Foot Care

The Podiatrist and You:

Your specialist in foot health is now called a Podiatrist (pronounced, pod-i-at-rist) from podos - foot, iatria - the science of healing. Your podiatrist is concerned with the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of foot disorders. He/she is able to recognise foot problems, treat, correct or advise if necessary.

Prevention:

To prevent problems have an annual check-up, where general foot care, the importance of footwear, and how to prevent discomfort will be discussed.

Treatment:

Your podiatrist is trained to treat patients suffering from general health problems, with particular reference to the management of feet, eg: circulatory disorders, diabetes, etc. Also treatment of infected and general skin lesions, nail deformities, plantar warts and many others.

Children's Feet:

Are of paramount importance to your podiatrist. Regular checks are essential for the developing foot so that any occurring problem can be treated and/or corrected. Advice on correct fitting and suitability of first walkers or school shoes are also given.

Sport:

Because most sports place high demads on the foot, your podiatrist is an important member in the sports medicine team and should be consulted to gain maximum performance or whenever foor related injury occurs. He/she will recognise and evaluate the sporting injury, and with the use of modern therapies, restore function quickly.

Correction and Rehabilitation:

The scope of podiatry covers the making of special devices (orthotics and prostheses) which can be used in cases of arthritis, after foot surgery, heel spurs, malformed feet, partial foot amputations, bent toes and for rehabilitation following accidents to help people walk without pain.