Podiatry

Podiatry or Chiropody as it is better known comprises of the maintenance of the lower limbs in a healthy condition and the treatment of their disabilities by recognised podiatric methods in which the practitioner has been clinically trained.

Taking your first steps

When you book in for your initial consultation the podiatrist will undertake a full clinical case history. This will include details of your lifestyle, work, medical/surgical history, and a full biochemical assessment if necessary. Assessments may include the use of various physical manipulation, Doppler machine, measurement of ankle/brachial pressures etc. There will also be included some initial palliative treatment and thereafter an individual treatment plan will be arranged.

The Lower Limbs and Feet

The lower limbs and feet, though not major vital organs for survival as required by a human being, have a major role to play in our mobility. To allow us to function well in a wide variety of activities the lower limbs and feet need to provide a solid interface between the body and the ground.

Problems arise when this does not occur. Most disorders arise from one or more of the following:

Those involving skeletal components of the lower limbs, eg biomechanical problems

Those involving soft tissue damage

Bacterial, viral or fungal infections

General/Systemic disease, eg diabetes

Circulatory disorders

Neurological disorders

Rheumatic disorders

Metabolic disorders

Sports injuries

Conditions Benefiting from Podiatry

Sports injuries

Metabolic disorders eg diabetes, osteoporosis

Sprains and strains

Circulatory disorders eg chilblains, ulcers

Improving posture

Conditions arising from mechanical stress

Nail disorders

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Infections (bacterial) eg Intertrigo

Osteoarthritis

Infections (viral) eg Verruca

Paediatric lower limbs problems

Infections (fungal) eg Athletes Foot

Flat foot

Corns, callous, bursitis

Digital abnormalities

Dermatological conditions

Minor surgery using local anaesthesia

Ingrowing toe nails

Verruca treatment

Geriatric problems eg mobility

General lower limb pain

Neurological disorders eg MS, neuritis

Bunions