- Flat Feet – A common developmental stage that may require assessment if associated with pain or gait issues.
- Toe Walking & Intoeing – Gait abnormalities that can affect posture and long-term mobility if left unaddressed.
Early diagnosis and management can make a significant difference in a child’s comfort, development, and confidence.
Foot Health in Adults: Beyond the Basics
As we age, the demands on our feet evolve. Adults often face a more complex range of issues that can be compounded by lifestyle factors, injuries, or chronic health conditions. Common concerns include:
- Warts
- Fungal, Traumatised, or Ingrown Toenails
- Corns & Callus
- Tinea Pedis
- Flat Feet
- Heel Pain
- Ankle Instability
- Bunions & Hammertoes
- Morton’s Neuroma – A painful nerve condition in the ball of the foot.
- Fat Pad Dystrophy – Thinning of the cushioning fat pads under the heel or ball of the foot.
- Diabetes Related Foot Complications – Including neuropathy, poor circulation, and risk of ulceration.
Podiatrists work closely with General Practitioners, Endocrinologists, and other health professionals to manage complex conditions, especially those that involve systemic diseases like diabetes.
A Person-Centred Approach
Foot health is more than just treating symptoms. Podiatrists take into account the physical, social, and emotional aspects of the person they’re treating. Whether it’s ensuring a child feels safe and supported during their first appointment, or helping an older adult stay mobile and independent, Podiatrists tailor each management plan to the individual’s unique needs and lifestyle.
By doing so, they help to reduce pain, prevent complications, and improve quality of life one step at a time.
Why Foot Health Matters
Our feet are the foundation of everything we do. They carry us through work, play, and all of life’s milestones. Yet they are often neglected until pain or dysfunction becomes too significant to ignore. Podiatry Week serves as a timely reminder to check in with your foot health and seek professional advice when needed.
Take a Step Towards Better Foot Health
This Podiatry Week, consider booking an appointment with your local Podiatrist not just when something goes wrong, but as a proactive measure for long-term wellness. Whether it’s a toddler’s first steps, an athlete’s performance goals, or an elderly individual’s mobility, Podiatrists are here to support you every step of the way.
Happy Podiatry Week!
Let’s celebrate the unsung heroes of healthcare who help us stay grounded, active, and pain-free. You can Book Online or Call 9480 4935 to see one of our Podiatrists in Thornbury and get your foot health the best its ever been!