The Role of the Podiatrist

As Podiatrists we are concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of any musculoskeletal, surgical, dermatological, vascular and neurological pathologies relating to the lower limb and foot.

Our aim is to prevent foot disease and dysfunction, and to control the progression of pre-existing structural anomalies in which patient education, in combination with a thorough assessment and management plan, plays a fundamental role.

Recognised diagnostic and treatment methods include:

Comprehensive lower limb biomechanical assessment and management of the pelvis, hip, knee, ankle and foot posture and range of motion
Gait analysis including a detailed assessment of the musculoskeletal behaviour of the lower limb and foot during ambulation
Provision of prescription orthoses and other offloading devices
Dermatological assessment and, conservative and surgical management of skin and nail pathologies
Diabetic foot screening
Consultations and education on general foot health and footwear

Dr. Erica Bartolo

Dr Erica Bartolo graduated from the University of Malta with an Honours Degree in Podiatry in 2012. For the first five years, she worked in the paediatric field of podiatry including people living with different disabilities. In 2017, Dr Erica graduated with a Masters degree in Clinical Biomechanics and has, to date, been diagnosing and managing individuals from a biomechanical point of view, including sports injuries, neurological and other musculoskeletal problems. She is also part of a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals working at the Armed Forces of Malta.

Dr Erica later continued her studies and obtained a Doctoral degree, focusing on the effect of neurological disorders on joint movement and muscle activity using 3D gait analysis technology. She is also a Visiting Lecturer within the Podiatry Department at the University of Malta.

Dr. Claire Saliba Thorne

Dr. Claire Saliba Thorne is a state registered Podiatrist who holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Podiatry and a Masters degree in Clinical Biomechanics from the University of Malta. During the past 12 years, Dr Claire has developed a special interest in Clinical Biomechanics of the lower limb and has been working in this field ever since, diagnosing and treating patients who present with lower limb musculoskeletal pathologies and injuries. Recently, she fulfilled a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Podiatry which explored the importance of objective assessment of the lower limb focusing on patients at risk of ulceration.