6th Biennial Conference of the South African Podiatry Association

Approximately 120 of South Africa’s podiatrists gathered at the Indaba Hotel, Fourways, Johannesburg from Friday 6th to Sunday 8th July. Definitely the highlight of the SA podiatric calender!

The conference showed just how far Podiatry has come in recent years – despite the small number of registered podiatrists in the country – in providing quality foot care to the people of South Africa. For example;  Podiatrists are developing into specialists in many areas of  foot care and are working as key members of multidisciplinary teams in Sport – treating foot pathologies, researching biomechanics and understanding new footwear technologies. Their role in managing the Diabetic foot was confirmed. Research into the foot problems associated with Arthritis is developing. The field of  Footwear design and manufacture is being influenced by podiatrists.

Papers were presented on Professional Ethics, Vascular Disease, Rheumatology, the Biomechanics of Cycling, Footwear sizing, the Diabetic Foot, Foot Surgery, Foot Biomechanics and Neurology.

A great weekend where new information was presented, ideas exchanged and practice enhanced.

Andrew

Andrew has taught at the University as well as providing podiatry services in South Africa since 1977. Twice chair of the Podiatry Association of South Africa and a commentator on care of your feet on both radio and television he now works in private practice in Cape Town and Hout Bay.