Clinical application of homeopathic podiatry as used at The Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital (RLHH)

It is acknowledged that a number of podiatric disorders seen in foot clinics are relieved only in the short term by traditional treatments, necessitating regular attendance every few weeks. Some chronic conditions do not respond to traditional treatments. The chemical and surgical treatments commonly used in podiatric practice are invasive and can cause pain or discomfort, especially from post-operative complications of surgery. Some treatments are contraindicated for patients who are at risk, eg diabetics and the elderly. Whilst homeopathy has numerous medicines indicated for conditions affecting the skin, bones and nails, the prognosis is in ̄uenced in weight-bearing areas by the effects of friction and pressure on the lesion and by biomechanical factors which may predispose or contribute to the problem. Subsequently, there is a need for a non-invasive, painless method of treatment, which would be therapeutic rather than palliative.