| SKIN | | | | podiatrist works closely with the GP and antibiotics |
| These include the debridement (removal) of callus | | | | may also be administered if infection is present. |
| which is an over production of skin on the foot in | | | | DIABETES |
| response to pressure, a focal area of pressure can | | | | Care of the diabetic foot has become an important |
| result in a corn which can also be removed via | | | | facet of podiatry due to possible complications |
| mechanical debridement. Other skin conditions include | | | | involving the sensory and vascular system of the |
| plantar verrucae's which are warts on the bottom | | | | foot and leg. With poor diabetes control the |
| surface of the foot which can become painful with | | | | circulation and / or nerve supply to the feet may be |
| weight-bearing activity. These may be debrided and | | | | compromised. Neurovascular tests along with |
| then treated via dry ice/acidic therapies. Fungal | | | | assessment of the general foot condition are |
| infections of the skin of the foot are also common | | | | performed to determine whether the patient is at |
| due the environment within shoes where ventilation is | | | | low, medium or high risk of foot complications. |
| poor and moisture can build up, these are also | | | | Neurovascular testing of the diabetic foot is |
| contagious through water droplets in public bathing | | | | recommended every 12 months minimum, and quite |
| areas such as showers and pools. Bacterial infections | | | | often ongoing treatment throughout the year is |
| can also occur on the skin particularly when there is | | | | required to maintain the foot and prevent problems. |
| injury to the skin surface or when circulation is poor. | | | | Once again podiatrists work very closely with GP's/ |
| An example of this is with ingrown toe nails whereby | | | | Endocrinologists on this matter and may be included in |
| the nail pierces the superficial layers of the skin. The | | | | the overall care plan for the patient - as designed by |
| podiatrist is trained to recognize the difference | | | | the GP |
| between these things, treat where necessary and | | | | BIOMECHANICAL INJURY |
| offer suggested therapies. | | | | Various lower limb injuries related to activity and |
| NAIL | | | | overuse syndromes may have a biomechanical cause. |
| Nail conditions may include thickening of the nails due | | | | Podiatrists are able to identify such things through |
| to either trauma, onychomycosis (fungal infection), | | | | gait analysis and biomechanical assessment. For |
| neglect, or poor circulation. A podiatrist is able to | | | | example an overly pronating ('rolling in') foot may be |
| maintain the nails and suggest other conjunctive | | | | associated with such conditions as |
| therapies. Ingrown toe nails as previously mentioned | | | | - heel spur syndrome/arch pain- 'plantar fasciitis' |
| are also commonly treated and the podiatrist may | | | | - Achilles tendonitis |
| skillfully remove these with or without the | | | | - Shin pain- often generically referred to as 'shin |
| administration of local anaesthetic depending on the | | | | splints' eg. |
| site and degree of the problem. In this situation the | | | | |