Podiatry deals with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of medical and surgical conditions of the feet and lower limbs. Conditions treated by podiatrists include neurological and circulatory disease as well as problems resulting from soft tissue and muscular pathologies plus bone and joint disorders such as arthritis.

Podiatrists are also able to diagnose and treat any complications of the above, which affect the lower limb, including skin and nail disorders, corns, callous and ingrown toenails. Infections and foot injuries, which occur through sport or other activities, are also diagnosed and treated by podiatrists.

Podiatrists use a wide range of skills. Direct consultations include:

• 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 and medical history

• Footwear

• Occupational and lifestyle factors

• Possible use of diagnostic equipment such as vascular Doppler or radiography. Gait analysis will often be taken through visual or computerized means and may include range of motion studies, postural alignment evaluation or dynamic force and pressure studies

Clinical services require skilled use of infection control procedures, as in sterilized instruments, along with appropriate application of pharmacological agents, specialist wound dressings and a variety of physical therapies.

Prescription orthoses (insoles which fit into shoes) are designed to redistribute pressure from corns, callous and ulceration and to supplement and enhance clinical care. Orthotics are also used to provide consistent weight bearing realignment in the treatment of acute and chronic foot conditions, such as, tendonitis, chronic knee pain, recurrent ankle sprain and stress fractures.

Education in foot health is a large part of a podiatrist’s scope of practice.  Educating about self-care techniques and prevention of foot problems is an important component of individual care. This 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 relationships with other health care providers, often working within a multidisciplinary team.



Last updated on May 1, 2010 by Emma Hoult