What is Podiatry?
Podiatry deals with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of medical and surgical conditions of the feet and lower limbs. Conditions a Podiatrist treat include those resulting from bone and joint disorders such as arthritis and soft-tissue and muscular pathologies, as well as neurological and circulatory disease. Podiatrists are also able to diagnose and treat many complications of the above which affect the lower limb, including skin and nail disorders, corns, calluses and ingrown toenails. Foot injuries and infections gained through sport or other activities are also diagnosed and treated by podiatrists.
Foot health education regarding self care techniques and prevention of foot pathology is an important component of individual care but is also frequently implemented on a greater scale, either to specific target groups or as community projects.
Podiatrist Consultations in Remuera
Direct consultations include a clinical history, physical examination and diagnosis, preparation of a treatment plan, and provision of a range of therapies. Clinical assessment techniques aim to arrive at a diagnosis and takes into account clinical, medical and surgical history, footwear, occupational and lifestyle factors. The Podiatrist may use diagnostic equipment such as radiology, Doppler ultrasound etc. to help arrive at a diagnosis. Gait analysis will often be undertaken through visual or computerised means and might include range of motion studies, postural alignment evaluation or dynamic force and pressure studies.
Clinical Podiatrist Services
Clinical services require skilled use of sterilised instruments and appropriate infection control procedures, along with appropriate application of pharmacological agents, specialist wound dressings and a variety of physical therapies. Prescription foot orthoses (in-shoe devices) offer solutions in the treatment and prevention of corns, callous and necrotic ulceration as they are able to provide pressure redistribution. These devices are often used for providing consistent weightbearing realignment in the treatment of acute and chronic foot conditions such as tendonitis, recurrent ankle sprain, chronic knee pain and stress fractures, to supplement and enhance clinical care.
Registered Remuera Podiatrist
In New Zealand, anyone practicing podiatry must be registered with the New Zealand Podiatrists Board and have a current Annual Practising Certificate.
Carolyn is a board member of Podiatry New Zealand, and continues to be involved in ongoing education, attending seminars, workshops and conferences to keep up to date with the latest information.
As registered podiatrists in Auckland, New Zealand we believe our patients deserve to have the information needed to make good choices about their foot and ankle care. Our goal is to educate each patient and begin a relevant treatment program with the highest quality of care available.
For more information, please contact Caron Orelowitz.