Podiatry supplies refer to all the tools a podiatrist requires to treat patients. A podiatrist is a professional who specializes in treating disorders of the feet and lower limbs. These supplies range from a tool as simple as a toenail clipper to tools as complex as plaster to make casts.
Podiatrists may be called upon to clip the toenails of a bedridden or comatose patient. Alternatively, he may have to cut toenails before performing a surgery or putting a foot into a cast. Thus, a toenail clipper is the simplest of all podiatry supplies.
A callus plane is another simple example of podiatry supplies. This tool is used to maintain the length of a toenail. It can also be used to remove ingrown toenails.
If a patient comes in with an injured foot, a podiatrist may also need to put a cast on the foot. A number of podiatry supplies are required to cast a foot. These required items include foot impression paper, a phelonic foam box for fitting, and plaster to create the cast.
Technological tools can also be useful podiatry supplies. Computer software can help a podiatrist create a properly fitting cast. Software can also be used to create molds of the feet, while x-rays and other technological aids can help eliminate the need for manual diagnosis.
Canvas shoes can also be useful in helping to determine the proper fit for a cast. These podiatry supplies may also help a podiatrist evaluate problems with gait. Bunions and other types of foot problems can also be aided by canvas shoes.
The ever-reliable gauze sponge is another essential tool in the podiatry supplies arsenal. This is used to dress a diabetic foot. A podiatrist can also use this to treat corn in the foot.
Forceps are also a very important tool. Artery and haemostatic forceps are used during a foot surgery, while dressing forceps are needed to dress wounds in the foot. Finally, towel forceps are used to wrap a foot dressing and fixing drapes and dissecting forceps are used to provide a high degree of precision during a surgery.
Orthoses comprise yet another major part of the podiatric professional’s supplies. Orthotic shells, oyster shells, thermoshells, insoles and heel cups are some of the equipment used in treating flat foot. Podiatrists can customize the fit and shape of orthotics to meet the individual patient's needs.
Each of these supplies helps podiatrists serve a different function. Since podiatry is a varied field, many different types of supplies may also be used in addition to these common tools. Podiatrists can add tools to their collection as they advance in their careers, providing new and more effective services to patients.