Pain in Podiatry: Assessment, Classification, and Management

Join us for this 40-minute presentation and 10-minute Q&A session on the topic of Pain in Podiatry: Assessment, Classification, and Management

Pain is one of the most common and complex presentations encountered in podiatric practice, influencing mobility, quality of life, and health outcomes. This webinar is applicable to all podiatrists and provides an overview of:

• Classification of the types of pain
• Application of the biopsychosocial model of pain to assess both pain intensity and the impact of acute and postoperative pain to aid in the development of a tailored pain management strategy
• Selection of multi-modal management to guide the appropriate choice of analgesia
• Podiatrist role in chronic pain management in assessment, management and referral pathways
• Strategies to minimize the risk of harm from opioid analgesics in chronic pain, safely and effectively.

What we will cover:

1. Classify pain types
2. Apply the biopsychosocial model
3. Select multimodal management

The Presenter:

Dr Andrew van Essen AM

Following his appointment as a full-time public-sector podiatrist at Flinders Medical Centre in 1981, Andrew undertook specialist surgical training, achieving Fellowship of the Australasian College of Podiatric Surgeons and endorsement for scheduled medicines in South Australia in 1995. He also holds a Fellowship of Sports Medicine Australia and in 2016, he was awarded a Fellowship of the Faculty of Podiatric Medicine at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow. In recognition of his significant service to podiatry and podiatric surgery, Andrew was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours.

Andrew has made substantial contributions to education, helping develop postgraduate curricula and lecturing in podiatric surgery, paediatrics, advanced biomechanics, advanced podiatric medicine, and sports medicine. Since 1995, he has lectured extensively in Japan and continues to teach there annually. His international work has also included developing an early intervention and treatment program for children with clubfoot in Vietnam.

A passionate advocate for the profession, Andrew has served as State and National President of the Australian Podiatry Association, Chair of the Podiatrists Registration Board of South Australia, Trustee of the Australian Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, Chair of the Australian Podiatry Education and Research Foundation, Council Member of the Australasian College of Podiatric Surgeons, and on numerous other professional boards and committees.

Andrew currently consults and operates in South Australia and the Northern Territory, is a Clinical Tutor at the University of South Australia and holds an Adjunct appointment at Queensland University of Technology. He remains committed to advancing clinical excellence, education, research, and the future of the podiatry profession both in Australia and internationally.

Event Details

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