Podiatry is the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the lower leg and foot.
In private practice a podiatrist could expect to see a wide variety of foot disorders from patients as young as 9 months to people 109 years old. The majority of work involves seniors and the treatment of corns, callous and problems associated with arthritis are commonplace. Young patients present often with developmental abnormalities in walking or acute infections such as ingrown toe nails or fungal infections such as Athlete's Foot. Healthy outgoing people also present with sports' or overuse injuries including weak ankles, foot fatigue and swollen painful feet. The effects of systemic diseases and the aging process often lead to foot and leg related symptoms which the podiatrist can help with prescribed treatment and advice.