Podiatry
Podiatry is a field of medicine that strives to improve the overall health and well-being of patients, by focusing on preventing, diagnosing, and treating conditions associated with the foot, ankle, and lower extremities. Podiatrists practice using modalities which may include medical, biomechanical, and surgical means.
Common Foot and Ankle Conditions
- Heel pain/Plantar fasciitis: Inflammation of the tissue on the bottom of the foot causing heel pain.
- Ingrown toenails: Toenails growing into the skin, often causing pain and infection.
- Plantar warts: viral skin lesions
- Bunions: Bony bumps on the side of the big toe. Hammertoes: Abnormal bending of the toe joints.
- Flat feet: A condition where the arches of the feet collapse.
- Fungal infections: Athlete’s foot, toenail fungus, etc.
- Corns and calluses: Thickened skin areas caused by friction or pressure.
Sports Injuries
- Sprains, strains, and fractures in the foot or ankle.
- Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles tendonitis).
- Stress fractures, especially in athletes or individuals with high activity levels.
Chronic Conditions
- Arthritis: Including osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis affecting the joints in the feet and ankles.
- Diabetic foot care: Addressing complications such as neuropathy, ulcers, and poor circulation related to diabetes.
- Neuropathy: Nerve damage causing pain, tingling, or numbness in the feet.
- Circulatory problems: Conditions like peripheral artery disease (PAD) that affect blood flow to the feet.
Orthotics and Footwear Advice
- Custom foot orthotics (shoe inserts) to correct and provide support.
- Advice on choosing proper footwear for foot health, especially for those with specific medical needs like diabetes or flat feet.
Preventive Care and Education
- Educating patients on proper foot hygiene and care.
- Offering advice on managing foot health, especially for high-risk individuals like athletes, diabetics, and the elderly.
Orthotics
Podiatrists are the only regulated health professions that have the ability to prescribe and provide custom orthotics defined in their regulated acts.
Orthotics, derived from the Greek word "ortho" meaning to straighten or correct, are devices designed to improve foot function and comfort. Custom-made to fit an individual’s unique foot structure, they help correct biomechanical dysfunctions, stabilize the lower limb, and reduce repetitive stresses. These devices are inserted into shoes to replace the original insoles.
Custom orthotics come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, and generally fall into three categories: those that change foot function, those that protect the foot, and those that combine both functional control and protection.
Book Your Appointment Today!
Dr. Helen Rees has many years of experience treating a wide variety of foot related problems in elderly, adults, adolescents and children.