
Foot Pain: Should You See a GP or a Podiatrist?
When foot or ankle pain strikes, it’s not always clear whether you should consult your general practitioner (GP) or a podiatrist. Both can provide valuable care, but knowing when to see each can ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment quickly.
When to See a GP:
- Sudden, severe pain: If you experience acute pain after an injury, your GP can assess for fractures or severe sprains.
- Systemic symptoms: If foot pain is accompanied by fever, chills, or other whole-body symptoms, start with your GP to rule out systemic conditions.
- Chronic health conditions: For patients with diabetes, arthritis, or circulatory issues, consulting your GP first can help manage these conditions in conjunction with foot problems.
- Prescription needs: If you require prescription pain medication or antibiotics for an infection, your GP can provide these.


When to See a Podiatrist:
- Chronic foot or ankle pain: Podiatrists provide foot and ankle specialist care so for ongoing issues like plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, or persistent ankle pain, a podiatrist is the best choice.
- Structural foot problems: Conditions like bunions, hammertoes, or flat feet are best addressed by a podiatrist.
- Skin or nail issues: For problems like ingrown toenails, fungal infections, or persistent corns and calluses, podiatrists provide expert treatment.
- Sports-related injuries: Podiatrists often specialise in sports medicine and can treat overuse injuries and provide guidance on proper footwear.
- Diabetic foot care: While GPs manage overall diabetes care, podiatrists play a crucial role in specialised diabetic foot examinations and treatments.
- Gait analysis: If you’re experiencing pain related to walking or running, podiatrists can analyse your gait and recommend corrective measures such as orthotics.
In many cases, your GP and podiatrist may work together to provide comprehensive care. If you are ever unsure where to start, think of your podiatrist like an ankle and foot doctor and if you have foot or ankle pain you can always see a podiatrist first and they can recommend consulting your GP if they suspect an underlying health condition.