Seamus McNally Foot Specialist

What is Podiatry/ chiropody?

We take care of your feet! More specifically, podiatry is a healthcare profession that specialises in the management of disease and disorder of the lower limb and foot. Your foot is a highly complex structure, which can develop problems affecting your overall health and quality of life. Podiatry can significantly improve peoples’ quality of life by promoting and maintaining mobility.

Podiatrists are educated in diagnosis and in planning and implementing interventions for all age groups, from little children to elderly patients. We are independent, autonomous, practitioners with expertise in assessing, diagnosing and managing lower limb and foot related problems. Clients vary widely and patient management ranges from:
- nail and skin pathologies
- complications from diseases such as diabetes that can compromise the foot and lower limbs
- mechanical correction of gait and posture through orthotic insoles and shoes
- treatment of sports injuries
- minor surgery and occasionally more complex surgical techniques.
Interventions not only include ’hands on’ treatment – podiatrists also offer advice on how to prevent problems, for example advising someone who is at risk of amputation on how to manage their condition to prevent such an outcome. Podiatrists work alongside other health professionals for instance doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and orthotists.

ref: http://www.nuigalway.ie/podiatry/