What is Podiatry/Chiropody?
The Podiatrists at The Westoe Practice, South Shields offer advice about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of disorders of the lower limbs, particularly the feet. The Podiatrists / Chiropodists offer advice about basic foot hygiene and treat ailments such as corns, calluses, nail conditions, infections, verrucae, hammer toes heel and arch pain and specialise in the management of more complex structural and functional foot disorders.
At the Westoe Practice, South Shields all of our Chiropodists and Podiatrists are regulated by the Health Professions Council having completed at least a 3 year BSc.
How can it help you?
Podiatry / Chiropody at the Westoe Practice, South Shields gives you specialist foot care whether you are an adult or child. It also addresses pain in the legs, knees, hips and back and looks into the way your feet function when we stand and walk. Your feet bear the weight of your body, day in and day out. They are incased in shoes for hours on end and carry you around an average of 2,000 footsteps every day. Their condition affects your overall comfort and your mood, which is why we believe it is important to take care of them. and are trained to assist you with the necessary treatment and advice required to put a bounce back in your step.
A Typical Session
During an initial visit with a Podiatrist at The Westoe Practice, South Shields you will be required to provide information regarding your medical history and if applicable any medication. The Podiatrist will thoroughly examine your feet, looking at their overall condition, making note of circulation, nerve supply, strength, flexibility and alignment.
Advice will be given regarding any problems you may have with your feet and the necessary treatment will be performed. This may involve the reduction of corns and calluses, managing nail disorders and infections, removing verrucae or assisting you with more complex foot problems. The Podiatrist will also be interested in your choice of footwear and may in some instances advise you to have a Biomechanical Assessment to see if Orthotics (specialized insoles ) are required.
An initial visit at the Westoe Practice, South Shields will take 30 minutes and subsequent appointments will vary depending upon the treatment required.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the difference between a Podiatrist and a Chiropodist?
A: The role of the Chiropodist has evolved. Traditionally the Chiropodist was responsible for general foot care undergoing a diploma course. Training as a Podiatrist is a 3 year BSC Hons Podiatry degree. A Podiatrist looks at all aspects of foot care and is also trained to look at more complex foot disorders with a thorough understanding of biomechanics and how foot/ankle function and alignment affects the rest of the body. Most podiatrists also perform minor surgery on the feet.
Q: Are verruccae catching, and can I go swimming if I have one?
A: The short answer is conditions apply, because at certain stages of the life of the wart it may be more contagious than others may. A verruccae is a viral infection and can be picked up by contact with the virus. These thrive outside the body especially in wet conditions such as a changing room floor. Protecting the sole with flip-flops or rubber socks reduces the risk of cross infection.
Q: What causes Athlete's Foot and how can I prevent it?
A: Athlete's foot is a generic term for fungal infections of the foot. Fungi and yeasts thrive outside the body in warm, moist conditions such as showers or changing room floors. Like verruccae these are highly contagious and can present as symptoms such as, irritated patches of skin between the toes, which crack and peel. These may appear soggy and smell unpleasant, hence the reference to the foot of an athlete. Discoloured nails and or scaling and itching skin are common symptoms. Good foot hygiene improves skin texture and many of the symptoms will disappear. In the event of an identified fungi or yeast then prescribed topical medicines are usually very effective.
