Podiatry

Podiatry is a field of healthcare devoted to the study and treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle, and sometimes knee, leg and hip (collectively known as the lower extremity). Podiatrists receive core medical training by studying anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, general medicine and microbiology. They then go on to more advanced and specialised training in the examination, diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the feet.

A Podiatrist is a health professional who deals with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of medical conditions of the feet and lower limbs. Their specialist skills are used to treat minor infections/ailments, defects and injuries, as well as conditions and symptoms relating to other major health disorders to maintain normal mobility and independence.

TREATMENTS

Nail/Skin

• Corn & callus removal - Callus ("hard skin") is unsightly and uncomfortable. If left it can crack or develop into painful corns. Corns and callus can be painlessly reduced so that your feet will look and feel like new.

• Nail problems - An ingrown nail is very painful and should be treated immediately. Thick nails can also be uncomfortable and are difficult to cut. These and other nail problems can be expertly treated.

• Verruca treatments - Verrucae are caused by a virus and are contagious. Treatment reduces pain and the chance of them spreading.

• General treatment - You don't need to have particular problems to benefit from this, but nails can be trimmed, hard skin gently removed, and the feet moisturised.  A popular treatment to tidy feet up and leave you walking on air!

Biomechanics and Orthotics

A common area of practice within Podiatry, biomechanics deals with problems arising from the way your joints are aligned and your muscles function. It is well recognised that a person's abnormal gait can be the cause of recurrent postural problems which commonly include back, hip, knee, ankle and foot pain.

Symptoms may relate to leg length differences or high/low arched feet. Other signs include excessive or increased wear on the heels or soles of shoes, calf/foot muscle cramps, weak ankles and toe deformities. These may be the body's way of compensating for misalignment or as a result of injury. However it does not follow that this compensation is normal or acceptable, nor should you feel or believe that nothing can be done.

Early recognition of abnormal foot and lower limb biomechanics can often avoid injury and should always be considered for the prevention of injury.

If any further investigations such as X-rays, scans or tests are required then these will also be discussed.

Diabetes

Patients with Diabetes benefit greatly from regular foot care and advice, and the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (www.nice.org.uk) recommends annual foot checks for all Diabetics.

Podiatrists are fully equipped to provide vascular and neurological assessment to look at the circulation and nerves to the feet; examine foot shape and footwear fit; deliver foot health education; and work closely with other medical practitioners in the provision of multidisciplinary team delivery of healthcare. They can also treat pathologies to prevent pain and enhance mobility/independence.

 Arthritis

The Arthritis Research Campaign (www.arc.org.uk) confirms that arthritic conditions can affect the feet. Podiatrists can monitor and manage foot problems and deformities caused by diseases such as osteo and rheumatoid arthritis.

Many people notice changes in the arch structure of their feet as they get older, and mild arthritis in this area is common. This impairs how the weight of the body spreads over the feet during walking, which in mild cases feels like tiredness in the arch area, but pain and discomfort may develop if the muscles or tendons are very overworked. 

Both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis can lead to deformity, making callus areas more common from high-pressure areas; this needs to be kept to a minimum to reduce pain and enhance mobility.