|
As providers of comprehensive foot care, podiatrists
play an important role in the maintenance of mobility
and consequently general health and independence of all
members of the community. Along with the treatment of
painful and debilitating foot problems, the podiatrist
is a valued member of the health care team, conducting
targeted screening and risk prevention, providing
prophylactic treatment strategies which may delay or
prevent hospitalisation and invasive treatment
techniques and devising therapeutic care plans which
facilitate mobility and activity.
Podiatric services offer a range of benefits for a
variety of community groups. Podiatrists have an
important role to play in maintaining individual
mobility and independence by alleviating painful foot
conditions, particularly for those aged over 65, for
whom an estimated 85% require a range of podiatric
services (Robinson, 1989). Diabetes Australia recommends
at minimum an annual foot assessment by a podiatrist
(Evans, 1997) to identify risk factors and ensure
adequate foot health, in order to maintain the activity
level necessary for adequate blood glucose control and
the prevention of complications such as cardiovascular
disease and amputation. Lower limb complications in this
country account for the greatest number of bed-stay days
of all diabetes related hospital admissions - podiatric
interventions, including preventative care, wound
management and foot orthoses have been demonstrated to
significantly reduce rates of foot ulceration and
amputation (Sanders 1994, Edmonds et al 1986). Other
chronic conditions such as arthritis, are improved with
podiatric intervention, through both the direct effects
of the treatment and the indirect benefits of improved
mobility. The chronic injuries common amongst athletes,
requiring frustrating and expensive ongoing physical
therapy and possibly surgery, are increasingly referred
for podiatric intervention to correct underlying
causative mechanical factors and improve rate of
recovery.
References
Robinson J. (1989) The Aldersgate study.Flinders
Medical Centre, Bedford Park, 5042 South Australia. |
