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Written by Kelvin Tay Kai Ming, Senior Group Partner & Principal Podiatrist at Physio & Sole Clinic
As a podiatrist, I often meet patients who walk into our clinic and say,
“Doctor, my foot hurts. Should I see a specialist or just my GP?”
It’s a fair question. Foot pain can stem from various causes, and with numerous types of healthcare professionals available, it’s not always clear who to consult.
Let’s take a closer look at what a “Doctor of Foot” really means, what we do as podiatrists, and when it’s time to seek professional help for you or your family here in Singapore.
When Foot Pain Becomes More Than Just “Tired Feet”
Whether it’s your child complaining of sore heels after PE, or you feeling pain after a long day standing, most people shrug off foot discomfort as something temporary.
But when pain keeps returning or starts affecting how you walk, it’s a sign that something deeper may be going on.
Common red flags include:
- Pain that worsens when standing or walking
- Swelling around the ankle or heel
- Recurring corns or ingrown toenails
- Children complaining of foot or leg pain after play
- Visible deformities such as bunions or flat feet
Ignoring these symptoms often leads to compensations in other areas, such as your knees, hips, or even your lower back, making things worse over time.
The Hidden Impact of Untreated Foot Problems
Our feet carry us for thousands of steps every day. When something goes wrong, even small issues can quickly ripple through the rest of the body.
For example:
- Flat feet can cause the knees to rotate inward, straining the hips and lower back.
- An ingrown toenail might seem minor, but if left untreated, it can lead to infection, especially in diabetic individuals.
- Children with unaddressed foot misalignment may develop posture problems as they grow.
In Singapore, where many of us walk and stand for long hours from MRT commutes to busy work shifts, these small imbalances can become chronic problems if not properly managed.That’s where seeing a ‘Doctor of Foot’, a podiatrist, can make a real difference.
What Is a “Doctor of Foot”?
You might have searched online for a “doctor for foot pain” or “foot specialist near me.” In most cases, what you’re looking for is a podiatrist, the healthcare professional trained specifically to assess, diagnose, and manage conditions of the foot and lower limb.
They are trained to detect structural, mechanical, and skin or nail-related problems that affect how you stand and move.
In Singapore, podiatrists practise in both public hospitals (like SGH and TTSH) and private clinics.
Is a Podiatrist a Doctor in Singapore?
Podiatrists in Singapore are university-trained specialists in the field of foot and lower limb health. While we are not medical doctors (MDs), we hold recognised degrees in Podiatric Medicine, often from Australia or the UK, and are classified as Allied Health Professionals.
We work closely with general practitioners, physiotherapists, and orthopaedic surgeons as part of a multidisciplinary team.
For example, in cases of diabetic foot ulcers, a podiatrist handles wound care and offloading, while doctors manage blood sugar and infection control.
So, while a podiatrist isn’t a “doctor” in the conventional sense, we are the specialists trained specifically for foot and lower limb care.
What Do Podiatrists Treat?
You might wonder, “What is the most common problem treated by a podiatrist?” The truth is, we see everything from minor discomfort to complex chronic issues.
Here are some of the most common conditions podiatrists manage:
- Heel and arch pain (Plantar fasciitis) — one of the leading causes of heel discomfort in adults.
- Ingrown toenails and fungal infections — common among children, teens, and adults in humid climates like in Singapore.
- Flat feet and overpronation — affect both posture and gait.
- Bunions and toe deformities — often worsen over time if untreated.
- Sports and overuse injuries — including Achilles tendinopathy and shin splints.
- Diabetic foot care — preventing wounds and complications through regular checks and footwear advice.
We also treat paediatric foot conditions, such as growing pains, tip-toe walking, and flat feet in children.
Which Doctor Is Best for Foot Pain?
It depends on the cause of your pain.
If you have general discomfort or are unsure of the source, a GP is a good first step; they can help rule out infections or acute injuries.
But if the pain is recurring, affects your movement, or involves structural issues like flat feet or bunions, a podiatrist is the specialist to see.Podiatrists don’t just treat symptoms; we look at why your pain is happening and provide solutions to help you move better, not just feel better.
Should I Go to a GP or a Podiatrist?
Think of it this way:
- GPs can treat general health and temporary foot issues (e.g., infections, mild sprains).
- Podiatrists focus on long-term foot mechanics, posture, and preventive care.
If your foot pain keeps returning despite medication, or you notice changes in how you walk, it’s time to see a podiatrist.
We can conduct biomechanical assessments, prescribe orthotics, and work with physiotherapists to restore your mobility and confidence.
What Is Better Than a Podiatrist?
That’s a question that sometimes pops up online, but really, it’s not about being “better,” it’s about being right for the problem.
If your pain involves bones, muscles, or soft tissue alignment, a podiatrist or physiotherapist may be most appropriate.
If you have a fracture, advanced deformity, or require surgery, an orthopaedic surgeon would step in.
The key is collaboration; in Singapore, podiatrists often co-manage patients with orthopaedic specialists, endocrinologists (for diabetic care), or physiotherapists for rehabilitation.
When to Seek Foot Care
In our local setting, people often delay seeing a podiatrist because they assume foot pain is “normal” or “part of aging.”
However, early assessment can make a significant difference, especially for:
- Active adults: runners, teachers, healthcare workers who stand for long hours.
- Children: with flat feet, frequent tripping, or pain after sports.
- Seniors: with thick nails, calluses, or balance concerns.
- People with diabetes: require regular foot screenings to prevent complications.
If you notice persistent swelling, numbness, nail changes, or wounds that take a long time to heal, it’s best to book a podiatry appointment early.
You can find podiatry services across Singapore in public hospitals like Sengkang General Hospital, Changi General Hospital, and Tan Tock Seng Hospital, or private clinics such as Physio & Sole Clinic for quick personalised care.
How Podiatrists Help Beyond Treatment
We do not just focus on treating pain; prevention is a huge part of what we do. A typical session may include:
- Footwear assessment — ensuring proper support for your lifestyle.
- Gait analysis — evaluating how you walk or run.
- Exercise and stretching advice — to strengthen weak muscles or improve flexibility.
- Custom orthotics — to correct alignment or reduce strain.
- Patient education — on daily foot care and footwear maintenance.
These steps ensure that treatment is tailored to your body and not just a one-size-fits-all approach.
Your Feet Deserve the Right Kind of Care
Our feet are the foundation of everything we do, from walking your kids to school, to rushing between meetings, to weekend runs at East Coast Park.
If pain, swelling, or stiffness is slowing you down, don’t wait for it to become a bigger problem.
A ‘Doctor of Foot’, your local podiatrist, can help you understand what’s happening and guide you towards lasting, practical relief. At Physio & Sole Clinic, our podiatrists and physiotherapists work hand-in-hand to keep you and your family moving comfortably every day.
Book a podiatry assessment today and take the first confident step towards healthier, pain-free feet.
