"So… What Does a Podiatrist Actually Do?”

“Oh yeah… podiatry – so you play with feet?”

“Errr… podia what?”

Hi, I’m Lindsay, a podiatrist at Pen Llŷn Podiatry in Pwllheli… and no, I don’t just “play with feet”! 😄

Podiatrists (also known as chiropodists) are specialists in the lower limb, foot, and ankle. We spend years training in areas such as anatomy, biomechanics, pharmacology, and even nail surgery. Yes, we do cut nails and remove hard skin—but that’s only a small part of what we do.

More Than Just Foot Care

On a daily basis, I hear, “I don’t know how you do your job!”

I get it—feet aren’t everyone’s favourite topic! But the truth is, most of us rely on our feet every single day, and many people don’t give them a second thought… until something starts to hurt.

That’s where we come in.

At Pen Llŷn Podiatry in Pwllheli, we help people manage pain and discomfort when walking, running, or standing. Whether it’s a simple issue or something more complex, podiatrists are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of conditions.

How a Podiatrist Can Help

We’re here to help with more than just routine foot care. A podiatrist can:

• Relieve pain in your feet, ankles, and lower limbs

• Assess your movement with gait analysis

• Check muscle strength and flexibility

• Provide advice on footwear

• Prescribe custom insoles (orthotics)

• Work alongside physiotherapists for issues affecting your hips or back

Sometimes pain higher up in the body can actually start with your feet—so it’s always worth getting things checked properly.

Common Foot Problems We See

Some of the most common conditions we treat include:

• Plantar fasciitis – heel pain, especially first thing in the morning

• Ingrown toenails – painful and sometimes infected nails

• Corns and callus – hard skin causing discomfort when walking

• Fungal nail infections – thickened or discoloured nails

• Verrucas – viral infections affecting the skin of the foot

If you notice discomfort, changes in your skin or nails, or ongoing pain, it’s always best to get it looked at early.

Looking After Your Feet

Simple daily habits can make a big difference to your foot health:

• Keep your feet clean and dry

• Check your feet regularly for any changes

• Wear supportive, well-fitting footwear

• Don’t ignore pain—your feet are trying to tell you something

When Should You See a Podiatrist?

If you’re experiencing ongoing pain, discomfort, or changes in your feet, it’s always worth getting professional advice.

At Pen Llŷn Podiatry in Pwllheli, we provide friendly, professional care to help you stay comfortable and keep moving.

Final Thought

Feet might not be glamorous—but they’re essential.

So whether you need routine care or help with a specific problem, we’re here to help you stay on your feet, comfortably.

Book an Appointment

If you’re experiencing foot pain or have any concerns, get in touch with Pen Llŷn Podiatry in Pwllheli to book your appointment. Click here