What is Podiatry?
Podiatry is the modern term for Chiropody.
A Podiatrist is a highly trained foot health expert, which nowadays includes a wider range of practice than used to be undertaken by chiropodists. Nevertheless, we still maintain and highly value those core skills in dealing with difficult nails, corns and callous.
Now we have added knowledge of biomechanics; how the foot functions in gait, and how abnormalities in foot function can affect the rest of the body. This allows us to provide immediate relief of painful problems and also address the underlying biomechanical causes with insoles and orthoses.
We also have an important role in assessing the circulatory and neurological aspects of foot health. This is particularly important with those people who have diabetes and other medical problems that may make them vulnerable to complications with healing in the feet.
Podiatrists take a three year honours degree course in podiatry medicine. For further information about podiatry see The society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists website - www.feetforlife.com
Podiatrists are regulated by the Health Professions Council - www.hpc-uk.org