As providers of comprehensive foot care, podiatrists play an important role in the maintenance of mobility and consequently general health and independence of all members of the community. Along with the treatment of painful and debilitating foot problems, the podiatrist is a valued member of the health care team, conducting targeted screening and risk prevention, providing prophylactic treatment strategies which may delay or prevent hospitalisation and invasive treatment techniques and devising therapeutic care plans which facilitate mobility and activity.
Podiatric services offer a range of benefits for a variety of community groups.
Other chronic conditions such as arthritis, are improved with podiatric intervention, through both the direct effects of the treatment and the indirect benefits of improved mobility. The chronic injuries common amongst athletes, requiring frustrating and expensive ongoing physical therapy and possibly surgery, are increasingly referred for podiatric intervention to correct underlying causative mechanical factors and improve rate of recovery. Other references to be submitted shortly.