Our Services
Description
Podiatry is that science that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of medical and surgical conditions of the feet and lower limbs. The conditions podiatrists treat include those resulting from bone and joint disorders such as arthritis and soft-tissue and muscular pathologies, as well as neurological and circulatory disease. Podiatrists are also able to diagnose and treat any complications of the above which affect the lower limb. Foot injuries and infections gained through sport or other activities are also diagnosed and treated by podiatrists.
The aim of the podiatrist is to identify the risk factors involved and to treat and prevent certain complications. Detailed examination such as vascular and neurological assessment, assessing mobility and biomechanics play a major role in the diagnosing and treating foot complications.
Services that we currently offer include:
Core podiatry which includes routine podiatry such as corns, callosities, foot infections (Fungal, bacterial or viral infections), nail pathologies, detailed examination including biomechanical and vascular and neurological examination.
Gait Analysis. At B’kara HC we have a clinic specifically dedicated to Biomechanics. In this clinic we carry out a detailed biomechanical and gait analysis through visual and computerised means.
Foot Screening. We currently offer a service of neurological and vascular screening of all patients with diabetes. This service is practically offered at all clinics, where patients who fail the initial tests are referred to two more specialised clinics one in Floriana and one in B’kara for further examinations.
Podopaediatrics. A specialised clinic dedication to the examination and treatment of children was introduced two years ago at B’kara. This clinic had an instant success, and after just a year we had to double the staff to meet the demands of the general public.
Rheumatoid. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis have their particular needs. To meet their needs we have a specialised clinic twice a week.
Diabetes. Whilst all podiatrists through their examination are able to identify any diabetes related foot problems, we have a strong team of podiatrists who have specialised in the examination and treatment of patients with diabetes. As a team in collaboration with the other podiatrists, Tissue Viability Unit, and Orthotics and Prosthetic Unit, and other Health Care Professions work hard to reduce the rate of amputations through treatments, education and preventive measures.
Nail Surgery. We have a clinic which is entirely dedicated to nail surgery.
- Wound Management. We form part of the Tissue Viability Unit team. We collaborate closely both with other podiatrists, other departments and other Health Care professionals to reduce to a minimum the number of amputations. Due to the vastness of this service we are in the process of increasing the number of staff in this area.
Podogeriatrics. This is one of our strongest teams. Services are offered in all Government homes and residencies, in a number of private Old People’s homes (where there is a PPP arrangement) and in most day centres.
- Collaboration with Local Councils. To date this service is in its initial phase where we had reached an agreement with two local councils (Kalkara and San Gwann). Once a month we attend their offices/clinics and offer a service from there.
Procedure
As podiatrists we aim to give a timely, cost effective and best possible service to all. Clients who need our service can either come through a self-referral, or through a referral from another Health Care Professional. All clients need to do is contact us at their respective Health Centre, where they are given an appointment. After the initial examination the clients are directed to the most appropriate clinic, according to their needs.
Eligibility
All Maltese citizens or foreigners holding a residency permit can be referred to benefit from any of the Podiatry Services.
Other persons needing podiatry service will still be given the service against a payment as directed by the Authorities.
Required Documents
ID Card
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: From where is the service offered?
Answer: The service is offered from all health centres, all hospitals and Old people’s Homes. All clients need to do is contact us at their respective Health Centre, where they are given an appointment. After the initial examination the clients are directed to the most appropriate clinic, according to their needs
Question: Do I need a referral to attend?
Answer: Ideally yes but not necessary
Downloads
Informative Leaflet
How to Contact Us
You can contact us by: - Coming personally to our office
- Contacting us via phone or fax
- Writing to us
Our Office
Address
Podiatry Department
Birkirkara Civic Center
Tumas Fenech Street,
Birkirkara. BKR-2527
Telephone
21494969
Opening hours
We are open during the following hours:
Monday-Friday 7.30 a.m. – 2.30 p.m.
Saturday 7.30 a.m. – 1.00 p.m.
When you visit our Office we will:
- Be quick, courteous and helpful
- Welcome you in a clean and friendly environment.
- Answer promptly
- Identify ourselves.
All Maltese citizens or foreigners holding a residency permit can be referred to benefit from any of the Podiatry Services.
Other persons needing podiatry service will still be given the service against a payment as directed by the Authorities.