Salford University are re-developing their training f... - NRAS
Salford University are re-developing their training for podiatrists. What attributes should a podiatrist have in relation to RA footcare?
It's not clear whether you want us to vote on the most important, ie just select one, or select as many as you think important.....and then surely all of them are import at in some way?
I agree!
I consider that they are all important and voted accordingly!
Not all these questions are clear to the layperson.
I voted for them all too.
I agree that all are important, I have a difficult time finding shoes due to the problems I have with my feet.
Some Podiatrists don't seem to realise the complexity of the problems many of us have. Many don't realise how difficult it is to find shoes which are soft but supportive. Also orthotic insoles are often seen as the solution but trying to get shoes that will fit with these is very problematic, especially if you have a high instep and some departments have varying level of skill to make the insoles. I've had many made - mostly privately and costing a small fortune and one pair by the NHS but I was hobbling around in more pain than without them and eventually abandoned them in favour of shoes which might work for me. I'm sure they tried their best and I do have many problems with my feet so am rather difficult to help and I do have friends who wouldn't be without their insoles. However, I felt overall that a better understanding of inflammatory arthritis would help.
They are all important and I was not sure whether you needed me to rank them? or just vote for the main ones that I feel are most important. Ideally the podiatrist in training needs to fully be aware of how RA affects the feet and wear something in their shoes which causes mild pain and then say amplify this 10 x so they understand what its like going to work, running a home etc etc with painful feet!!!!
I voted for all
They are all important ,therefore I voted for them all.
I consider all these qualities important.i too have a lot of problems finding shoes.
Especially shoes that are a little fashionable. And not really clumpy.
I go to a private podiatrist every 6 weeks, who is very good.
I voted on a number of them. My particular whinge is... when giving out insoles - It seems ones size fits all (so to speak) when they clearly don't. What isn't taken into account is how they fit (or don't fit) in your shoes. Some people cannot afford to go out and by new shoes, boots, trainers etc. I invested in quite a few Hotter shoes and cannot get my insoles any of them. I don't want to walk round in trainers all the time. In fact I can't as my feet seem to go red hot in them - most uncomfortable. Moan over!
I just recently began having more than minor foot issues and didn't realize it was RA symptomatic until my ortho examined me and told me so. He has referred me to a podiatrist who specializes in RA and diabetic foot care. Thankfully diabetes is not one of my diseases but I feel hopeful that better foot care and custom insoles may help, even just a bit, with the pain in my knees. Having high arches has always been an issue but it's finally caught up with me. The pain used to be confined to hips and knees but is moving around now at an exponential rate. I pray for even a small amount of relief soon. My rheumy still does not want to treat, with his wait and see attitude and my ortho is frustrated and although he is an older man, believes my rheumy' sage might be playing a factor in his attitude. He is 80. My last rheumy has me on methotrexate before he even had the concrete RA diagnosis. My insurance changed and old rheumy was no longer covered in plan. My surgeon is hesitant to treat because it's not his specialty, but he is such a caring man, I believe that he is just as frustrated as I. Hope you are well today.
Podiatrists should know their limitations & know when to refer a RA patient - don't linger when a more qualified person would be more help.
What limitations do you refer to? Minimum 3 years degree training leading to BSc in podiatric medicine is pretty good training I'm sure you agree. A specialist RA podiatrist working in a multidisciplinary team is an ideal situation.
Mine is brilliant and very experienced. He is rheumatology trained and I see him on the NHS after firstly seeing him privately. I sometimes think he knows more about and understands my RA than anyone else in my healthcare team.
I have Psoriatic Arthritis and I need to wear made up shoes with corrections for damage to a leg that has become shorter than the the other on. So the feet need to be looked after as I cannot cut my toenails because of damage to the spine so it is very important that the nails are looked after on a regular basis. I spent two years unable to wear shoes and would have to walk around in winter and summer in sandals in fact I had to walk in snow because I was unable to wear boots. So continuity between a chiropadist and Podiatrist is very important to me. So all I can say is it is great not to have wet feet
Having had a podiatrist appointment which has helped me I appreciate any help they can give
All of the statements are relevant. This post comes from a podiatrist who has had to retire due to Psoriatic Arthritis. With many other problems associated with RD and damage caused by methotrexate etc, etc;
I really miss my work, hands on is what I am good at.
I now realise how much I did not understand what my patients were going through and how varied the symptoms could be even on a daily basis. It truly can be such a life altering disease. Thank goodness for this forum. All pods should take time to read some of the posts. A good way to learn.
In my first year at Wessex all pod students spent a day at the diabetic clinic talking to patients at the RSH, a real steep learning curve, then more time observing clinicians in the OP dept. We even undertook ward rounds with endcrinologists, physios, pods. It would be so beneficial if the same level of teaching was applied to RD.
I agree, this applies to all other medical problems as well. understanding of what are patient requirements and full explanation given with correct documentation example the diabetic clinic, eye clinic out patient department and other GPs, GP practices nurse and HCAs.
What steps are taken for new training methods?
I only chose the two that seemed most relevant to me. Wish I'd picked more now.
I think for this to be meaningful we need to all be using the same criteria when voting. It is not clear if you would like us to vote for all statements we believe are relevant or just one? I voted for all.
