Chiropody

Chiropody

A podiatrist is a registered, licensed, trained healthcare professional whose role is to care for the foot health of the population. They diagnose, treat, prevent, and educate patients about various foot conditions and deformities, such as calluses, nail pathologies, and problems associated with systemic diseases like diabetes, obesity, and weight-bearing issues.

The foot can be a site of diseases for which early diagnosis is essential, such as arthritis, gout, circulatory problems, etc.

The podiatrist collaborates with other healthcare professionals, forming a fundamental part in these multidisciplinary teams (traumatologists, physiotherapists, endocrinologists, dermatologists, vascular specialists, etc.).

Any defect or malfunction of the foot (26 bones, 33 joints, 107 ligaments, 19 muscles and their corresponding tendons, etc.) can be the cause of major problems in another part of the body (melanomas).

FIELDS OF ACTION

• In podiatry, we treat both skin and nail conditions, including calluses, warts, and fungal infections. We recommend regular visits to the clinic for optimal treatment and follow-up. We also offer paraffin treatments to address dehydration and cracked heels. To avoid overusing medications, we use natural oils for cancer patients, elderly patients on multiple medications, and others.
• We study the biomechanics of the lower limb. We observe movement, position, and the presence of bone deformities using manual examination techniques and computerized systems, which help us to make a more accurate diagnosis.
• We make custom-made insoles by hand, which are important in the treatment of pathologies such as heel spurs, Morton's neuroma, plantar fasciitis, muscle overload due to excessive pronation or supination, Achilles tendinitis, metatarsalgia, etc.
• We make silicone digital orthoses recommended for patients with bone deformities in their fingers, such as hammer toes, claw toes, bunions, overlapping toes, etc., common in rheumatic feet.
• We place great importance on children's feet, because with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, most foot and gait problems in adulthood can be resolved. Nail re-education techniques are used as non-invasive treatments for ingrown toenails.
• While foot strike is important for any patient, it's even more crucial for athletes, given the significantly higher intensity and number of steps per minute. Therefore, we have extensive training in both sports equipment and techniques. This allows us to advise on the appropriate choice of shoes or, if necessary, the correct insoles based on the specific condition and sport. We also help resolve common problems like hyperhidrosis and bromhidrosis (excessive sweating and foot and shoe odor) with easy-to-use, custom-made formulas.
• Diabetics make up a significant portion of the population, and they are patients with a high probability of developing a condition known as diabetic foot. This condition is defined as infection, ulceration, or destruction of deep tissues related to neurological disorders and varying degrees of peripheral vascular disease in the lower extremities of patients whose diabetes is not well controlled. Considered by many to be the true epidemic of the 21st century, podiatrists act as sentinels, alerting patients to these potential pathological signs to prevent the dreaded amputations.
• Home care: providing coverage to those patients who find it difficult to get to the clinic.
• We also cater to patients who demand a solution to a problem that causes them a loss of self-esteem, such as having thick nails with a bad color, performing nail reconstructions with resin polymers, porcelain or gel.
• We treat ingrown toenails through minor outpatient surgery in the office; with a simple procedure the problem is solved.