Allied Health Discipline
Evidence-Based Practice for
Podiatry in Australia
Podiatrists registered under the Podiatry Board of Australia manage a diverse range of lower limb and foot conditions, with a particular emphasis on diabetes-related foot complications — a major health burden in Australia. Evidence-based podiatric practice draws on systematic reviews, RCTs, and Australian diabetes guidelines to inform wound management, orthotic prescription, nail surgery, and biomechanical assessment. OpenBook Clinical indexes the relevant evidence from PubMed, Cochrane, and Australian professional body guidelines.
Key Clinical Conditions
- Diabetic foot ulceration and offloading
- Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
- Ingrown toenails and nail pathology
- Peripheral arterial disease — lower limb assessment
- Hallux valgus and lesser toe deformity
- Paediatric flat foot and in-toeing
- Sports-related lower limb injuries
- Neuropathy assessment in diabetes
Key Assessment Tools
- University of Texas Wound Classification (diabetic foot)
- Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) — vascular assessment
- Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament — peripheral neuropathy
- Foot Posture Index (FPI-6)
Databases Searched
- PubMed / MEDLINE (podiatric medicine)
- Cochrane Wounds and Peripheral Vascular Groups
- Journal of Foot and Ankle Research (JFAR)
- NHMRC Clinical Practice Guidelines
Australian Guidelines
- NHMRC National Evidence-Based Guideline on the Prevention, Identification and Management of Foot Complications in Diabetes
- Diabetes Australia — Diabetes and Foot Care
- Australian Diabetes Society — Standards of Care in Diabetes
- APodA Professional Standards for Podiatry Practice
Ready to search the Podiatry evidence base?
OpenBook Clinical searches 35 million papers across PubMed, Cochrane, and Australian guidelines. AI-synthesised summaries. Evidence graded by quality. Free to try.