“When our feet hurt, we hurt all over”
  Socrates

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Podiatric Medicine is a field of healthcare devoted to the study and treatment of disorders of the lower extremities. It now ranges from nail surgery of the foot to musculoskeletal and sporting injuries, and the conservative treatment of non surgical management of the foot and ankle. The term "Podiatrist" is given to those that have legally qualified to treat disorders of the lower extremities. To become a Podiatrist one must complete a 3 - 4 full-time Bsc degree in Podiatry or Podiatric Medicine from a recognised University. Thereafter, further study is required for specialisation. It is compulsary and law for the Podiatrist to continue their studies during the life time of practise. Their role is to help prevent, correct and maintain normal mobility and foot function and to relieve painful foot conditions.

Did you know: The average person walks about 18,000 steps a day, 25% of bones in the human body are located in the feet, which are made up of 52 bones, the strongest tendon in the body is the Achilles Tendon and it can withstand up to 1000 pounds of pressure. The foot enclosed within a shoe is the strongest structure of the body, or that as we get older the ageing foot can become wider and flatter and the protective fat pads on the soles of the feet can thin out, and the circulation throughout the foot can decrease with age, all of which can lead to foot pain and damage and may lead to other health problems.

In a lifetime, the average person walks more than 100,000 miles, more than 4 times the circumference of the globe. When walking, the pressure on the feet can exceed our body weight, and when running the pressure on the feet can exceed 4 times the body weight.

Our feet often do much more work than any other part of the body, which is why it is important to take good care of them. Most people tend to neglect to their feet, they are hidden away in our shoes and it is not until there is pain help is sort. However, it is important to give our feet regular and proper check ups in the same way in which we treat the rest of our bodies. Remember, your feet are the foundations of your body, supporting the weight and the alignment of your entire body. If there is pain in the foot and it is not addressed it may alter the walking process and then may contribute to other problems as ankle, knee, hip, back and neck problems.

Spinal and back problems can often be traced back to problems with our feet. Indigestion and headaches can also be linked to problems with our feet, every day problems such as stress can lead to foot problems.

The ability to walk comfortably and without pain is a key part of successful ageing. Foot problems are common among older adults and this can lead to pain, disability, and reduced mobility, as a consequence reduced health. Therefore, it is most important to consider having regular check ups and professional advice from a Podiatrist.