When pain or discomfort sets in—whether it’s in your foot, ankle, knee or leg—most people in Singapore start by asking the same question: “Who should I see first—TCM, physio or a podiatrist?”
Each has a role to play. But when it comes to foot and lower limb conditions, it’s important to begin with the right assessment. Missteps in the early stages can delay proper care, lead to more discomfort, or even worsen the issue.
At East Coast Podiatry, we regularly see patients who’ve been through other types of care before realising that the root of the problem lies in their biomechanics, gait, or foot structure—things that podiatrists are specifically trained to assess.
Here’s how to navigate your options wisely.
Podiatrists are trained to manage a wide range of conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and lower limbs. This includes:
Podiatrists in Singapore are allied health professionals, and most undergo international training with a deep focus on musculoskeletal function, biomechanics, and structural correction.
When foot posture or lower limb mechanics are the root cause of your pain, a podiatrist is often the best starting point—not just for care, but for diagnosis.
Physiotherapists in Singapore often support rehabilitation after surgery, injury or trauma. They are highly effective in managing soft tissue injuries, improving joint mobility, and guiding muscle strengthening.
Physios may use manual therapy, targeted exercises, or modalities like ultrasound or electrical stimulation to aid recovery.
But here’s the catch: If the issue is caused by poor foot posture, uneven gait, or structural misalignment, physiotherapy alone may not address the root cause. That’s where podiatry and physio work hand-in-hand—with podiatrists assessing the mechanics and physios supporting recovery.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is widely respected in Singapore for its holistic approach, often involving acupuncture, tui na massage, herbal remedies, or cupping.
While TCM can help reduce muscle tightness, inflammation or even support circulation, it does not involve gait analysis, diagnostic imaging, or structural correction. For long-term or recurrent foot and lower limb conditions, TCM is often used alongside—but not in place of—podiatry or physiotherapy.
Think of it this way: If your foundation isn’t aligned, you can keep easing the pain—but it will keep coming back.
Podiatrists focus on what’s causing the problem—whether it’s flat feet affecting your knees, a worn-out walking pattern straining your hips, or tight calves leading to heel pain. Once this is addressed, other forms of support, like physio or TCM, can complement the process.
At East Coast Podiatry, we often work with physiotherapists and other professionals to guide your care plan—but the first step starts with getting the structure right.
If you’ve been hopping from one modality to another with little progress, it may be time to have your feet and gait assessed properly. Our podiatrists work across four practices in Singapore, supporting adults, seniors, children and athletes with care rooted in structure and function.
Foot and lower limb pain shouldn’t be a guessing game. Start with podiatry, and let everything else fall into place.