Podiatric Treatments
Treatments can be divided into 3 categories
Biomechanical treatments for general musculoskeletal pain, sports injuries, neurological injuries, rheumatoid arthritis pathologies, general foot care/chiropody treatments, and diabetic assessments and treatments include:
- Custom-made orthotics
- Off-the-shelf orthotics
- Strapping/taping
- Padding
- Footwear advice for both every day and sport shoes
- Exercise and training advice
- Stretching advice
- Night splints
- Ultrasound
- Mobilisation techniques
- Deep tissue massage
- Dry needling (acupuncture)
- Referrals to other health care professionals
- Further investigations, e.g. x-rays, diagnostic ultrasound, MRI scans
- General foot care
- In-growing nails
- Nail care
- Corns
- Calluses
- Verrucae infections (warts)
- Fungal foot infections
Lower limb and foot conditions can be caused by many things, including tight or ill-fitting footwear, poor foot posture, poor general posture or conditions such as bunions or in-growing toenails. Some problems are relatively simple to rectify, with foot care and footwear advice making a significant difference. Other conditions which are a result of prolonged damage or neglect will require a long-term personal commitment to a more sustained treatment programme.
After the initial assessment, Katriona will discuss her findings with you and devise an effective, evidence-based treatment plan.
Diabetes mellitus type 1 or type 2 requires preventative foot care. Diabetes is due to either the pancreas failing to produce enough insulin or the cells in the body are not responding properly to the insulin produced. Insulin breaks down the sugar in your blood. Excessive sugar can damage your nerves and lead to a condition called peripheral neuropathy and/or reduce blood circulation also known as atherosclerosis.
Peripheral Neuropathy is when the sensations of pain can be lost within your feet. This makes it harder to feel pain or discomfort from minor wounds or even a blister from a poor fitting shoe or from dry cracked skin.
Atherosclerosis or reduced blood flow within the lower limbs slows down wound healing, increasing the risk of ulcers and infections.
It is recommended that patients with Diabetes mellitus have a diabetic foot assessment annually, if not more frequently, depending on their health. During this consultation, Katriona will assess your sensation and blood supply (ankle brachial index test) and general wellbeing of your feet and educate you on good, preventative foot care.
