Podiatry Explained
The role of the podiatrist is to maintain and improve patient mobility, to alleviate foot pain, provide health education and thereby improving one’s quality of life.
The role of the podiatrist is to maintain and improve patient mobility, to alleviate foot pain, provide health education and thereby improving one’s quality of life.
Podiatry is simply the new name for Chiropody. The name was changed in 1993 it is the international recognised name for a foot specialist. Students undertake extensive training over 3 years to obtain an Honours Degree. Podiatrists treat a huge range of foot and lower limb problems. Along with day to day treatments for corns and hard skin, specialties exist within the profession for almost any lower limb problem.
Assess and treat all foot problems, ranging from corn and callus to deformity. Analyse a person's walk or run and correct any abnormalities through prescription of orthotics. Orthotics are made insoles which can be prescribed to achieve this. Monitor and manage foot problems and deformities caused by diseases such as Rheumatoid Arthritis. Advise and treat patients with a high risk of foot problems such as people who suffer from Diabetes.
Yes, for complex issues you must see a podiatrist! You must always ensure that your Podiatrist is HCPC Registered as the Health and Care Professions Council regulate the standards of proficiency in order to protect members of the public.
HCPC Registration means registration with the Health and Care Professions Council. This is the regulatory body for Chiropody/Podiatry and others in the Allied Health Professions. Registration with the HCPC ensures the practitioner meets certain minimum standards of education.
(Foot Healthcare Practitioners do have a big role in the foot-care industry. If you are just looking for standard basic footcare, an FHP may be able to offer you this service. They can not be called Podiatrists or Chiropodists, due to the very different types of qualification and skills attained.)
