New campaign challenges misconceptions about podiatry

Podiatry Week runs from 12–18 October. The Australian Podiatry Association's campaign Your feet do more than you think. So do podiatrists. aims to challenge common misconceptions about podiatry and increase public understanding of the profession.

Improving understanding of podiatry is important. Misconceptions about a health profession's role or scope of practice can contribute to misunderstandings, unmet expectations and dissatisfaction with care.

This is particularly relevant in podiatry, where practitioners often care for people with complex and chronic health conditions, including diabetes and circulatory disease. 

Podiatry practice is complex

Many podiatry practitioners manage conditions with a higher risk of complications, provide care to vulnerable patients and perform procedures where outcomes may be influenced by factors beyond a practitioner's control.

As a result, podiatry can carry a higher risk of complaints than some health professions, not necessarily because of poor practice, but because of the complexity of the conditions being treated, the nature of chronic disease management and patient expectations.

Greater awareness of the conditions podiatrists manage, and the factors that can influence treatment outcomes, can help patients make informed decisions about their care and develop realistic expectations.

Podiatry practice is broad

While podiatrists are often associated with age-related foot conditions, nail care and orthotic needs, the profession encompasses far more. Podiatrists assess, diagnose and manage a broad range of foot, ankle and lower limb conditions, from sports injuries and children's gait and development to rehabilitation, diabetes-related foot complications and wound management.

By raising awareness of the breadth and complexity of podiatry practice, Podiatry Week aims to support better-informed healthcare decisions and strengthen understanding of the important contribution podiatrists make to the health and wellbeing of Australians.

The Podiatry Council supports initiatives such as Podiatry Week as an important way to build awareness and understanding of the podiatry profession.

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