Question 1

What is a podiatrist and what do they treat?

Accepted Answer

A podiatrist is a healthcare professional who specialises in diagnosing and managing conditions of the foot, ankle, and lower limb. In Singapore, podiatrists are classified as Allied Health professionals and are trained to assess how your feet, legs, and knees work together when you stand, walk, and move. Podiatrists in Singapore typically manage a wide range of conditions, including heel pain (e.g. plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis), flat feet, ingrown toenails, bunions, sports injuries, diabetic foot complications, and children’s foot and walking concerns. In terms of treatment, podiatrists possess the expertise in prescribing custom foot orthoses (insoles), providing shockwave therapy for chronic pain, and performing minor procedures such as ingrown toenail removal. Unlike orthopaedic surgeons, podiatrists focus on non-surgical approaches. Their goal is to identify the underlying causes of pain or dysfunction and address them through structured care plans, rather than relying on medication or surgery alone. Learn more about what podiatrists do.

Question 2

How is a podiatrist different from an orthopaedic surgeon or physiotherapist?

Accepted Answer

These three professions overlap in some areas but have different strengths. An orthopaedic surgeon is a medical doctor who specialises in the surgical management of bone and joint conditions across the entire body. If your condition requires surgery, an orthopaedic surgeon would typically be the appropriate specialist. A physiotherapist focuses on rehabilitation and movement. They use exercises, manual therapy, and modalities like ultrasound or dry needling to help you recover from injuries or surgery. Physiotherapists treat conditions across the whole body, not just the lower limb. A podiatrist, on the other hand, is a lower-limb specialist who specialises in the foot, ankle, and leg. Podiatrists uncover the underlying mechanical and structural factors contributing to your pain by assessing how your feet and lower limbs function during movement, and then address them. This includes prescribing custom orthoses, performing gait assessments, and providing treatments such as shockwave therapy. If you are dealing with persistent foot, ankle, or knee pain and prefer a non-surgical approach, a podiatrist is often a good starting point. For a more detailed comparison, see our article on podiatry vs physiotherapy vs orthopaedic in Singapore.

Question 3

足科医生可以帮助治疗哪些疾病？

Accepted Answer

Podiatrists manage a broad range of lower limb issues in Singapore. In adults or the elderly, the usual conditions include heel pain (often due to plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis), arch pain, metatarsalgia (or ball-of-foot pain), Morton’s neuroma, bunions, flat feet, high-arched feet, ankle sprains, and “wear-and-tear” related knee pain (e.g. runner’s knee or osteoarthritis). For skin and nail conditions, podiatrists manage ingrown toenails, fungal toenail infections, plantar warts, foot corns, and calluses. These are extremely common in Singapore because of its warm and humid climate, which creates an environment where fungal infections and skin conditions tend to recur. Podiatrists also play an important role in the management of diabetic foot conditions in Singapore, including foot ulcers, peripheral neuropathy, and peripheral arterial disease. Regular diabetic foot screening by a podiatrist is highly recommended in treatment guidelines, which can help detect early warning signs before they develop into serious complications. For young children, podiatrists often deal with foot deformities (flat feet, claw toes), walking pattern issues (in-toeing, toe walking), and growth plate conditions. Early assessment is often helpful because children’s feet are still developing, and some conditions respond better to intervention during growth.

Question 4

How much does it cost to see a podiatrist in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

The cost of seeing a podiatrist in Singapore usually depends on the clinic you choose, the complexity of your condition, and the kind of treatment you require. As a guide, you can expect first-visit consultation fees (30 to 45 mins) to normally range from $150 to $180, with some clinics going up to $250. At Straits Podiatry, our consultation fees are published transparently on our pricing page, and we provide a thorough explanation during your consultation so you can make an informed decision. During your first visit, our podiatrist will assess your condition, explain the findings, and recommend a care plan with clear cost breakdowns before any treatment begins. There are no hidden charges or surprise fees. If additional treatments such as custom orthoses, shockwave therapy, or nail procedures are recommended, each item will be explained and priced individually. For a detailed breakdown of our current consultation and treatment fees, please visit our pricing page.

Question 5

在新加坡看足病需要推荐信吗？

Accepted Answer

No. A referral letter is not required to see a podiatrist at a private clinic in Singapore. You are welcome to contact us directly to schedule an appointment if you have a foot, ankle, or lower limb concern. That said, if you do have a referral letter from a doctor, we recommend bringing it along. It helps our podiatrist understand your medical history more quickly and may also support any insurance reimbursement claims you intend to make. If your insurance policy requires a referral before you can claim for podiatry services, you can obtain one from any general practitioner. As a member of Healthway Medical Group, patients can conveniently visit a Healthway Medical GP clinic to get a referral letter before their podiatry appointment.

Question 6

When should I see a podiatrist instead of waiting?

Accepted Answer

A good rule of thumb is to seek a podiatric assessment if your foot, ankle, or lower limb pain has persisted for more than two weeks, keeps coming back after rest, or is affecting your ability to walk, exercise, or carry out daily activities comfortably. You should also consider seeing a podiatrist if you notice changes in the appearance of your toenails (thickening, discolouration, or curving into the skin), recurring corns or calluses in the same spot, or if your child’s walking pattern seems unusual compared to their peers. For people with diabetes, regular podiatric foot screening is recommended (minimum once a year) even in the absence of symptoms. Reduced sensation in the feet can mask injuries or infections that may develop into serious complications if left undetected. In general, foot and lower limb conditions tend to respond better when addressed early, before compensatory patterns develop in other parts of the body.

Question 7

Can children see a podiatrist?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Podiatrists undergo training to assess and manage foot and lower limb conditions in children, from infants through to teenagers. As the bones, joints, and muscles of children are still developing, getting assessed early often helps, as certain conditions can be guided more effectively during growth. Common children’s foot problems we often see include flat feet, in-toeing (pigeon-toed walking), toe walking, knock knees, and growth-related pain in active children (known as Sever’s disease). We also often have parents complain that their child gets tired easily during physical activity, trips or falls frequently, or complains of leg pain at night. At Straits Podiatry, our podiatrists are highly experienced in children’s foot conditions. Through assessment, we differentiate between normal developmental variations and conditions that may benefit from intervention. We also prioritise educating parents with clear information so that children do not undergo unnecessary treatment.

Question 8

What should I expect during my first podiatry visit?

Accepted Answer

Your first visit to Straits Podiatry typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes. Our podiatrist will begin by listening to your concerns, asking about your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and the type of footwear you wear regularly. This is followed by a thorough clinical assessment, which may include physical tests of your joints and muscles, an evaluation of your walking pattern, and in some cases, diagnostic ultrasound imaging to examine the soft tissues in more detail. After the assessment, our podiatrist will explain what is causing your symptoms in clear, straightforward language and recommend a personalised care plan. If treatment is appropriate on the same day, we can proceed with your consent. There is no obligation to commit to anything during your first visit. We recommend bringing along your most commonly worn shoes (including work shoes, sports shoes, and school shoes for children), any past medical reports or imaging scans you may have, and your child’s health booklet if the appointment is for a paediatric concern. Read to find out more about what to expect during a podiatry visit in Singapore.

Question 9

Where are your podiatry clinics located in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

Straits Podiatry has three clinic locations across Singapore, each accessible by MRT and public transport. Our Buona Vista clinic is located at 31 Rochester Drive, #02-01 (Hotel Block), Singapore 138637, near Buona Vista MRT (CC22/EW21). Our Orchard clinic is at The Centrepoint, 176 Orchard Road, #06-05, Singapore 238843, near Somerset MRT (NS23). Our Katong clinic is at i12 Katong, 112 East Coast Road, #03-01/02/03/04/28, Singapore 428802, near Marine Parade MRT (TE26). All three clinics operate Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Our Orchard and Katong branches are closed on Wednesdays. All clinics are closed on Sundays and public holidays. For directions and a map, visit our contact us page. To schedule a visit, you can book an appointment online.

Question 10

What makes Straits Podiatry different from other podiatry clinics in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

Straits Podiatry was founded with the belief that foot and lower limb care should be thorough, clearly explained, and focused on long-term recovery. As a member of Healthway Medical Group, we operate within a broader healthcare network that supports multidisciplinary collaboration when patients need it. Our consultations are structured to give adequate time for assessment, explanation, and discussion. We do not rush our consultation or pressure you into getting treatment. Every care plan is explained in full before treatment begins, and you are always free to ask questions or take your time deciding. We also offer honest advice to help you achieve your goal as quickly as possible. Our team of podiatrists brings extensive experience from Singapore’s restructured hospital system and private practice. We use advanced diagnostic tools, including musculoskeletal ultrasound, to guide our assessment and diagnosis. We also offer well-maintained, state-of-the-art technological treatments, such as focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy and extracorporeal magnetotransduction therapy, alongside traditional podiatric interventions like custom orthoses and minor nail procedures. If you value a clear understanding of your condition and an honest, personalised approach to care, Straits Podiatry may be a good fit for you.

关于我们

条件

治疗

Podiatrist in Singapore for Complete Foot & Lower Limb Care

Relieve Pain, Improve Mobility with Podiatry

什么是足病学？

足部与腿部疼痛问题，我们提供专业帮助

Why Choose Straits Podiatry

我们的治疗理念

我们的足科医生

首次足病诊疗须知

1. 了解您的病情

2. 详尽的临床评估

3. 个性化治疗方案

4. 接受治疗

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新加坡便捷足病诊所

Don't Neglect Your Feet...

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常见问题

Frequently Asked Questions About Podiatry & Our Clinic