Podiatry assessment Beverley is a specialised branch of healthcare that diagnoses, treats and prevents foot and ankle disorders. It is a highly regulated profession.
She has a strong interest in research and clinical practice. She has completed an NIHR ICA research internship and an MSc in advanced podiatric care.
Diagnosis
Podiatrists use physical examinations, medical history reviews, and imaging tests to diagnose foot and ankle disorders. They can also provide treatment and rehabilitation services, such as orthotics, physical therapy, medication, injections, and footwear recommendations to manage pain and improve mobility.
Ingrown toenails are a common problem that can lead to pain and infection. A podiatrist can remove the ingrown toenail and restore the health of the toe. They can also treat hammer toe, which causes the second through fifth toes to bend downward. This problem can be caused by wearing shoes that don’t fit well or by a genetic condition.
Dr Helena Morrison is a specialist in diabetic foot care and foot surgery. She is a qualified foot and ankle surgeon and an accredited provider for the NDIS. She has extensive experience treating complex foot and ankle conditions, including traumatic injuries to the lower extremities. She has published and presented research in musculoskeletal foot disease and is an active member of several professional organisations.
Treatment
Podiatrists can manage a wide range of foot and ankle problems. They can also work as part of a multi-disciplinary team to care for patients with more complex needs. They can also carry out more advanced clinical or diagnostic tests, including blood and ultrasound scans.
Sometimes, podiatrists can also perform simple surgery to help with certain conditions. For example, they may be able to remove thickened or deformed toenails that are causing pain and discomfort. They can also treat fungal nail joints in people with diabetes or taking antibiotics.
They can also diagnose fractures in the feet and ankles. It can be especially important if you have an injury like a sprain that is not improving after resting it for a while. The podiatrist can check for signs of a fracture, such as pain not relieved by over-the-counter medications and inability to bear weight on the injured area.
Rehabilitation
Podiatrists have extensive experience in providing a wide range of treatments. These may include:
Structural problems in the feet, such as flat, pronated or collapsed arches, can lead to overuse of certain tendons. Podiatrists can provide custom-molded functional orthotics to reduce the load on these tendons and relieve the condition’s symptoms.
Podiatrists also diagnose fractures in the feet and ankles, particularly in children. They can also help to prevent complications from these injuries, such as infection, skin damage and ulceration. They can also recommend appropriate footwear to avoid injury and damage further. They can also help manage pain by prescribing over-the-counter or prescription medication. They can refer patients for X-rays and other medical tests as necessary. They can also treat various nail disorders, including fungal nails, which can be very painful and disfiguring. For more information about the podiatry assessment Beverley, click here.
Prevention
Podiatrists are highly trained to detect early signs of diseases like diabetes and can also help prevent further complications by providing advice and education. It means you can live a healthier lifestyle with a reduced foot and ankle problems risk. Regular check-ups will ensure your feet remain healthy and you can enjoy the activities you love.
Lisa trained at Brighton Polytechnic (now University of Sussex). She has worked in the NHS for 12 years and was the musculoskeletal podiatry lead in Kent and Medway. She has a wide range of leadership, clinical and educational experience and was funded by the NIHR to complete her MRes clinical research exploring the fear of falling in older people.
She is now the national Allied Health Professionals (AHP) lead for the Footcare Alliance. She leads the multi-professional Advancing Practice programme to develop and secure future workforce potential clinical career pathways, including advanced and consultant practice. She is also a Trust Education lead and has extensive service and workforce transformation experience at local, regional and national levels.