Podiatry

Introduction

What is podiatry?

Podiatrists diagnose and treat abnormalities of the lower limb. They give professional advice on the prevention of foot problems and on proper care of the foot.

Podiatrists treat people of all ages and from all walks of life.

Some examples of this are:

• Children can develop pains in their legs or feet as they grow or have problems walking.
• People with diabetes may have problems with the circulation or sensation in their feet.
• Sports men and women often suffer from injuries to their legs and feet.
• Dancers with long hours rehearsing and performing put stress through their feet that can cause injury.
• People needing minor surgery such as nail surgery using local anaesthetics
• People wanting advice - some people do not need treatment but just want advice about footwear or foot health.

Podiatrists will:

• Assess and treat footcare ailments, ranging from problems such as corns to fungal infections.
• Analyse a persons walk or run and correct the anatomical relationship between the different segments of the foot and lower limb. Orthotics-cu to achieve this
• Monitor and manage foot problems and deformities caused by diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Advise and treat patients at high risk of foot problems and amputation such as people who suffer from diabetes
• Provide Nail surgery using local anaesthetics