Podiatry
The KWH Podiatry has been serving the public for over two decades. Podiatrists are the professionals who are responsible for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of foot and ankle diseases. Treatment covers foot wounds, toenail and skin problems, biomechanical issues and minor toenail surgery (local anaesthesia required). Foot health education is also provided, such as foot care and advice on shoes/socks.
Those seeking for podiatry services range from children to the elderly. In the past 20 years, there have been hundreds of thousands of attendances at the KWH Podiatry. In fact, many diseases involve pathological changes to the foot, such as diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, lower limb venous diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and cerebrovascular, musculoskeletal and neuromuscular diseases. These patients are our key service recipients.
The KWH was among the first in Hong Kong to adopt a multi-disciplinary approach in treating high-risk diabetic foot patients with a team comprising Orthopaedics & Traumatology, Endocrinology, Vascular Surgery and Podiatry. The Department has also introduced a number of innovative techniques and services, which include negative pressure wound therapy, total surface-bearing lower limb braces and special medical dressings for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers.
The KWH Podiatry engages actively in foot care and health education activities as well to promote public understanding of foot health through activities and talks with medical bodies, media and community associations, distribution of pamphlets, etc. As the number of diabetics increases with population aging, the Department will continue to provide quality podiatry services for the public.
Lower limb inspection by podiatrist
1. Foot ulcer of high-risk diabetic foot patient
2. Successful treatment by multi-disciplinary high-risk diabetic foot team