Foot disorders

Research into foot disorders includes understanding and determining the most effective treatment for a range of foot conditions

The foot and ankle group conduct research on foot and ankle disorders, including disorders that may be related to the foot and ankle (e.g. leg and knee disorders).  The group’s research includes a variety of research methods as diverse as clinical trials that evaluate the effectiveness of treatments to laboratory-based biomechanical studies that evaluate pressures under the feet and motion of the foot and lower limb.  In addition, they are interested in why certain disorders related to the foot and ankle occur and what risk factors are associated with such disorders.  The group has access to a fully equipped biomechanics laboratory, a fully functioning university student podiatry clinic, medical imaging facilities at a local hospital, and specific clinical populations at local hospitals and other organisations.

The Foot and Ankle Group are particularly interested in research that relates to conditions that are common and which cause significant morbidity.  Specifically, the Foot and Ankle Group are focused on five research questions, which guide their research. The questions are:

  1. Foot osteoarthritis: what causes it and what interventions are effective?
  2. Plantar heel pain: what is it, what causes it, and what interventions are effective?
  3. Diabetic foot ulcers: what strategies are best to treat and prevent them?
  4. Foot orthoses: how do they work and what conditions are they effective for?
  5. Painful callus: what causes it and what interventions are effective?

Potential PhD topics

The Department will consider any research topic that interests potential PhD students; however, students will benefit from researching in areas that align with the Faculty’s research strengths.  Please find a relevant supervisor to discuss your PhD topic.

Alternatively you may contact one of our academics below to discuss your area of interest.