Podiatry
What is a Podiatrist?
A Podiatrist is a health professional concerned with the complete medical approach to diagnosis, treatment and management of lower limb problems. Podiatrists are mainly concerned with problems of the leg and the foot.
To download our referral form click here.
What skills do Podiatrists have to offer?
Podiatrists are involved in the diagnosis and treatment of many lower extremity problems. They include:
- Pain, trauma or injury to the lower limb (knee, leg, ankle or foot)
- Diabetics - ulcer care and prevention, vascular and neurological assessment, patient education on general foot care
- Biomechanical Problems - bunions, in-toeing, flat feet
- Rehabilitation - stroke patients, motor vehicle accident patients
- Arthritic Pain - Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritic pain
- Footwear Advice
- Sports-Related Injuries - shin splints and stress fractures
- Fabrication of foot orthoses and pressure-relieving inner-soles
- General Foot Care - ingrown toenails, fungal infections, plantar warts, corns and callus
What is the difference between a Podiatrist and a Chiropodist?
In previous years, Podiatrists and Chiropodists are terms that have been used synonymously. But there is a difference. PODIATRISTS have been educated and trained to DIAGNOSE and TREAT lower limb problems. Podiatrists have undertaken training and education in specific medical subjects similar to what other medical students may encounter. The Podiatrist will systematically take a clinical history, physical examination and use laboratory techniques such as x-rays and blood tests to help diagnose lower limb problems.
THE CHIROPODIST is primarily concerned with the TREATMENT of foot problems. Primary treatments of foot problems were based around the treatment of corns, calluses and long toenails. Chiropodists had no formal training in diagnosis of foot related problems and specific medical subjects. Though some chiropodists took it upon their own initiative to extend their knowledge and further their education.
What constitutes a visit to a Podiatrist?
Any of the problems that have been listed and problems concerned with the foot and leg that have not been addressed.
It should be noted that not all aged people require the service of a Podiatrist, as many older people have no foot problems, and merely require assistance with nail reduction. High risk patients (those with Diabetes and Peripheral Vascular Disease) should be seen regularly by the Podiatrist, whilst others can have their nails reduced by other trained staff.
Summary
Podiatry is a specialist field that has the ability to diagnose and treat problems that occur in the foot or lower limb. The goal of podiatric care is to help patients to achieve and maintain healthy, comfortable and functional feet.
Fees
- Centre appointments : $13.00
- Home Visits : $20.00
FEES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
CLIENTS MUST BE HACC ELIGIBLE. Clients ARE NOT ELIGIBLE if they hold a Veterans’ Affairs Gold card or hold Private Health Insurance, which covers Podiatry.
The South East HACC Network Podiatry Project aims to provide more adequate podiatry services in the South East Network catchment area. The service will provide a flexible and responsive approach to podiatry needs, and allow for the delivery of service through a rostered system between Centres in the area
The Centres are:
- Acacia Ridge Community Centre
- Blue Care Mt Gravatt Specialist Centre
- St. David's Care Centre, Coopers Plains
- Diversicare, West End
- QEII Hospital, Nathan
- Annerley Day Respite Centre
- Amelia House Day Respite Centre, Cooparoo
- Flexi Care Inc., Mansfield
- Balmoral Uniting Community Centre, Morningside
For further information please contact our Podiatry Department on 3422 8419 or info@flexicareinc.org.au
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