NICOLE Hocking has had extra spring in her step this week promoting good foot health during Podiatry Week.
The Loddon podiatrist based at Dingee Bush Nursing Centre said the week was about putting the spotlight on the diverse scope of podiatrists, their dynamic workplaces and the broad spectrum of patients they treat.
 “We use our feet every day and take for granted that they will carry us around,” said Nicole. “Sometimes the smallest issues can reduce mobility and quality of life.
“Our role as podiatrists is to offer advice and treatment and keep people mobile”
“Working in rural communities means that clients can come in for their treatment and be back at work without having to make the trip to a larger town where podiatry services are already under pressure and waiting lists extensive”
Nicole said podiatrists were one of the few allied health professionals who can work with an advanced scope of practice, such as prescribing medicines as an endorsed prescriber and performing surgical procedures as a podiatric surgeon.
“Conditions managed by podiatrists include sports and musculoskeletal disorders, injuries, growth and development conditions, chronic diseases such as arthritis, dermatological pathologies and neurological disease,” she said.
“Podiatrists use a combination of medical, surgical and rehabilitation techniques to provide personalised care to alleviate pain, restore mobility and improve a person’s quality of life.
“We have a hands-on approach and a broad range of skills to use equipment and technology for gait analysis, diagnosis, therapy, injection techniques and surgery.