Put your feet up at SCU Health Clinic

Southern Cross University’s Health Clinic has opened the first student-led podiatry clinic on the Gold Coast.

Podiatry is a branch of health care devoted to the study, diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle and lower leg. Southern Cross University is the only provider of podiatry studies on the Gold Coast.

Course co-ordinator, Dr Paul Butterworth, believes podiatrists could help to cut lengthy orthopaedic waiting lists.

“The podiatry profession is sometimes forgotten by patients and the health system,” he said.

“Podiatrists have only recently been used in the public health system to manage patients with foot problems who have otherwise been left on lengthy orthopaedic waiting lists. Historically, patients with foot and ankle pathology are referred by their general practitioner to orthopaedic outpatient departments at major public hospitals.

“In Queensland, waiting times for orthopaedic opinions often exceed the recommended treatment time for their clinical urgency. It is also known that patients waiting for an orthopaedic opinion under-utilise conservative treatment options.

“Data pertaining to the role of podiatry in managing orthopaedic foot and ankle waiting lists in Australia is limited. However, in a UK study, the waiting time for an opinion regarding foot and ankle pathology was reduced by 50 per cent, from 182 days to 90 days, by utilising podiatrists. Further studies from the UK indicate that up to 40 per cent of patients on orthopaedic waiting lists do not require surgical intervention in the first instance.

“With the ageing population and the rise in obesity, the demand for orthopaedic services is increasing now and into the future. It is evident in the literature that podiatry can play an important role in reducing orthopaedic workload and improving access for patients with debilitating foot and ankle conditions.”

The newly opened clinic – which utilises equipment available only in Gold Coast hospitals, such as shock wave therapy and ultrasound machines – is already receiving patients. The clinic is located at SCU’s Gold Coast campus in Bilinga, adjacent to the Gold Coast Airport.

Patients are seen by both students and experienced podiatric clinicians. Some common foot and lower limb problems seen by staff at the clinic include: heel pain, Achilles tendon problems, lower limb ulceration, fungal nail infections, arthritis and joint pain, ingrown toenails and skin and nail deformities.

Podiatry treatments in the student clinic at Southern Cross University are discounted. For further information or to book contact the SCU Health Clinic on 07 5589 3252.

Photo: Dr Paul Butterworth.