Chiropody and Podiatry

  • Jamie Luckie

    Podiatrist

    Jamie is a HCPC registered Podiatrist, qualifying from the University of East London...

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The profession of chiropody is the branch of medicine that deals with the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of the foot, ankle and lower leg.

ARE CHIROPODISTS AND PODIATRISTS THE SAME?

There is no difference between a chiropodist or a podiatrist. The term podiatry is used in place of chiropodist because it is a more up to date term.

Podiatrists are qualified to treat people for a number of different conditions including; some conditions of the skin, callus and corn treatment, perform nail surgery under local anaesthesia, diabetic foot assessments and wound care, conditions of the foot related to arthritis, sports injuries, orthotic prescription and offer advice on foot health and falls prevention.

Podiatrists usually operate out of a clinical setting, however may also arrange a domiciliary service should it be required for those with mobility difficulties.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CHIROPODY AND PODIATRY?

There is no difference between chiropody and podiatry. Chiropody is the old term for treatment by a foot health professional but the term podiatry is becoming increasingly used as it is a common term, used all over the world, for treatment by a foot health professional.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR PODIATRY APPOINTMENT?

Your podiatrist will require a list of your medication and will take a detailed medical history, assessing the anatomy of your foot to create a personal treatment plan for your individual foot health needs.

During your treatment the podiatrist may need to use pre sterilised instruments and/or mobilisation techniques as well as offer medicaments.

Your podiatrist is registered with the Health Care Professions Council and is a member of the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, with extended scope of practice for ‘Foot Mobilisation’ and local anaesthetic to carry out nail surgery.

Podiatrists often work closely with other healthcare professionals. You may be offered a referral should it be required.

Innovations in podiatry and advancements in technology have led to a better understanding of footwear choices and the importance of functional orthoses. These orthotic devices work to re-align the body during the gait cycle (a complete stride) and therefore assist in protecting the foot against forces experienced when walking or running.

WHAT CAN CHIROPODY TREAT?

  • Aching and/or tired feet
  • Musckuloskeletal problems
  • Biomechanical abnormalities of the foot and ankle
  • Flat feet and fallen arches
  • Hammer toes
  • Mortons neuroma (nerve entrapment)
  • Metatarsalgia (metatarsal joint pain)
  • Stiff and rigid feet
  • Surgical referral and post-operative treatment and advice (orthoses may be indicated)
  • Skin conditions
  • Corns and Callus
  • Verrucae and warts
  • Fungal infections of the skin and nails
  • Diabetic foot health
  • Arthritic changes
  • Foot ulceration (wound care)
  • Infections
  • Sports Injuries
  • Paediatric (children’s) feet
  • Padding and strapping

WE ALSO OFFER

  • Foot Health Education
  • Orthoses and arch supports
  • Ski boot inserts
  • Cycling shoe inserts
  • Footwear Advice

HOW MUCH DOES A CHIROPODY TREATMENT COST?

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