Podiatrist : Job description

A podiatrist, also known as a chiropodist, assesses, diagnoses and treats problems of the foot and lower leg (below the knee). Their specialist skills focus on tending infections, ailments, defects and injuries of the foot and lower leg, as well as treating foot and nail conditions related to other major health disorders (e.g. diabetes). Podiatrists also provide preventative care and advice to patients and community groups.

Podiatrist and chiropodist are interchangeable when talking about the profession. Since 2003, both 'podiatrist' and 'chiropodist' have been protected titles and anyone wishing to practise under either title must register with the Health Professions Council (HPC) .

Typical work activities

Podiatrists offer treatment for a range of dermatological and other foot-related problems.

Treatment regimes provided by podiatrists include ointments and non-prescription medication for minor conditions. For bigger issues, solutions include the prescription medications, orthotics, cryotherapy, electrosurgery, ultrasonics, specialised dressings and exercise therapies.

Typical work activities include:

• assessing, diagnosing and treating abnormalities and diseases related to the foot and lower limb in people of all ages;
• providing treatment of disorders among high-risk patient groups such as the elderly and those with increased risk of amputation;
• providing advice and making referrals as appropriate;
• using therapeutic and surgical techniques to treat foot and lower leg issues (e.g. carrying out nail and soft tissue surgery using local anaesthesia);
• prescribing, producing and fitting orthotics and other aids and appliances;
• delivering foot health education, particularly to more vulnerable social groups including the homeless, the elderly, children and those with medical problems such as osteo-arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis;
• working closely with other medical practitioners such as doctors, nurses, health visitors, physiotherapists and complementary practitioners in the provision of multidisciplinary team delivery of healthcare;
• understanding the mechanics of the body in order to preserve, restore and develop movement;
• working with men and women in sports to address sports-related injuries to legs and feet;
• using a range of equipment including surgical instruments, dressings, treatment tables, orthotic (inner sole) materials, lasers, grinders, shaping equipment, x-ray and video gait-analysis equipment (which allows for analysis of patients' walking or running problems).