Podiatry's role in tackling MSK disorders
Categories
Policy positions
Position statements
MSK
Podiatrists detect, diagnose and treat a wide range of musculoskeletal disorders and are central to reducing the health burden of musculoskeletal disorders in the lower limb.
- Foot pain affects 20% of the population
- 10% of people report foot pain as disabling, with reduced quality of life
- Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of foot pain, yet only 50% of those affected seek help
- Podiatrists are ideally placed to lead the foot and ankle pathway and prevent unnecessary
- surgical interventions, by managing foot pain conservatively in a local setting
- Specialist podiatrists within broader musculoskeletal pathways such as rheumatology, orthopaedics, neurology and paediatrics manage complex foot and ankle conditions effectively, which can provide cost savings.
Download RCPod's policy position: The role of podiatry in tackling MSK disorders (updated April 2019)