>> More Information

 

General description of Podiatry

Podiatry is a branch of health care concerned, not only with the foot, but with its relationship with the entire body. The podiatrist is a health professional specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of foot disorders. Podiatry primary care consists of a full range of basic foot health care services, from the treatment of minor conditions to the treatment of complex structural and functional defects of the foot and lower limb.
Clinical skills use a variety of diagnostic techniques, specialised equipment, local anaesthesia and minor surgical procedures.
The skills and requirements of a podiatrist include:

• an understanding of the normal structure and function of the lower extremity;
• knowledge of the human posture and gait;
• knowledge of aetiology, pathology, the signs and symptoms of common paediatric lesions and conditions affecting the foot; and
• the ability to institute correct and appropriate therapeutic procedures, including a full understanding of the application, function and prescription of various orthoses.

The term 'podiatrist' also includes 'chiropodist'.

Educational requirement

The minimum standard requirement in Queensland is a degree level course requiring four years of full-time study. The Queensland University of Technology is the only tertiary institution in Queensland that offers a course in podiatry.

Why Podiatrists Should Make Your Orthotics

In general, podiatrists have the best backgrounds and training in foot biomechanics and custom foot orthotic therapy. Most of the best orthotic therapy experts will be podiatrists.  There are some other practitioners who claim to have the knowledge of the lower limb, such as exercise scientists, chiropractors or orthotists but they have not done a 4 year degree studying the lower extremity and will not have the proper training and qualifications to provide you with orthotic therapy.

More important information about why you should use a podiatrist to prescribe your orthotics >>