What podiatry services cover
Podiatry encompasses the assessment, diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the foot and ankle. This includes musculoskeletal problems (flat feet, high arches, heel pain, forefoot pain), biomechanical dysfunction, nail disorders (ingrown toenails, fungal infections), skin conditions (corns, calluses, verrucae), and high-risk foot care (diabetic, rheumatological and vascular patients).
A biomechanical assessment evaluates how your feet function during walking and standing. It identifies abnormal movement patterns that may contribute to pain in the foot, ankle, knee, hip or lower back. This assessment guides recommendations for footwear, orthotic insoles, exercises and activity modification.
- Biomechanical assessment — gait analysis, foot posture evaluation
- Orthotic insoles — custom and semi-custom for alignment and support
- Nail care — ingrown toenail management, fungal nail treatment
- Skin conditions — corns, calluses, hard skin removal
- Diabetic foot screening — neuropathy, vascular status, risk stratification
- Footwear advice — appropriate shoe selection for your foot type and activities
Related: Orthopedics → · Dr. Jitendra Knowledge Hub → · ICHD-3 Topic →
Orthotic insoles and biomechanics
Orthotic insoles are designed to support, align or correct foot function. They range from simple cushioning insoles (for comfort and pressure relief) to custom-moulded devices (for correcting significant biomechanical abnormalities). The right orthotic depends on your specific condition, activity level and needs.
Orthotics are most effective when combined with a comprehensive treatment plan that may include physiotherapy, footwear modification and activity adjustment. They are not a standalone solution but can be a valuable component of managing chronic foot pain, particularly when biomechanical factors contribute to the problem.
| Type of orthotic | Best for | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Off-the-shelf cushioning | General comfort, mild symptoms | Affordable, readily available, limited correction |
| Semi-custom (heat mouldable) | Moderate heel/arch pain, mild alignment issues | Better fit than off-the-shelf, moderate cost |
| Custom-moulded | Significant biomechanical abnormality, chronic pain | Requires casting/moulding, highest cost, best correction |