PODIATY LEAPS FOURTH IN INDONESIA
Body Clinic, Indonesia’s first Podiatry practice was ceremonially opened on Thursday 26 June in front of a host of VIPs from the Department of Health, KONI, medicine, business and industry.
Indonesia has become the 4th country in Asia to introduce professional foot services known elsewhere as Podiatry. Previously only Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong have accepted expatriate Podiatrists. There are approximately 40,000 Podiatrists worldwide. With the Indonesian Dept of Health’s approval it brings the total number of these foot specialists in Asia to 25.
Podiatrists diagnose and treat over 300 foot and leg conditions and syndromes. There are 9 subspecialties – podopediatrics (study of childrens’ foot and leg), sport and biomechanics (shoe inserts called ‘orthotics’ to improve foot and gait function), Diabetic Foot and wound care (to reduce prevalence of lower extremity amputation), forensic podiatry (the study of footprints, footwear, shoeprints and feet associated with crime scene investigations), rheumatology, gerontology (aged care), reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, minimally invasive soft tissue surgery (in growing toenails, warts) and general podiatry (medical grade pedicure – management of corns, callous, nails etc).
Body Clinic specializes in foot, gait and posture problems for adults, athletes and children. It will initially deliver services to benefit patients suffering such things as flat feet, heel spurs, bunions, plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, neuroma, patella femoral dysfunction and commonly referred to ‘X’ and ‘O’ legs, in- and out-toe gait, shin splints, scoliosis, club foot, metatarsus adductus, Blounts, Severs and Osgood Schlatters Disease (growth plate disturbances), among other syndromes and conditions.
Approximately 90% of Asians have a ‘flexible flat foot’ which contributes to foot, leg, knee, hip and back pain and can lead to the need for joint reconstruction surgery in some cases. Correction of foot mechanics via orthotic therapy – customized shoe inserts – reduces pain and fatigue symptoms and can prevent injury and wear and tear due to maltracking of the knee and hip joint.
Given the less desirable lower limb biomechanics of many Indonesians, it is essential for all athletes and weekend sports enthusiasts to protect and improve their function hence improve their game. Pain should not be considered normal … it is a warning alignment needs to be adjusted.
Of utmost significance is the role Podiatry plays in management of the Diabetic Foot. Indonesia has the 4th highest prevalence of Diabetes in the world according to the World Health Organization. Julie Norton, President Director of PT Podiatry Professionals says: ‘One of our aims is to transfer knowledge via education and training of medically qualified personnel in Podiatric services so that appropriate wound management for Diabetic Foot Disease can be accessed in clinics and hospitals across the Indonesian archipelago reaching the ordinary man to help curb the tide of lower extremity amputations.
We are serious about education and have implemented a schedule of free seminars for doctors so they can accurately diagnose and treat the multitude of presentations associated with the Diabetic Foot.
Body Clinic is located in Jl Wijaya IX, South Jakarta and can be contacted on 021-72783827.
