THE PODIATRIST

Who is the Podiatrist?
A Podiatrist is a Health Professional who deals with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of medical and surgical conditions of the feet and lower limbs. A Podiatrist is required to be in possession of a certificate of State Registration as issued by the Maltese Health Department, and usually this is designated as SR Pod after the name. State Registration is a statement of recognition of the Podiatrists qualification by the country of registration.

Role of the Podiatrist
Podiatrists are highly trained health professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions resulting from bone and joint disorders such as arthritis and soft-tissue and muscular pathologies as well as neurological and circulatory diseases. Podiatrists also diagnose and treat any other complications , which affect the lower limb, including skin and nails, pathologies like corns, calluses, verrucaes and in-growing toe nails. Foot injuries and infections contracted from sports or other activities are also diagnosed and treated by Podiatrists. The prescription and manufacture of foot orthoses is an important part of podiatric practice. These are used to correct a number of biomechanical conditions which result in dysfunction of the foot and/or lower limb.

Podiatrists are recognized as important members of the multi-disciplinary professional team in preventing and managing lower limb complications for patients living with diabetes. A high percentage of lower extremity amputations amongst diabetics can be avoided by prevention and treatment of foot ulcers, preventing recurrence of ulcerations, recognizing early signs of vascular and nerve problems and educating patients about proper foot care. With careful diagnoses and good management of diabetic patients, Podiatrists could patients from amputations, restore their mobility or prevent serious problems from occurring by early detection and referral to appropriate specialists.

The Podiatrist also forms part of the multi-professional team involved in the treatment of patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Foot and ankle deformities affect nearly all patients with rheumatoid arthritis. These could lead to pain, difficulty with ambulation and disability. Early attempts at prevention, delay or correction of foot and ankle biomechanics related to rheumatoid arthritis may play a key role in helping patients maintain an active ambulatory lifestyle.