Editorial

Throughout her long reign, the Institute of Chiropodists and Podiatrists have always sent loyal greetings to her Majesty on the occasion of our annual general meetings, and this has always been diligently acknowledged by one of the royal staff and such acknowledgement transmitted to the membership. As an organisation I know that the membership will join the Board, and myself as Chair, in expressing our sincere and heartfelt condolences to her Majesty’s family. In addition however, I believe we are joined by uncounted millions in both the UK and so many countries around the world who are sincerely grateful that HRH Elizabeth Windsor has for so many years been a living symbol of the very best that Britain can offer in personal qualities. Loyalty, dedication to duty, compassion, unswerving devotion and courage are some, but by no means all of those qualities shown by her day after day, year after year and decade after decade. Rest peacefully your dear Majesty, you have been an inspiration to us all. With respect and grateful thanks,

Martin Harvey FPodM PGC IP BSc DPodM. Chair, Institute of Chiropodists and Podiatrists

Wow! What a sizzling hot summer we have had. Whether that meant hunkering down and working in front of a fan in the clinic, or rushing to find an air-conditioned space, while doing those domiciliary visits. I hope you all did your best to survive the heatwave this summer. It is hard to believe that we would even imagine looking forward to some cooler temperatures and rain, but that is among the adventures of the British weather!

We can now look at embracing the Autumn and Winter weather with some self-reflection from the year 2022. Grab a cup of tea or coffee, or something a bit stronger to keep the chill out and settle down for an issue of thought-provoking articles. Hopefully, it will encourage us to think about the challenges ahead, and how we can challenge ourselves in 2023.

There is not just a change in the seasons, but sadly we know there is a change in the economic climate too, where we are all facing a cost-of-living crisis. This could likely impact our practices too. So, there is no better time to think more positively, despite the doom and gloom we hear and read in the news. It is time to think outside the box, and head towards 2023, feeling inspired, motivated, and ready to set some new goals for the New Year. There is nothing like thinking outside the box with some of the inspirational articles written by our colleagues in this issue of the ‘Podiatry Review’. Subjects that may challenge some preconceived ideas around podiatry and foot health.

Challenges come in many forms and the work podiatrists have undertaken this year in sport have been incredible. In Abid Hussain’s article, Abid has led his team of podiatrists (half of them IOCP members) working at this year’s 2022 Commonwealth Games. This has certainly been a triumph, and raised the profile of podiatry, as a vital part of sports medicine. It also acknowledges the work podiatrists do and have done to support the athletes who took part in the coveted Birmingham Games this Summer.

Elsewhere, Kirsten Sinclair’s article looks at the use of light therapies and lasers within healthcare in her overview and focus on Photobiomodulation therapy. Gaynor Wooldridge looks through the history and prevalence of atopic dermatology, and its treatments. While there is also the Footnotes section, and some other interesting, events, news, and reviews, in this issue.

To peak our interests further there are some exciting, new continuing professional development (CPD) events coming in October with the UK Roadshows, one already having made its debut this Summer. Ireland too will be hosting meetings and CPD events. All these events will provide support and networking opportunities for chiropodists, podiatrists, and foot health practitioners. With so many exciting ventures to read about, there should be plenty to think about fulfilling aspirations for the future. There are plenty of opportunities to work towards setting new and interesting goals for 2023. Keep positive and happy reading!

All the best

Beverley Wright

Guidelines for new and established authors

Content of your article should be Podiatry or foot health-related. Podiatry Review is mostly in easy-to-read format, and articles for submission should reflect this. CPD Certificates are issued for Case Studies and Articles. Please ensure that your name and title (ie - FHP, Podiatrist, or other) are included with your article. Please proof-read and spell-check your article before submission. It would be helpful to the Editorial Committee if you could reference any books or Papers mentioned in your article. If you are not sure how to do this we are happy to assist.