The professional care of feet was in existence in ancient Egypt as depicted in bas-relief carvings at the entrance to Ankmahor's tomb dating from about 2400 BC. Corns and calluses were described by Hippocrates who recognised the need to physically reduce hard skin, followed by removal of the cause. He invented skin scrapers for this purpose and these were the original scalpels. More recently there are records of the King of France employing a personal podiatrist, as did Napoleon and in the United States, President Abraham Lincoln suffered greatly with his feet and chose a chiropodist named Isachar Zacharie, who not only cared for the president’s feet, but was also sent by President Lincoln on confidential missions to confer with leaders of the Confederacy during the U.S. Civil War.
A podiatrist specialises in the diagnosis & management of foot and foot related pathology. This can range from simple skin care such as corns, to the management of complex musculoskeletal disorders, which are caused or exacerbated by abnormal foot function.
A full medical history will be taken with physical examination of the lower limb. Further investigations e.g. X-rays will be ordered if necessary. A biomechanical evaluation (determining the alignment of joints & areas of relative strength/weakness, tightness/flexibility in the musculoskeletal system of the lower limb) may be undertaken if the history suggests.
Following diagnosis of the problem, a treatment plan will be formulated. This can involve the reduction of skin lesions with a scalpel or the use of in-shoe devices called orthotics, which facilitate normal foot function. A referral onto another specialist is sometimes required to provide treatment to accompany that of the Podiatrist.
If you have any scans, x rays or referral letters from your GP or specialist doctor then bring these with you. You will be asked to undress so we can properly assess you so you may want to bring some shorts with you (we can provide them if you prefer).
You will be asked to sign a consent to treatment form and provide us with your contact details so please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment is due to start so you have time to do this