View report page

CHIROPODY
The large number of foot ailments in adults are generally due to ill-fitting socks and shoes worn in
childhood.
Good posture cannot be maintained if feet are cramped and painful, and the school-child cannot give
his best either mentally or physically, unless he has complete comfort and relaxation.
The Chiropodist appointed in December, 1952 not only treats the various foot conditions of schoolchildren,
but also deals with the much greater and more important problem of educating Parents, Schoolteachers
and even members of the Nursing Profession on how these conditions arise and on methods of
their prevention.
More than twice as many girls than boys attend for treatment, mainly because their footwear is
worse—court, casual and sling-back shoes. Girls in Secondary Modern Schools are the most likely to suffer
as there appears to be no uniform dress regulation in force, and from an early age these children start to
wear these types of fashion shoes which are harmful to the growing foot. Much is being done to try to
rectify this by issuing pamphlets and giving lectures to expectant and nursing mothers, and trying to educate
parents in the care of their children's feet. The results of this campaign cannot be assessed for several
years. It would greatly benefit girls in Secondary Modern Schools if they wore either lace or bar-type shoes.
The main conditions which have so far been treated in the Clinic are as follows:—
Corns and Lesser Toe Defects.
Successful results have been achieved in the treatment of these conditions, by correcting footwear,
exercises and sometimes splinting.
Hallux Valgus.
Mild cases are treated and good results obtained. Severe cases are referred to the Orthopaedic
Department.
Nail Conditions.
Onychocryptosis is the most common among school-children, and effective cures have been achieved.
This condition will not occur if nails are cut properly.
Verrucae.
These are benign vascular neoplasm of an innocent nature, but are contagious and inoculable.
There are various types and all give rise to pain and discomfort. The mode of infection is debatable, the
most likely being the spread of the virus at swimming baths and in gymnasia where P.T. is performed with
bare feet. There are various forms of treatment, but cautery is preferred, using a 60 per cent. Salicylic
Acid Ointment. This method is practically painless and good results are obtained.
Many expectant and nursing mothers have visited the Clinic with the usual adult foot complaints,
corns, callosities, bunions, etc. These mothers have been given comfort which has lightened the burden of
the long and arduous pre-natal months.
Chiropody is an essential part of the Health Service. It is essential that school-children have good
healthy feet, but it is equally important that the aged, who suffer with bad feet through osteo-arthritis,
degenerative arthritis or just old age, should also be provided with a chiropody service. They cannot afford