What Is Podiatry?

This page will answer all of your questions surrounding the topic.

A podiatrist is a medical professional specializing in the diagnosis, treatment,

and

prevention of conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and lower limbs.

Regulation and Training

The title "Podiatrist" (or "Chiropodist") is protected by law in the UK.

To practise legally, podiatrists must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

This ensures they meet strict professional standards and engage in continuous professional development.

Podiatrists undergo extensive training, typically earning a BSc Honours degree in Podiatry.

This involves three years of rigorous academic and practical education, including over 1,000 hours of hands-on clinical training in both NHS and private settings.

They are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of foot and lower limb conditions, perform minor surgeries, and prescribe medications.

Benefits of Seeing a Podiatrist

Comprehensive Care: Podiatrists can diagnose and treat a wide range of foot and lower limb conditions, from minor issues to complex problems.

Advanced Treatments: They can perform minor surgeries, prescribe some medications, and create custom orthotics.

Specialised Knowledge: Podiatrists have in-depth knowledge of foot biomechanics and can manage high-risk patients, such as those with diabetes.

Key Aspects of Podiatry in the UK

General Foot Care: Treatment of common issues like ingrown toenails, calluses, corns, and athlete’s foot.
Chronic Conditions: Management of foot problems related to systemic conditions such as diabetes (e.g., diabetic foot care), arthritis, and circulatory disorders.

Sports Injuries: Treatment of injuries such as sprains, strains, and fractures, as well as advice on injury prevention and rehabilitation.

Biomechanics and Orthotics: Gait analysis and prescription of custom-made orthotics to correct alignment or alleviate pain.

Podiatric Surgery: Some podiatrists undertake surgical procedures for conditions like bunions or hammertoes, provided they have completed additional surgical training.

Podiatrist and Chiropodist

The terms "Podiatrist" and "Chiropodist" are interchangeable.

Both refer to professionals who have completed the same level of training and are qualified to provide the same range of treatments.

The term "Podiatrist" is more commonly used in the medical community and internationally, while "Chiropodist" is still recognised and used by some practitioners and patients.

Example of Podiatric Care

Imagine experiencing persistent foot pain that interferes with your daily life.

A Podiatrist can provide a comprehensive approach to foot health, identifying underlying issues such as plantar fasciitis, neuropathy, or arthritis.

They can offer tailored treatments, including custom orthotics, physical therapy recommendations, or minor surgical interventions.

Additionally, Podiatrists can recognise early signs of systemic health issues, such as diabetes, vascular disease, or infections, that often manifest in the feet.

They can write directly to your GP or refer you to other specialists for further investigations, ensuring you receive timely, targeted care.

One significant advantage of seeing a Podiatrist is their ability to issue written orders to pharmacists.

This allows them to prescribe medications such as antibiotics for infections or antifungal treatments, ensuring prompt and effective care without unnecessary delays.

Scope of Practice

Podiatrists are trained to address a wide variety of conditions affecting not just the feet and ankles, but also the lower limbs, including the knees, hips, and even the lower back in certain cases. This holistic approach is particularly important because problems in the feet or lower extremities can often impact or be a result of issues higher up in the body.

As highly trained healthcare professionals, podiatrists play a crucial role in maintaining mobility and improving the quality of life for individuals with chronic conditions or foot-related injuries. Their expertise extends from routine foot care to advanced treatment options, ensuring comprehensive support for patients' foot health.