New “Ask the Podiatrist” section in forum Ask Niall for advice on any foot lower limb issues you may be experiencing, https://www.runireland.com/forums/running-talk/general-talk/ask-podiatrist .
Podiatry is an up and coming specialty. Podiatry specialises in the management of diseases and disorders associated with the foot and lower limb. It is very much so an up and coming specialty here in Ireland with NUI Galway launching the first degree course in podiatry four years ago.
The need for a course in Ireland was evident and its establishment reflects the growing demand for the specialty in Ireland. The foot is a highly complex structure; problems with which can greatly affect the overall health of patients. Podiatry promotes and maintains mobility which can significantly improve patient’s quality of life. With this in mind it is very much so a branch of medicine which is going to continue to grow over the coming years.
Podiatry is a far reaching speciality as clients vary widely, as do treatment modalities. It is also a specialty where preventative care is key. Many issues which arise with the foot and lower limb can be prevented with continuous upkeep and care.
Diabetes
The importance of podiatry as a preventative measure is none the more evident than in diabetic care. Unfortunately, foot care of patients is often one of the most overlooked aspects of diabetes management.
Diabetes causes nerve damage known as peripheral neuropathy, it also causes poor circulation and stiff joints. These are complex foot problems which can lead to episodes of infection, foot ulceration and in some cases amputation. Podiatry is vital for the prevention of such problems. Patients suffering from diabetes need close monitoring and podiatric care. Education plays a pivotal role in diabetic foot care as often patients are unaware of the risks and consequently neglect to take the proper steps to insure problems do not arise.
For patients presenting with established foot complications such as infections or necrotic tissue podiatrists will provide wound care and dressings, offer advice on footwear or prescribe orthotics to reduce pressure on the foot which will greatly improve the patients quality of life. The use of orthotics is critical to combat the risk of ischemia, ulcers and neuropathy in diabetic patients. However, such measures could often have been prevented with a timely visit to a podiatry service.
Orthotics
One of the more advanced podiatric services which is available to patients is podiatric biomechanics. This is the study of the way the lower limb and foot moves, inclusive of the muscles and soft tissue as well as the anatomical structure and movement of the bones and joints.
Podiatrists will perform gait analysis on the individual patients to get an understanding of why particular injuries are occurring within the musculoskeletal system. Once the podiatrist identifies what is causing the problem then they can prescribe the necessary care. This can range from stretching exercises, specialist footwear advice or functional foot orthoses.
At the Bon Secour Hospital, we have advanced equipment that has revolutionised the manufacture of our orthotics. Our Computer-aided Design/Computer-aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) machine renders traditional Plaster-of-Paris methods of orthotic manufacture obsolete. We use a laser scanner to visualise the foot enabling the creation of a 3D design of the finished orthotic on our computer. We use this design in conjunction with each patient’s bio-mechanical assessment to manufacture orthotics. Each finished product is a one hundred per cent unique custom design for an individual patient and will enable the rehabilitation of patient’s symptoms.
Elderly patient care
We also offer services in the area of routine palliative foot care. This is particularly important when it comes to elderly patients. Palliative care encompasses nail debridements, corn and callous removal – plantar and inter-digital – and also onycochryptosis procedures, veruca treatments and the removal of plantar warts through use of a caustic or cryotherapy.
The importance of good foot-care becomes all the more evident in elderly patients. Feet carry us throughout the day and throughout our lives. If the feet aren’t comfortable, nothing is comfortable. This is why the service we provide here at the Bons is so important. The simplest tasks begin to get more and more difficult as we age and often elderly patients find that foot care and maintenance becomes unmanageable. If foot care is neglected, this is when problems arise. Poorly looked-after nails can cause pain and discomfort and make it difficult to move. Good nail care and nail management is essential for older patients and can have very positive effects on mobility. Mobility is one of the key factors when maintaining health and strength in the older patient.
https://www.runireland.com/forums/running-talk/general-talk/ask-podiatrist
The need for a course in Ireland was evident and its establishment reflects the growing demand for the specialty in Ireland. The foot is a highly complex structure; problems with which can greatly affect the overall health of patients. Podiatry promotes and maintains mobility which can significantly improve patient’s quality of life. With this in mind it is very much so a branch of medicine which is going to continue to grow over the coming years.
Podiatry is a far reaching speciality as clients vary widely, as do treatment modalities. It is also a specialty where preventative care is key. Many issues which arise with the foot and lower limb can be prevented with continuous upkeep and care.
Diabetes
The importance of podiatry as a preventative measure is none the more evident than in diabetic care. Unfortunately, foot care of patients is often one of the most overlooked aspects of diabetes management.
Diabetes causes nerve damage known as peripheral neuropathy, it also causes poor circulation and stiff joints. These are complex foot problems which can lead to episodes of infection, foot ulceration and in some cases amputation. Podiatry is vital for the prevention of such problems. Patients suffering from diabetes need close monitoring and podiatric care. Education plays a pivotal role in diabetic foot care as often patients are unaware of the risks and consequently neglect to take the proper steps to insure problems do not arise.
For patients presenting with established foot complications such as infections or necrotic tissue podiatrists will provide wound care and dressings, offer advice on footwear or prescribe orthotics to reduce pressure on the foot which will greatly improve the patients quality of life. The use of orthotics is critical to combat the risk of ischemia, ulcers and neuropathy in diabetic patients. However, such measures could often have been prevented with a timely visit to a podiatry service.
Orthotics
One of the more advanced podiatric services which is available to patients is podiatric biomechanics. This is the study of the way the lower limb and foot moves, inclusive of the muscles and soft tissue as well as the anatomical structure and movement of the bones and joints.
Podiatrists will perform gait analysis on the individual patients to get an understanding of why particular injuries are occurring within the musculoskeletal system. Once the podiatrist identifies what is causing the problem then they can prescribe the necessary care. This can range from stretching exercises, specialist footwear advice or functional foot orthoses.
At the Bon Secour Hospital, we have advanced equipment that has revolutionised the manufacture of our orthotics. Our Computer-aided Design/Computer-aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) machine renders traditional Plaster-of-Paris methods of orthotic manufacture obsolete. We use a laser scanner to visualise the foot enabling the creation of a 3D design of the finished orthotic on our computer. We use this design in conjunction with each patient’s bio-mechanical assessment to manufacture orthotics. Each finished product is a one hundred per cent unique custom design for an individual patient and will enable the rehabilitation of patient’s symptoms.
Elderly patient care
We also offer services in the area of routine palliative foot care. This is particularly important when it comes to elderly patients. Palliative care encompasses nail debridements, corn and callous removal – plantar and inter-digital – and also onycochryptosis procedures, veruca treatments and the removal of plantar warts through use of a caustic or cryotherapy.
The importance of good foot-care becomes all the more evident in elderly patients. Feet carry us throughout the day and throughout our lives. If the feet aren’t comfortable, nothing is comfortable. This is why the service we provide here at the Bons is so important. The simplest tasks begin to get more and more difficult as we age and often elderly patients find that foot care and maintenance becomes unmanageable. If foot care is neglected, this is when problems arise. Poorly looked-after nails can cause pain and discomfort and make it difficult to move. Good nail care and nail management is essential for older patients and can have very positive effects on mobility. Mobility is one of the key factors when maintaining health and strength in the older patient.
https://www.runireland.com/forums/running-talk/general-talk/ask-podiatrist
