Podiatry Offers Relief for Seniors

There are ailments common to many seniors that can be effectively treated by a podiatrist, yet these conditions can often go without the proper treatment due to a lack of awareness about podiatric services.

For senior citizens the value of podiatry is much more than removal of corns and ingrown toenails, yet most aren't aware of those times when a visit to the podiatrist could be of benefit.

"The older you are the more likely you are to experience pain in your feet or lower limbs," said Claire Milligan, President, Australian Podiatry Association NSW.

"So we're trying to increase awareness about the various services that podiatrists offer to ensure that seniors receive the best possible treatment."

A condition often presented by seniors to podiatrists is knee-pain, especially from patients whose employment has involved prolonged periods of standing. What most don't actually know is that knee conditions can fall under the umbrella of podiatry, and that you don't need a referral to make an appointment with a podiatrist.

A typical example of this is William, 65, from NSW, who was experiencing significant pain in both knees. He had been employed for many years as a process worker, which required him to stand all day and proved to be a major cause of his condition.

Initially, William was referred to a surgeon who undertook arthroscopic surgery in a bid to clear and repair the damage, but some knee pain was still present, well after the surgery.

The next course of action was referral to a podiatrist, who uncovered the cause of William's pain. The podiatric assessments undertaken revealed that William had increased tibial torsion and lower leg bowing, which in turn affected the alignment of his feet and increased stress to his knee. His foot was also high arched and rigid with a lack of shock absorption.

The podiatrist took casts and made orthoses (shoe inserts) for William to wear, which worked to support the affected joints, angling them in a manner that would help realign the feet and reduce the pressure on the knee. The patient trialled the orthoses for eight weeks and found the pain was reduced by 50%. Before wearing the orthoses he could only stand for two or three hours and this ability was extended by three to four hours.

The patient was also prescribed an exercise programme, which has resulted in further improvement in the condition of his knees.

To obtain a fact sheet on podiatric services, to locate a podiatrist or for any further information, please contact the Australian Podiatry Association (NSW) on 02 9698 3751.

ABOUT FOOT HEALTH WEEK - 12-18 OCTOBER 2003
The Australian Podiatry Association (NSW) will be promoting the importance of taking proper care of your feet during Foot Health Week, 12th-18th October 2003. Fit feet are essential to maintaining health and mobility. Yet research has consistently shown that people ignore their feet, even when they hurt. Foot Health Week aims to encourage everyone to take a trip to the podiatrist for a Foot Health Check.