Correct foot development is essential for children. Although children will pass through different phases of development causing variations in foot, lower limb structures and consequently walking pattern, having a foot check up by a
Podiatrist early on can help spot problems and provide fast and practical solutions.
Podiatrists may specialise in the field of Podopaediatrics, such a podiatrist is referred to as a Podopaediatric specialist.

It is recommended that parents should consult a podiatrist when there child has:

● Uneven shoe wear
● Skin rashes, hard skin lumps or bumps on the feet
● Complains of recurrent pain in feet and legs
● Trips and falls often
● Has a listing walk or problems walking or running

Podogeriatrics is the specialisation of foot care for the elderly. In fact, Podiatrists play a key role in the management of foot problems in the elderly. Injuries or pain can significantly impact the lifestyle and general health of elderly patients so specialised treatment is important.

General foot care for the elderly includes treatment of hard toenails that develop as we age, treatment and prevention of ingrown toenails, fungal infections and removal (debridement) of corns and calluses when present.

Reaching the feet and self-maintenance becomes more difficult with age and therefore regular check-ups by a state registered podiatrist are important.

A number of podiatrists work in gerontology settings around Malta including government elderly residences such as Saint Vincent De Paul Residence (SVDP), other public and private homes across the island.

On the other hand, if you or your relatives are elderly and have a foot problem or trouble walking, it is recommended they see a podiatrist.

Sports medicine and podiatry is an area of considerable importance, although this field of Podiatry is not yet developed in Malta in contrast to foreign counterparts.

In fact, athletes are more prone to foot injuries such as Achilles tendonitis, stress fractures, nail problems, shin splints, sprains, plantar fasciitis and knee pain. All these conditions can be treated by Podiatrists and above all Podiatrists can help to prevent the occurrence or recurrence of such injuries through biomechanical assessment, advice on orthotics/ insoles and sensible footwear.

It is important for patients who play sports on a regular basis or else practice their sports professionally to consult a Podiatrist at least once a year to have their foot, lower limb and footwear examined. Meanwhile if an athlete has just suffered from an injury he/she should consult a Podiatrist as soon as possible who along with the multidisciplinary team will aim to treat his problem in the shortest period but with the highest therapeutic benefit through a holistic approach.

Podiatrists study biomechanics of the feet and lower limb so they can provide anatomical assessment of patients to detect abnormalities such as flat feet, high or fallen arches and ankle, hip and knee abnormalities. Abnormalities can be corrected through prescription foot orthotics (shoe inserts) or specific exercises to strengthen certain muscles or groups of muscles.

On the other hand, customised shoe insoles may be prescribed and fabricated by a podiatrist to offload pressure areas, particularly in rheumatoid or diabetic patients, and to correct certain biomechanical problems.

It is important that a podiatric assessment is made before one uses an orthotic or customised insole, otherwise problems may be exacerbated.

All state registered Podiatrists in Malta are qualified to provide non-invasive nail surgery for nail problems such as ingrown toenails under local anaesthesia. Nail surgery is usually advised when other methods and treatments render no success. Most nail surgeries are carried out within a few minutes and the patient may leave the clinic at that time.

Sometimes an antibiotic prescription may be required before or after the surgery to prevent any infection.