This is a question frequently asked when a new patient attends for podiatry care. At times, some patients can become upset and refuse to give such personal information.

Almost 95% of the population show a remarkable lack of knowledge when it comes to the dealings of the feet. There are those who believe that feet are put on to the end of legs --- just to stop the legs from fraying! Others believe the only purpose of the feet is to ---- keep their shoes on!

The feet are an integral part of the body. Just as a building needs a good foundation to keep it upright and secure, the feet support the body and help to keep it upright and secure. Without a good foundation the building would sink, crack and eventually fall down. If the feet are weak for whatever reason, the body’s posture will be affected. The foot and ankle may turn inwards, there will be internal rotation of the legs, the knees will bend and the pelvis may tilt, all of which can cause aches and pains, wear and tear and eventually Osteoarthritis in the joints of the:

LOW BACK

HIP

KNEE

ANKLE

FOOT

The Medical History of a patient is very important in podiatry care.

For example:

1. Beta Blockers, e.g. Atenolol, Acebutolol, Labetalol, Nadolol, Metoprolol, etc.

When taking drugs like these, patients may experience cold hands or feet, as there is a possible reduction of blood to the limbs.

2. Vasodilators, e.g. Isosorbide, Diltiazem, Nifedipine, Verapamil etc.

These drugs can cause someone to feel dizzy or faint. There could also be a build up of fluid in the ankles and feet.

3. Diuretics.  Thiazides, i.e. Bendrofluazide, or Loop Diuretics. i.e. Frusemide.

These drugs cause a reduction of oedema particularly in the ankles and feet. They may also cause Gouty reactions in the joints of the feet.

4. Warfarin or Aspirin.  These drugs thin the blood, but can also hinder effective treatment of vascular corns and Verrucae.

5. Steroids.  e.g. Prednisolone. These can affect the skin, which then becomes thin and can be easily damaged.

There are a variety of drugs that must be taken into consideration by the Podiatrist prior to chiropody treatment being undertaken.

We also ask your height and weight, and how active you are, whether in sports or in daily life. As the feet are the foundation of the body, this information tells us the amount of stress the feet may endure.

All the answers to our questions help us to diagnose and treat your symptoms effectively and safely.

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU LET US KNOW.

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