What is podiatry?
Podiatry is an internationally recognised term for the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the foot and ankle. There is no difference between podiatry and chiropody – the latter is simply a term used in certain countries only. A podiatrist(or chiropodist) is an expert on feet, as well as the way we walk and how this can affect other joints, who provides specialised food care.
The main areas that a podiatrist may be involved in are:
-
biomechanics - looking at how the feet and body work together (often alongside a physiotherapist) and how the way we walk may affect other joints. This includes the treatment of problems such as poor gait with exercises or by using special foot devices including insole supports, and how to address mobility problems and fall prevention
-
monitoring and treating a range of foot and lower limb conditions, including injury, ulceration, infected sores and problems related to illnesses such as Parkinson’s. In a few instances a podiatrist may administer surgery for nail problems, often under local anaesthetic. More serious surgery would be carried out by a podiatric surgeon in hospital
-
advice on footwear and how to keep feet healthy, and how to deal with minor problems such as corns, bunions and in-growing toenails. They can also help family members and carers to undertake simple treatments on behalf of the person they care for if they are unable to reach their feet, grip appropriate instruments such as nail clippers, or use them safely because of tremor and other movement difficulties.
Our thanks to the following for their help with this information
-
Professor Jim Woodburn, Professor of Rehabilitation, School of Health
& Social Care and HealthQWest, Glasgow Caledonian
University, Scotland, and Colin Peacock, Peacocks Medical Group, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
