A Podiatrist is a health care professional who plays an important role in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of foot disorders and foot disabilities. In order to practice, they must be registered with the Health Professions Council Of South Africa. Some of the common conditions treated include:
Skin
Corns, calluses, keratotic heel fissures, warts, blisters, blackheel syndrome, fungal infections, contact dermatitis, palmar plantar keratoderma, pitted keratolysis, impetigo, ulcers (various types), chilblains (perniosis)
Onychopathies
Ingrown nails (onychocryptosis), fungal nails (onychomycosis), blue nail (subungual haemorrhage), white nail syndrome (leuconychia), nail shedding ( onycholysis), ram’s horn nail (onychogryphosis), involuted nails, hypertrophied nails (onychoxis), hyperkeratosis in the nail groove (onychophosis),subungual corn, paronychia, spontaneous nail shedding (onychomadesis), retarded nail growth (onychatrophia), Hippocratic nails, Beau’s lines and spoon shaped nails (koilonychias)
Foot function and biomechanics
Pes planus (flat feet), pes cavus (high arched feet), metatarsalgia, plantar fasciitis, bruised heel syndrome, digital deformities, hallux abducto valgus, hallux rigidus, Mortons neuroma, Mortons syndrome, Severs disease.
The diabetic foot, sports injuries related to lower limb and foot, biomechanics, the rheumatoid foot, foot circulatory disorders, neurological disorders, the aging foot, manufacture of foot supports and orthotics.
The foot is a remarkable and complex anatomical and biomechanical structure that supports us and enables us to stand, walk and run. Unfortunately many things can go wrong with our feet.
