Role of podiatrist and bio-mechanics practitioner

Question 1

Explain the role of a podiatrist

Answer 1

• Diagnose & treat problems w/ feet & lower limbs
• Give advice on looking after feet & shoes.
• Assess gait & function- they understand the anatomy & disease processes occurring in the foot that may alter gait.
• Podiatrists use biomechanics practitioners & physiotherapists to correct abnormalities of gait

Question 2

What type of problems do (and don’t) podiatrists deal with?

Answer 2

Deal with:
- deformities- prevent & correct
- verrucas
- athletes food
- dry & cracked heels
- flat feet
- gout
- blisters
- sports injuried

Dont:
- manage gait disturbances brought by certain conditions e.g. OA of hip/knee, spinal cord injuries or upper motor neurone lesions

Question 3

How can podiatrists treat these problems?

Answer 3

Assess gait - treadmills, high shutter speed cameras & videos.

Pain management - through pharmacological treatments & other procedures to correct these deformities.

Orthotics - uses external braces & orthoses to correct abnormal gaits.
- Reduce weight-bearing forces
- Correct shape & function
- Restrict or control movements of joints

Advice on exercises & suitable footwear.

Treat skin infections, calluses, verrucas & hard skin during the consultation.

Question 4

Explain the role of biomechanics practitioners.

Answer 4

• collaborate w/ physiotherapists, podiatrists & other specialities.
• Correct gait & movements of any regions of the body.
• Reverse the effects an abnormal gait had on the body.
• Use knowledge of anatomy & forces around a joint on gait to come to a diagnosis & management plan.

Biomechanics practitioners treat patients with deformity of structure. Podiatrist who treat diseases of the foot.

Question 5

What type of problems do biomechanics practitioners deal with?

Answer 5

Physical deformities hat affect movement

Injuries sustained from accidents or sports

asymmetrical body

Pain in lower limbs, heel arch for Achillies tendonitis

Flat feet or high arches

Falls prevention

Question 6

How do biomechanics practitioners treat these problems?

Answer 6

1. History
2. Static assessment - involves examination of the hip, knee, ankle & foot. T
   - also examine the strength of the bones.
3. Dynamic assessment - involves recording footage of the patient running/walking/jogging on a treadmill.
4. Tractograph - measures angles of the lower limbs.
5. Goniometer - measures the available range of motion of a joint