A Podiatry Allied Health Assistant (AHA) is a trained support professional who works alongside a podiatrist to provide foot and lower limb care. Their role is to assist with both clinical and administrative tasks under the supervision and guidance of a registered podiatrist. Podiatry AHAs form part of a broader category of Allied Health Assistants, who support various healthcare professionals, including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and dietitians.

Podiatry AHAs play a critical role in healthcare teams by helping to extend the capacity of podiatrists. They allow podiatrists to focus on more complex aspects of patient care while ensuring patients receive the attention and support they need throughout their treatment journey. The duties of a Podiatry AHA can range from helping with assessments and treatments to offering education and guidance to patients on maintaining foot health.

At Highett Podiatry, we are proud to have two Podiatry Allied Health Assistants, Caitlyn Van Elewoud and Tristan Belfield. Both are on the verge of completing their four-year university degree in Podiatry. They started as administrative employees at the clinic and have since become registered and insured to perform basic Podiatry Treatments.

What is the role of the Podiatry Allied Health Assistant in the clinical setting at Highett Podiatry?

  1. Basic Foot Care:
  • Podiatry AHAs are trained to assist with basic foot care, which may include nail trimming, callus and corn management, and advice on foot skin care. These routine foot care tasks can be particularly important for individuals with diabetes or circulation problems who need to manage their foot health carefully.
  1. Rehabilitation Support:
  • For patients recovering from foot injuries, surgery, or conditions like tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, Podiatrist AHAs can assist with rehabilitation exercises prescribed by the podiatrist. They help guide patients through the exercises, ensuring proper technique and improving mobility and strength in the affected areas.
  1. Orthotics Support:
  • Podiatry AHAs can assist with the fitting and adjusting orthotics or special footwear. They may take initial measurements, help with orthotic fittings, and make adjustments as needed, all under the supervision of the podiatrist. This support helps ensure patients use their orthotic devices correctly and comfortably.
  1. Wound Care:
  • Under the supervision of a podiatrist, AHAs can assist with basic wound care, such as cleaning, dressing, and monitoring wounds, especially for patients with conditions that affect healing, such as diabetes. Regular wound care is crucial in preventing complications, such as infections or ulcers.
  1. Health Monitoring:
  • Podiatry AHAs can monitor vital signs, such as blood pressure or circulation in the feet, and report findings to the podiatrist. This monitoring is particularly important for patients with conditions like diabetes or peripheral vascular disease, where regular checks are necessary to prevent complications.
  1. Patient Education:
  • Education is a crucial aspect of podiatric care, and Podiatry AHAs are trained to provide patients with valuable information about foot health. They can teach you proper foot hygiene, care for your feet at home, and the best ways to manage specific conditions like flat feet, bunions, or foot pain.
  1. Assist with Routine Assessments:
  • While podiatrists handle diagnostic assessments, AHAs can assist with routine assessments such as gait analysis or foot measurements. These assessments help ensure that the podiatrist has all the necessary information to diagnose and treat the presenting foot injury or complaint.

At Highett Podiatry, Podiatry Allied Health Assistants are available for General Foot Care appointments in both the clinic and the home setting.  Appointments are more affordable and accessible without compromising on the high level of quality of care that Highett Podiatry is known for.  For more information please call us on 95553044