Podiatry

6th^h June 2024 Podiatry-The past, the present and the Future  Richard Povey       

Richard started with the “big Question”: What’s the difference between Chiropodist and Podiatrist? His answer was ‘not a lot’, although Chiropody does not have a lot of structure, where as a Podiatrist has to study for a degree and then register with HCPC (Health Care Professional Council -their regulator). Whilst in their 3 years at university they have to complete 1000 hours of practical clinical time, then HCPC regulates 1. Standards 2. Maintains a register of professionals and 3. Take any necessary action.

How did it all begin? In Egypt 2400BC there are pictorial reliefs of hand and foot therapy on Ankmahor’s tomb. Paul of Aegina (AD 615 – 370) gave a definition for a corn (hard compressed skin).  Hippocrates (460 – 370BCE) invented ‘scrapers’ to treat the feet. Richard then showed a slide of the different feet shapes, from Egyptian to Celtic. In the 17^th Century along came ‘Corn cutters’, who looked after the well off, then Lewis Durlacher, a London Chiropodist (1854) treated Royalty, George IV and Queen Victoria and in 1913 The London Foot Hospital was founded.

Podiatry today- things are happening to your feet, so they do 1. An initial assessment (including any medication) 2. Medical history 3. Circulation issues (Doppler) 4. Sensation/nerve issues (monofilament and vibration) to assess what risks there are, such as diabetes. Nails thicker nails and fungal issues (graphic pictures!), with a 5-minute test, as it takes 8 months to grow a new nail, but changes should be seen after 3 months. Ingrowing toenails. Skin problems with the warning that the shoes need to be considered: ensure they dry properly. Overall, look at the symptoms rather than the shape of the feet (ladies in particular with narrow, high heeled fashion shoes) Heel pain it’s not necessarily ‘plantar fasciitis’ , could simply be bruised.

Future- Podiatric surgery -keyhole surgery for bunions; Microwave treatment for verrucas.  A number of questions followed which Richard handled with ease.

Mike Wiseman proposed the vote of thanks, commenting that he really enjoyed Richard’s last talk on Forensic Podiatry and wondered how he could better it, but he did, providing some of the interesting history and asked members to join him with a warm round of applause.            AR