Podiatric Medicine
Podiatric medicine is the study of podiatry. At Macclesfield Podiatry our podiatrists have all completed a degree in podiatric medicine, this means that they have studied for a minimum of for 3 -4 years.
What is podiatric medicine?
Podiatric medicine is a specialism within healthcare that is dedicated to the assessment, diagnosis, and management of a variety of conditions and pathologies affecting the lower limb and foot. Podiatric medicine has its origins in chiropody, developing into a medical specialty. Podiatric medicine encompasses a broad range of practice, which uses science, and evidence based practice to inform assessment and treatment of foot and lower limb pathology.
Podiatry does not focus solely on the leg and foot, podiatrists also study the brain and nervous system, the heart and circulatory system, and the lymphatic system, as well as medical conditions that can have an impact on the lower limb, which include (but is not limited to):
- Diabetes
- Rheumatic conditions
- Stroke
- Cerebral palsy
- Parkinson's
- Spina bifida
- Down Syndrome
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)
- Heart conditions
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Liver and kidney disease
- Osteoporosis
- Osteoarthritis
- Ligamentous laxity
If you have any of the above conditions and you would like to be assessed by a podiatrist, call or email Macclesfield Podiatry to arrange an assessment.
Benefits of podiatric medicine
The main aim of podiatry is to maintain or improve mobility, and to improve quality of life. Many podiatric complaints produce pain or discomfort, others are a source of embarrassment, and some are detrimental to our health and well-being, for example, diabetic complications that manifest in the foot.
Podiatric treatment benefits include:
- Reduction in pain
- Improved foot and lower limb function
- Improved muscle strength
- Reduction in muscle tightness
- Infection control
- Improved skin condition
- Improved nail condition
- Prevention of complications
- Reduced injury risk
- Gait improvement
- Better posture
The benefits achieved will depend on the individual problem. Your podiatrist will discuss with you the treatment options available to you, and their benefits at your initial assessment.
How can I arrange an appointment?
If you would like to make an appointment with us at Macclesfield Podiatry please contact us either by emailing office@macclesfieldpodiatry.co.uk , or calling us on 0161 883 0099 .
