Forensic podiatry

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Forensic podiatry is a subdiscipline of forensic science in which specialized podiatric knowledge including foot and lower-limb anatomy, musculoskeletal function, deformities and diseases of the foot, ankle, lower extremities, and at times, the entire human body is used in the examination of foot-related evidence in the context of a criminal investigation. Forensic Podiatry has been defined as:

The application of sound and researched podiatry knowledge and experience in forensic investigations, to show the association of an individual with a scene of crime, or to answer any other legal question concerned with the foot or footwear that requires knowledge of the functioning foot.^[1]

Those who specialize in this field need to have gained knowledge and experience in podiatry and also in forensic science and practice.^[2]

Forensic podiatry is usually used to assist in the process of human identification, but can also be employed to help address issues relating to questions that have arisen within the context of forensic enquiry. Such questions could include whether or not a shoe could have had multiple wearers, what the effects of a shoe not fitting correctly could have been, whether or not someone could have placed their foot into a shoe that was too small for the postulated wearer's foot and other matters involving the podiatric interpretation of relevant evidential materials.

Each persons foot is unique to themselves. An Individual's foot shape depends on both environmental and genetic conditions. Environmental conditions like wearing certain types of footwear can influence a person's foot shape greatly. Factors like surgeries or walking habits (ex. often walking barefoot) can also give someone a unique foot structure. Genetics like the structure of the bones and how they are attached through a variety of ligaments are also unique to a person. Sizes of the ball or heel of the foot, as well as the shape of the toes can be very important determining features for forensic podiatrists.^[3]