Focus: My foot!

What will I do in this occupation?

The human foot is a bioengineering masterpiece with its complex marvel of 26 bones (one-quarter of all the bones in the human body), 33 joints and more than 100 ligaments and tendons.

These are all linked by a vast network of nerves, muscles, blood vessels, soft tissue and skin, working in unison to provide the support, strength, flexibility and resiliency needed for things most of us take for granted, such as balance, walking, running and jumping. The podiatrist is the medical expert of this complex wonder of nature.

Podiatrists are concerned with both the prevention and cure of any kind of foot disorders.

After the physical examination, X-rays and any other investigations, the podiatrists analyse and interpret the gathered information and then decide on the relevant course of treatment for the patients. This may include the administering of medicine, prescription of exercises, special shoes and other aids. At time podiatrists also have to design special devices like, a plaster cast of the foot, an insole or orthotic of plastic or other artificial material that can be designed and made specially for a particular patient.

The other duties of podiatrists include ordinary foot care routines like cleaning and cutting of toe-nails, surgical removal of ingrown toe-nails, removal of calluses and corns and treating common disorders such as bunions, heel pain/spurs, hammertoes, neuromas, warts, and conditions of the foot like fungal infections. Patients suffering from conditions like knock-knees, inwardly turned feet, uneven tread or sport related injuries need podiatrists.

Requirements

What kind of personality do I need?

Manual dexterity and sound eye-hand co-ordination are essential, because podiatrists have to perform most of their tasks with their hands.

They must be able to apply their theoretical knowledge effectively in diagnosis and take responsibility for the care of their patients. Sound interpersonal skills, interest and patience with people - which amounts to a professional attitude - are indispensable. Podiatrists must be able to communicate clearly when making recommendations or explaining treatment procedures.

What kind of school and college training do I need?

As this is part of the medical profession one has graduate with Biology and, or with Physical Science.

After obtaining an undergraduate degree, one has to spend four years in a college of podiatric medicine to obtain a doctorate degree.

A post-graduate residency program can be undertaken at an approved hospital or university. In India however, this field has yet to catch on well and those interested in specialising have to get a degree from a foreign university.

Where can I work?

Podiatry offers a satisfying and attractive career, especially to those who wish to work as part of a health care team. Podiatrists can work in clinics, hospitals and homes for the aged and infirm, or in a consulting capacity in the health industry.

MALINI SURYANARAYANAN

maalini.mds@cxknetworks.com