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What is a podoscope and why is it essential in a podiatry clinic?
Content Table:
1. What is the podoscope?
2. How does a Podoscope work?
3. What are the benefits of using a Podoscope?
4. Conclusion
1. What is the podoscope?
A podoscope is a device used in podiatry clinics for detailed analysis of the soles of the feet. This tool enables podiatry professionals to detect any problems or changes in the structure of the foot, so that personalised and effective treatment can be provided to each patient.
The following are some of the symptoms that require treatment and follow up and can be detected using a footscope
Physiological abnormalities (flat feet, depressed feet ......) .
Toe deformities (hallux valgus)
Congenital deformities (foot, leg, hip ......) .
Joint and tendon problems due to spinal disorders
Pain in the back, heels, hips, knees, etc.
Foot pain due to repetitive motion
Frequent sprains
After the examination, the professional will be able to propose solutions to improve foot comfort in order to facilitate walking, relieve pain and address postural deficiencies with the help of medical devices: plantar supports such as customised orthotic insoles, also known as plantar orthoses. For certain conditions, doctors can also suggest alternative treatment options and refer patients to other medical professionals to alleviate their pain.
Podoscopes, in addition to their obvious and necessary use in podiatry, are now increasingly found in physiotherapy or osteopathy practices. The detection capabilities provided by podoscopes can be very useful to physiotherapists. Indeed, foot deformities can also trigger postural imbalances that affect the entire body and therefore require rehabilitation.
2. How does a Podoscope work?
The Podoscope is a tool that has a platform with LED lighting and an inbuilt camera that captures detailed images of the sole of the foot. With the help of this technology, podiatrists can analyse the position of bones, muscles and tendons in the foot and detect any problems that may be causing pain or discomfort.
The podoscopic examination
Podoscopy is very simple to use and operate. During a podoscopy, the patient stands barefoot on a transparent plate in the upper part of the podoscope. The lower part of the device has a mirror and a light fixture.
The person standing on the glass holds his or her chest up and applies pressure to the part of the foot that is in contact with the plate. The pressurized area is highlighted by the instrument due to the phenomenon of vasodilatation compared to the unpressurized area. As a result, the podiatrist can see the patient's sole and plantar support very clearly.
Since this examination is performed at rest, the doctor cannot directly study the support in motion. However, by detecting certain irregularities, it is possible to infer the behavior of the support during walking.
Podoscopy can diagnose many conditions and abnormalities. In particular, the best known are flat feet, missing arches, and even hollow feet with no contact on the outside of the foot. But the examination is also important for comparing two feet, because supports are rarely similar, even if they are static. It is here that postural asymmetries often begin to appear.
The tool also provides a way for the podiatrist to validate his diagnosis and medical prescriptions. He can validate proposed support solutions prior to fabricating orthotics and evaluate them when needed.
3. What are the benefits of using a Podoscope?
The use of podoscopes in a podiatry practice can offer a variety of advantages to both podiatrists and patients. Some of the most prominent advantages include
·More accurate diagnosis: Podoscopes provide a detailed analysis of the foot structure, helping to identify problems that may have gone unnoticed.
·Individualized treatment: The information obtained from the footscope allows the podiatrist to develop a personalized treatment plan based on each patient's needs.
·Greater Patient Comfort: By using a foot mirror, podiatrists can detect structural foot problems in a non-invasive manner, resulting in greater patient comfort.
Applications and Uses of Podoscope
The Podoscope with LED illumination is an indispensable tool for professionals involved in foot care and gait analysis. It is particularly beneficial for:
·Podiatrists: Podiatrists can use the Podoscope to assess and diagnose a range of foot conditions, including flat feet, high arches, and pressure ulcers. The detailed visualisation helps in developing effective treatment plans and monitoring progress over time.
·Physiotherapists: Physiotherapists can utilise the Podoscope to analyse gait patterns and identify abnormalities in foot mechanics. This information is crucial for designing customised rehabilitation programs aimed at improving mobility and reducing pain
·Orthotists: Orthotists can benefit from the Podoscope’s detailed imaging to create precise orthotic devices that address specific foot issues. The ability to see real-time pressure distribution aids in ensuring the orthotics provide optimal support and comfort.
4. Conclusion
In short, a podoscopy is a must-have tool for podiatry clinics, as it allows for a detailed analysis of the structure of the foot and the detection of any problems that may be causing pain or discomfort. Thanks to this technology, podiatry professionals can provide personalized treatment based on each patient's needs, resulting in greater comfort and well-being for the patient.
Find here more details about our podoscope.
And go to our Products Catalog to discover our diagnostic equipment designed to carry out your postural assessments.
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What is a podoscope and why is it essential in a podiatry clinic?