Musculoskeletal podiatry

Podiatrists manage a range of musculoskeletal conditions affecting the lower limb, from acute ankle sprains to chronic osteoarthritic presentations.  This unit is designed to develop your understanding of the musculoskeletal structure of the lower limb to allow you to evaluate and manage a range of conditions that will present in a podiatric clinical setting. You will also be exposed to inter-disciplinary practice and learn how to work in a culturally sensitive and safe manner.  

You will develop an understanding of the anatomy of the musculoskeletal system of the lower limb, and the physiological changes across the lifespan via a series of lectures and tutorials. This hands-on unit will include practical sessions where you will perform a range of biomechanical assessments of the lower limb in a simulated setting and be able to diagnose and treat a range of pathological musculoskeletal conditions affecting the foot. You will also use a range of video gait analysis software and force pressure measurement systems to visualise kinematic and kinetic concepts involved in gait analysis. A variety of workshops will expose you to various injury prevention and rehabilitation products, and pharmacological therapies relevant to the management of your client.

This unit will highlight the role of the podiatrist as part of a multidisciplinary team. You will also use evidence-based practice in the decision-making process of managing a client with musculoskeletal conditions in the lower limb.