What is a Podiatrist and their training
What is a Podiatrist and their training
When it comes to taking care of our bodies, our feet often get overlooked. Enter the podiatrist, a healthcare professional dedicated to the health and wellbeing of our feet and ankles. Podiatrists play a vital role in diagnosing, treating and preventing a wide range of foot related conditions, ensuring that we can continue to stand, walk and run comfortably. They often sub-specialise with extensive additional specialist training in different areas of foot health such as diabetic foot, musculoskeletal problems, and surgery.
Common Conditions Treated by Podiatrists
Podiatrists are equipped to address a wide variety of foot and ankle conditions including:
- Ingrown Toenails: Podiatrists can safely remove ingrown toenails and provide guidance on preventing future occurrences
- Plantar Fasciitis: They diagnose and treat this painful condition that affects the heel and bottom of the foot. Shockwave therapy and custom orthotics are common effective treatments.
- Bunions: Podiatrists can offer both conservative and surgical solutions for this bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe. Custom orthotics are often a good way of managing them conservatively.
- Diabetic Foot Care: Patients with diabetes are susceptible to foot complications, and podiatrists specialise in preventing and treating diabetic foot ulcers, infections and neuropathy.
- Sports Injuries: Podiatrists work with athletes to treat and prevent injuries like sprains, fractures, and Achilles tendonitis. Biomechanical assessments and gait analysis is often a very useful way of assessing how someone moves. Custom orthotics can often help with changing function and managing certain conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the difference between a Podiatrist and Chiropodist
The terms “podiatrist” and “chiropodist” are often used interchangeably, and the distinction between them varies by region. Historically, chiropody focused primarily on the treatment of corns, calluses, and minor foot ailments, while podiatry encompasses a broader scope of foot health. In modern practice, both terms generally refer to the same profession.
Who Is a Podiatrist and What Is His Function
A podiatrist is a specialised healthcare professional who focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions affecting the feet and lower extremities. Podiatrists are trained to handle a diverse range of foot and ankle problems, ranging from minor issues like ingrown toenails and calluses to complex conditions such as diabetic foot ulcers and sports related injuries.
What Kind of Doctor Is a Podiatrist
In the UK, a podiatrist is a healthcare professional who specialises in the field of podiatry. Podiatrists are often referred to as chiropodists as well but podiatry is more encompassing. They focus on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions related to the feet, ankles, and lower limbs. They hold a degree in podiatry and are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to practise legally.
What Training Is Required for A Podiatrist
They undergo extensive training which typically includes a 3 year undergraduate training with 1000 clinic hours experience before registration. Following this they can then further specialise in different areas such as diabetic foot, musculoskeletal problems, and surgery where specialist training is undertaken.
