Having just finished my mornings clinic, I was driving home
in my car reflecting on the people I have just seen and questioning my role as
a Podiatrist. I get asked numerous times a day (as most Podiatrists do) “How
can you mess with people’s feet?” Or “Don’t you get bored looking at feet all
day?” ……….
Well- after this morning’s clinic I can honestly say no- I
never get bored, and ‘messing’ with feet all day is actually more varied than
most people think! This morning’s clinic was nothing out of the ordinary for me
but just summed up nicely the variety of skills we need as Podiatrists to
journey through a clinic.
Its 8am and I arrive early this morning to catch up on
making the orthotics I had promised a patient that was calling in later in the
morning. I open up and set my clinic up
as usual. Start the steriliser so all my instruments are ready to go, and check
the answerphone. I have a few patients to call wanting to book their routine check-ups.
Added to my to do list (Don’t think they would appreciate a call this early on
a Saturday!!)
My first patient arrives.
A new patient who was concerned with their feet due to blistering when
walking. Yes, blisters were present and there was some callus (hard skin) as
well. My main concern was assessing why the blisters were coming in the first
place. A review of footwear and a gait analysis we discussed their walking
style and offloaded the affected areas with a pair of orthotics. Footwear was
also discussed and general foot care advice given to help prevent future
problems. Patient left happy, and I felt great too knowing my day had started
well.
Next came one of my regular patients who attends for nail
care as they have mobility issues and struggle to do it themselves. It’s so
rewarding being able to help. Such a simple treatment yet so important to keep
people mobile and independent. Also, got a chance for a catch up on their
recent holiday away with relatives. I love hearing the stories of places
patients have been all over the world. The joy they have in telling me their stories,
can make me almost imagine I have been there myself.
I sneak in a quick brew, then bring in my next patient. A
nail surgery redressing from a patient who I had undertaken nail surgery on the
previous day. I find the first dressing appointment important to see how the
surgery had gone. Thankfully, all was ok and the surgery had gone well. Knowing
that the patient managed a full night’s sleep for the first time in months as
they were pain free is fantastic!
Then in walked one of my favourite patients (I know we
shouldn't have favourites but hey, she brings chocolate and I’m easily
bought!!) The chocolate biscuit goes down a treat as I continue with my
treatments. She comes for her ‘usual’ as she calls it. It may seem to patients
that we just cut nails, remove hard skin and give a general MOT, but we are
also doing so much more. When holding the foot I’m checking pulses, ensuring
sensation is intact, or that there are no significant changes to the feet since
your last visit. Nails are cut to ensure comfort, and thickened nails reduced
to offload pressure and prevent significant tissue breakdown under the nails. Corns
and callus are removed to ensure pain free walking, leaving a feeling of
walking on air (still one of my favourite phrases from patients).
After a couple more of
my regular patients, and a good gossip about everything from the weather (that
we finally have some sun), through to football, and the best chippies in
Offerton I welcome my patient collecting their orthotics. With a 3-day
turnaround of casted orthotics the patient was looking forward to getting back
out walking. Orthotics should always be fitted personally to ensure fit to
shoe, and that the prescription is helping the areas it is designed to! Some
stretches exercises later and orthotic wear advice, it’s time to wrap up my
clinic for the day. After a catch-up of all patient messages and tidy up and
cleaning of my instruments, it’s off home for an afternoon of what's left of
the sunshine with my family.
So, when asked do I get bored with feet- absolutely not (I
don’t have time to be bored!) or how do I mess with people feet all day- I
don’t. I look at the whole body, from the feet right up to the head to look at
how you are stood, how you move and your overall alignment. I also need to be
aware of any medical conditions and your medication to know how it can impact
your feet. But, most importantly of all I listen to a patient’s needs, ensuring
I build trust with each individual, so that we work together to develop a
treatment plan to aid with their problems. I love my job, I love helping others
but most of all I’m #ProudtobeaPod.
