Podiatry is a study of the feet, legs and lower limbs, this includes feet and foot-related conditions. Podiatrists are the experts when it comes to working with the feet and lower limb areas. They work with conditions that relate to bone or joint disorders, soft-tissue-related injuries and neurological and circulation-related issues. Podiatrists are also able to work with skin and nail disorders, corns calluses and ingrown toenails. They are able to diagnose and treat all common injuries of the feet and lower limbs.
Where there has been an injury or issue related to the lower limb, is where seeing a podiatrist would be clinically relevant. Prevention and management of circulatory issues related to diabetes or heart disease would also be clinically advised. Where necessary a podiatrist may recommend a set of corrective orthotics to help with the management of ongoing chronic conditions.
How Does A Podiatrist Work?
Like many other allied health practitioners Podiatrists need to take a detailed health history, they will often work in conjunction with other health practitioners who can provide, with the consent of the veteran, additional medical information that helps create a treatment plan. Normally, a podiatrist will perform clinical observations, from the physical examination which will then help inform a diagnosis.
They will look at a variety of factors that impact the lower limb function of the veteran including;
Medical history
Surgical history
Current footwear and previous orthotics
Occupation and lifestyle
They may need to use specialists’ diagnostic equipment, like vascular scope or radiology and there may be the use of computerised analysis of gait and postural alignment.
They will look at a variety of factors that impact the lower limb function of the veteran including;
Medical history
Surgical history
Current footwear and previous orthotics
Occupation and lifestyle
They may need to use specialists’ diagnostic equipment, like vascular scope or radiology and there may be the use of computerised analysis of gait and postural alignment.
Who is eligible to access podiatry?
Veterans who have a clinical need and hold a Gold Card will be able to access a podiatrist with no out-of-pocket expense and were clinically relevant for a White Card with accepted conditions can also be eligible to access podiatry care.