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Ourimbah Podiatry

Committed to providing excellence in podiatric care

WHO IS A PODIATRIST?

The podiatry profession has undergone considerable growth and change in recent years. This brochure has been produced by the Australian Podiatry Association to provide other health professionals with an overview of these developments and to outline the role of the podiatry profession in the treatment of problems of the feet and lower limbs.

A podiatrist is a health professional who deals with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of medical and surgical conditions of the feet and lower limbs. 
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The conditions podiatrists treat include those resulting from bone and joint disorders such as arthritis and soft-tissue and muscular pathologies as well as neurological and circulatory diseases. Podiatrists are also able to diagnose and treat any complications of the above which affect the lower limb, including skin and nail disorders, corns, calluses and ingrowing toenails. Foot injuries and infections gained through sport or other activities are also diagnosed and treated by podiatrists. To become a podiatrist a practitioner must complete a Bachelor's Degree and be registered with AHPRA podiatry registration boards. (Until 1977, Australian podiatrists were known as chiropodists. The official name change to podiatry reflected the upgrading of education levels and an expansion in the scope of practice by the profession.) 
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The Skills of a Podiatrist

Podiatrists diagnose and treat both common and more rare skin and nail pathologies of the feet. Podiatrists play an important role in maintaining the mobility of many elderly and disabled people or others. This is achieved through the ongoing monitoring of foot health, in particular of those with circulation problems and diabetes. Podiatrists are recognised as an important member of the health care team in preventing and managing lower limb complications for those who are living with diabetes just like Ourimbah Podiatry in the Central Coast.

BIOMECHANICS

In treating chronic foot pain, and evaluating specific needs of patients, the podiatrist will often assess the anatomy and function of the foot and lower limb. This involves static, weight-bearing and mobile examinations of the limbs during gait. This assessment of the shape and motion of the limb allows for an effective diagnosis of the cause of injuries and/or the development of deformities. The analysis of the function of human motion is called biomechanics. Podiatrists perform clinical biomechanical evaluation of the lower limb. Specialised equipment, including mechanised treadmills with video and computerised assessment equipment, are often used by podiatrists to detect pathomechanical anomalies to ensure appropriate and effective treatment. This treatment may include specific exercises and the prescription of foot orthoses, from precise measurements of an individual's biomechanics. 

SPORTS MEDICINE

Any sport which involves walking, running, standing or jumping places greater physical demands on our body than normal day-to-day activities. Injuries to the foot and lower limb make up a large proportion of sporting injuries. Podiatrists examine the foot and lower limb, have a knowledge of the biomechanics of athletic movement, diagnose foot conditions and can recommend appropriate footwear, training regimens, and, if needed, orthotic devices to fit into the sports shoe. Common sporting injuries treated by podiatrists include plantar fasciitis, achilles tendonitis, stress fractures, ankle sprains and shin or knee pain. 

HOW ARE PODIATRISTS EDUCATED? 

As already outlined, to become a podiatrist, a practitioner must complete a Bachelor's Degree. Podiatry qualifications are specifically aimed at addressing the internal and external medicine involved in the systemic diseases and local pathology affecting the feet. In Australia the profession also has formal post graduate qualifications in areas including sports medicine and surgery. 

HOW TO ACCESS A PODIATRIST?

It is usually not necessary to obtain a referral to see a podiatrist. However, for patients to receive podiatry treatment under various programs including those run by Veterans Affairs, Workers Compensation or enhanced primary care program ( Medicare ) medical referral is required. Private health insurance funds cover podiatry services under their ancillary tables we offer HICAPS facillities. 


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