AUSTRALIAN
HOMOEOPATHIC
ASSOCIATION
(NSW Branch)

The 6th Australian Homoeopathic Medicine
Conference 2008

Dr Tariq Khan (England)

Evidence-based Homœopathic Podiatry at the Royal London Homœopathic Hospital

Abstract
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 in the case of post-operative complications of surgery. Some treatments are contraindicated for patients who are at risk, e.g. diabetics and the elderly.

Whilst Homœopathy has numerous medicines indicated for conditions affecting the skin, bones and nails, the prognosis is influenced 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.

Homœopathic podiatry is a method of treatment for conditions of the skin, bones and nails that was developed by combining homoeopathy with podiatric practice. An integral part of the speciality is Marigold Therapy, a painless, non-invasive form of topical treatment which has been researched and developed by combining homoeopathic medicinal plants such as Symphytum officinalis, Thuja occidentalis, Ruta graveolens, Rosemary officinalis, Bellis perennis, Hypericum perforatum and Calendula officinalis with different species of Tagetes.

Treatment consists of weekly applications of the paste for 3 to 4 weeks, followed by the use of tincture, oil, ointment or cream applied by the patient as a preventative measure. Double-blind placebo-controlled studies to investigate hyperkeratotic plantar lesions, hallux valgus and verruca pedis have shown a level of significance giving P<0.001. Fungal skin and nail infections and diabetic ulcers have responded well to treatment and are currently under investigation.

Homœopathic podiatry treatment is a non-invasive method requiring less frequent follow up patient consultations when compared with "conventional treatment". This also encourages patient satisfaction and a low DNA rate especially in the case of juveniles. The success rate shown by the products and painless, infrequent treatment allows for good patient concordance. The lack of demand for regular ongoing treatments allows for economic savings, both with fewer staff and saving of NHS resources.

Biography
Dr Tariq Khan graduated as a state registered podiatrist in 1993 and became a diplomat of the Faculty of Homœopathy in 2006. He did his Doctoral Research (PhD) on the Biological and Clinical Evaluation of Thuja occidentalis on Verruca pedis. He is the Dean of Podiatry in the Faculty of Podiatry and the Faculty of Homœopathy at the University of London.

Dr Khan holds the post of Consultant Podiatrist at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Sick Children in the Department of Epidermolysis Bullosa. He is an Honorary Research fellow in Dermatology at the Royal London and Barts NHS Trust, Wart Clinic. He is also Consultant and Deputy Director of The Marigold Clinic, Royal London Homœopathic Hospital UCLH NHS Trust. The Department of Homœopathic Podiatry is the only department globally providing integrated treatment for podiatric related conditions. He was runner-up in acorn award for integrated care NHS Alliance, 2004, 'Integrated Homœopathic podiatry footcare service Barking and Dagenham PCT'.

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