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The management of foot problems in the older person through podiatry services

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 April 2011

Wesley Vernon ,
Alan Borthwick  and
Jeremy Walker
Wesley Vernon*
Affiliation:
Sheffield Primary Care Trust, UK
Alan Borthwick
Affiliation:
School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, UK
Jeremy Walker
Affiliation:
Sheffield Primary Care Trust, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Professor Wesley Vernon OBE, Jordanthorpe Health Centre, 1 Dyche Close, Sheffield S8 8DJ. Email: wesley.vernon@nhs.net
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Summary

The scale of foot problems in the population is high, and highest in older people. Whilst podiatry is solely concerned with the foot, other professions with a broader remit are also involved in foot care, as not only the foot may be at risk but also there may be serious systemic sequelae. Foot problems can be usefully viewed from a functional, hierarchical perspective. The interventions required are suggested by considering problems according to this hierarchy. Many approaches exist for the management of foot conditions from educated self-care to surgery. In managing such conditions, multi-disciplinary approaches are required. Podiatry has developed considerably over the years, has a growing research base, an extensive scope of practice and anticipated developments. The profession can develop further, particularly in its preventative role, in terms of professional autonomy and in further increasing its evidence base.

Keywords

podiatryfallsfoot surveysfoot pathology
Type
Clinical geriatrics
Information
Reviews in Clinical Gerontology , Volume 21 , Issue 4 , November 2011 , pp. 331 - 339
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2011

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