What is ‘Podiatry’?
‘Podiatry’‚ is the modern word for ‘Chiropody’‚ & it is carried out by ‘Podiatrists’. The modern podiatrist will assess‚ diagnose and treat, many simple & complex conditions. Such conditions that not only relate to the foot‚ but the whole the lower limb. Many conditions treated by podiatrists are on the surface of the foot. Simple examples of such conditions are ;- skin calluses‚ corns and ingrowing toenails. Other conditions treated by podiatrists, are not always visible on the surface of the foot, but involve the internal structures of the foot‚ for example ;- Plantar fasciitis‚ Heel bursitis‚ Heel spurs, Metatarsalgia & Morton’s neuroma, to name but a few.
Podiatrists also provide specialist treatment and advice for people with ‘Diabetes’ & ‘Foot arthritis’. Minor surgery can also be performed (under local anaesthesia) to resolve ingrowing toenail problems permanently. ‘Gait anomilies’ can also be assessed and successfully treated with ‘Foot orthotics’ (in shoe foot supports). Foot orthotics are prescribed‚ manufactured & fitted to improve both internal & external foot function. This approach often reduces pain in the leg and lumbar regions. Leg and lumbar pain is often caused by poor foot alignment and leg length discrepancies.
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What is ‘Podiatry’?