Podiatry & Orthotics

Podiatry

Podiatrists are registered professionals who assess, diagnose and treat conditions of the feet and lower limb.

Podiatrists treat a number of conditions including conditions affecting bones, joints, soft tissue and blood supply. They work to prevent foot problems occurring, correct deformity, keep people mobile and active, relieve pain and treat infections.

Podiatrists use a holistic approach to care.  This means that they will talk to you about any physical problems you may have and your emotional, psychological and social well-being.

Podiatrist is a protected title in the UK. This means that only people who have completed specific training (a degree) and registered with the Health and Care Professions Council can call themselves a podiatrist. They are autonomous professionals. This means that podiatrists make their own clinical diagnoses and appropriate treatment choices.

Referral to Podiatry is by Healthcare Professional Only unless your Podiatry problem is Musculoskeletal which you can complete a request for help form by following this link Move Better Gwent

Orthotics

The Orthotics service delivers assessment and treatment including the fitting of orthotic devices; an external device which will apply loads to influence, modify or manage the musculoskeletal functions of the human body.

The application of such devices can be used in a wide range of applications including issues associated with the management of the feet, lower limbs, upper limbs and spine. The goal of such treatment will be assessed and collaboratively agreed with the Orthotist and the patient, however, common goals of treatment include:

• Management of pain due to excessive abnormal loading
• Management of muscle dysfunction
• Accommodation of gross malalignment/oedema
• Management of range of movement, such as limiting range whilst healing occurs

The role of the Orthotist is to identify through assessment the presenting issues/risk, identify if there is an ‘orthotic’ need, assess a person’s physiology and develop and prescribe a treatment plan as required, that may involve provision of an orthosis. The orthotist will work collaboratively with the patient to agree the goals for treatment. Where orthotic provision has been delivered, it may be necessary to schedule a review, or you will be advised to re-access the service on a ‘need’ basis. 

Referral to Orthotics is by Healthcare Professional Only