Podiatry (noun)
po·di·a·try pə-ˈdī-ə-trē
Podiatry is the medical care and treatment of the human foot. As this is a fairly broad definition, let’s explore the scope of Podiatry a bit further. Podiatry covers many issues, from toenail care to intricate surgeries for complex foot and ankle problems. It is a critical field that can greatly improve one’s quality of life by providing specialised care for a variety of foot and lower limb conditions.
Podiatric education equips practitioners with extensive knowledge in foot and ankle care, allowing them to treat a diverse range of patients. Training ensures that podiatrists have the expertise to diagnose and treat conditions effectively.
Who Can Benefit From Podiatry Services?
The age range of Podiatry patients can vary from just 3 months old to over 100 years old, so you can imagine the presenting issues can vary greatly and then, at times, not at all. Podiatry is not limited to any one age group but serves the needs of all ages, whether it be for childhood development, sports injuries, or age-related foot and ankle concerns.
Podiatric Care For Children & Adolescents
When a young child presents to the clinic, it is often because their mother or father is concerned about their development or they may be experiencing pain. Common presentations for young children include flat feet, in-toeing, knocked knees, heel pain, pain under their knees, foot pain, sports injuries, warts, ingrown toenails, yearly check-ins, and more. These issues can be categorised into two primary areas: dermatological issues and biomechanical issues.
Dermatological Issues In Children
In children, dermatological conditions like plantar warts, ingrown toenails, or other nail disorders are fairly common. Podiatrists treat these conditions in a variety of ways which aims to alleviate discomfort and prevent further complications.
Biomechanical Issues In Children
Biomechanical issues may include conditions like flat feet, intoeing, or other foot deformities that may affect a child’s gait and posture.
Once your Podiatrist has completed an assessment and provided education on the problem, they will discuss treatment options with you and prescribe an individual treatment plan. Some biomechanical treatment options may include, foot orthosis, footwear changes, strengthening programs, different sports recommendations, offloading padding in footwear, or the ‘stop and watch’ method, which involves monitoring the condition over time to determine if any intervention is necessary.
Podiatric Care for Adults
Moving on from children/adolescents, we explore adults. This is possibly the most common age group of people we see present at the clinic, given that they are the busiest age group. This often leads to neglecting their own health, causing foot and ankle issues to worsen over time.
Common Adult Foot Problems
As with younger people, adults can have both dermatological and biomechanical issues. Some of the most common problems include:
- Thickened toenails and fungal nails
- Ingrown toenails and nail splits
- Callus or cracked heels
- Heel pain (underneath or back of the heel)
- Big toe pain and joint inflammation
- Pain under the ball of the foot
- Sports injuries
- Stress fractures due to overuse of feet
- Diabetes-related foot issues
Podiatrists are equipped to diagnose and treat these common injuries and conditions. Whether using physical therapy to heal or recommending specialised shoes to improve comfort, a podiatrist can create a comprehensive plan to restore function and reduce pain.
Podiatry & Foot Health In The Workplace
Many adults also experience foot and ankle issues related to their profession or lifestyle. Jobs that require standing or walking for extended periods can exacerbate problems like heel pain or plantar fasciitis. A podiatrist can provide solutions such as customised orthotics, advice on proper footwear choices, or even suggestions to adjust one’s posture or walking habits to avoid long-term issues.
Podiatric Care For The Aging Population
Lastly, we focus on the aging population, which is a significant demographic that often presents with specific foot and ankle concerns. Older adults tend to experience a combination of both dermatological and biomechanical issues, with more frequent concerns being:
- Long, discoloured, and thickened nails
- Callus or wounds that may not heal as quickly
- Loss of sensation and coldness in the feet, often due to diabetes
- Foot pain due to changes in gait and aging joints
Podiatrists often treat this demographic by focusing on preventative care and managing chronic conditions such as diabetes. For example, diabetic foot care involves close monitoring to prevent complications like ulcers or infections. Given the aging population’s increasing need for foot care, many podiatry clinics offer home visit services, ensuring that those who cannot visit the clinic in person still have access to high-quality care.
The Benefits Of Podiatric Services
So, what are the benefits of accessing podiatric services?
- Pain Reduction: Effective treatment can alleviate chronic pain and discomfort associated with foot and ankle conditions.
- Maintaining Mobility and Independence: Foot and ankle issues can significantly affect mobility, making it harder to walk, stand, or even exercise. Podiatry services ensure individuals remain mobile and independent for longer.
- Increased Strength and Quality of Life: Regular treatment can help increase foot strength and reduce the risk of falls or injury, thereby improving overall quality of life.
- Better Health Outcomes: Podiatric care contributes to better general health, supporting the lower limbs’ role in maintaining balance and overall wellbeing.
By seeking podiatric care, patients can also reduce the risk of more severe complications down the line, which is particularly important for those with pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes or osteoarthritis.
Conclusion: Making Podiatry Part of Your Routine Care
Given the information provided about podiatry, who can access it, why they access it, and the benefits they may have from doing so, we hope you see the value in podiatric care and will make it a part of your routine healthcare. Podiatry not only addresses immediate foot problems but also prevents long-term issues, ensuring your feet and ankles remain healthy throughout your life.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us online or call us. We are here to provide the expert care you need.