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Podiatry deals with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment
and rehabilitation of medical and surgical conditions of
the feet and lower limbs. The conditions podiatrists
treat include those resulting from bone and joint
disorders such as arthritis and soft-tissue and muscular
pathologies, as well as neurological and circulatory
disease. Podiatrists are also able to diagnose and treat
any complications of the above which affect the lower
limb, including skin and nail disorders, corns, calluses
and ingrown toenails. Foot injuries and infections
gained through sport or other activities are also
diagnosed and treated by podiatrists.
A range of skills are employed by podiatrists. Direct
consultations include a clinical history composition,
physical examination, diagnosis, preparation of a
treatment plan and provision of a range of therapies.
Clinical assessment techniques aim to secure a diagnosis
and prognosis and take into account clinical, medical
and surgical history, footwear, occupational and
lifestyle factors, and may incorporate the use of
diagnostic equipment such as vascularscopes or
radiology. Gait analysis will often be undertaken
through visual or computerised means and might include
range of motion studies, postural alignment evaluation
or dynamic force and pressure studies.
Clinical services require skilled use of sterilised
instruments and appropriate infection control
procedures, along with appropriate application of
pharmacological agents, specialist wound dressings and a
variety of physical therapies. Prescription foot
orthoses (in-shoe devices) offer permanent solutions in
the treatment and prevention of corns, callous and
necrotic ulceration in their capacity to provide
pressure redistribution. As a technique for providing
consistent weightbearing realignment they are utilised
in the treatment of acute and chronic foot conditions
such as tendonitis, recurrent ankle sprain, chronic knee
pain and stress fractures, to supplement and enhance
clinical care.
Foot health education regarding self care techniques
and prevention of foot pathology is an important
component of individual care but is also frequently
implemented on a greater scale, either to specific
target groups or as community projects.
In order to facilitate enhanced clinical care,
podiatrists establish and maintain collaborative
relationships with other health care providers, often
working within a site-based, multi-disciplinary team. |
