What is Podiatry and what does a Podiatrist treat?
ITS PODIATRY MONTH AT BEYOND!
So what is Podiatry? What can a Podiatrist treat?
Podiatrists are trained in assessing, diagnosing and treating conditions of the foot, ankle and lower limb. Some of the most common conditions we treat include:
- Heel pain (including the dreaded plantar fasciitis and heel spurs)
- Forefoot pain (including synovitis, capsulitis and Morton’s Neuroma)
- Ankle pain and ankle sprains
- Tendinopathies of the foot and ankle (tendon pain and tendon tears, for example, your achilles!)
Podiatrists can also play a role in treating knee, hip and back pain too! This is because the way our feet move impact movements further up the chain. For our knees, hips and all the muscles that cross those joints to be functioning well, our feet have to function well too.
What to expect in a Podiatry appointment?
Your Podiatrist will begin by taking a history of your complaint to gain an accurate description of your pain. We also like to find out what drives you, so we can identify a goal for your treatment. Maybe you want to run a marathon this year? Or maybe you just want to be able to chase after the kids, walk the dog every day or keep crushing it at the gym every week.
Your goal is our goal!
Our Podiatrists undertake a thorough assessment to identify factors that may be contributing to your injury. As part of this assessment we utilise progressive technology including video gait analysis and 3D pressure analysis. This is where we map the pressures of your feet as you stand, balance and walk.
We also assess your mobility, strength, balance and footwear as well as other potential factors that could be contributing to your pain. By identifying these factors, we are able to treat what’s causing the injury, not just the symptoms. This leads to better short term and long term outcomes for you!
What treatments do Beyond Podiatrists’ offer?
Based on your diagnosis and risk factors present, your Podiatrist will come up with a management plan tailored to suit you and your goals. This may involve the following:
- Custom orthotic device
- Orthotic devices are designed to redistribute plantar pressures and establish improved efficiency of movement
- This is created by taking a 3D scan of your foot to ensure maximise comfort and the best possible functional result
- Shockwave therapy (not as intimidating as it sounds!)
- Shockwave can be used to aid in the treatment of chronic soft tissue and bone injuries
- It works by delivering sound waves into the tissue, which helps to promote blood flow, healing and pain relief
- There is no additional fee on top of your normal consultation fee for this treatment!
- Foot mobilisation therapy (FMT)
- FMT refers to hands on treatment aimed at maximising joint mobility at the foot and ankle
- It is used to increase efficiency of movement by sharing loads more effectively
- Typically significant progression can be kickstarted over just 4 weeks
- Footwear assessments and advice
- It is important to be wearing a shoe that is suited to your foot type, not just one that looks good (although usually we can nail both of these criteria!)
- Our podiatrists can assess your current footwear for wear patterns and make recommendations based on our assessments
- Dry needling
- Dry needling is used to release restrictions in muscles
- It is similar to acupuncture but focused on reducing tightness
- It is used in combination with other treatments for maximum effect
