The role of podiatry & chiropody in foot care
A chiropodist or podiatrist is a specialised foot doctor who treats people suffering from lower limb or common foot problems such as bunions and ingrown toenails. Although many people get confused in understanding the difference between a chiropodist and a podiatrist, to be honest there is no difference between the two. This is because podiatry is the new name given to chiropody in 1993. Both are considered as foot doctors in the UK and Ireland and both have acquired the same qualifications and experience.
Be it a podiatrist or a chiropodist, the role of these foot doctors is to advise you and your family on how to take care of your feet and the type of shoes that you need to wear. Podiatrists and chiropodists can also treat and alleviate day-to-day foot problems such as fungal or ingrown toenails. They can also treat calluses and corns, verrucas, smelly feet, cracked heels and athlete’s foot. Podiatrists and chiropodists can also help to ease the pain of people who have diabetic foot ulcers and diabetic foot.
How Does A Chiropodist Or Podiatrist Treat You?
If you are suffering from any kind of minor or serious foot issues then you can pay a visit to a chiropody and podiatry clinic. They can help you by professionally removing calluses and hard skin from your feet. Furthermore, they can also clip your toenails if you have fungal or nail infection and give you professional advice on the best ways in which you can take care of your feet properly.
A podiatric or chiropodist might also advise you to wear specific shoes or orthotic inserts to help you with your condition. In case your feet are flat or there are high arches in your feet then a chiropodist or podiatrist can provide you with a customised support that is suitable for your feet so that you feel more comfortable in walking. Orthotics is custom-made insoles that are used to minimise the symptoms that result from biomechanical problems. These insoles are usually provided to control excessive pronation called fallen arches and flat feet but they can also prove to be useful for many other conditions.
The emphasis of most chiropodists or podiatrists is on prevention rather than surgery as being the best form of medicine. Therefore, in order to address the foot pain they emphasise more on the patient taking care of their feet by wearing proper footwear and using orthotic inserts. Podiatrists or chiropodists also deal with biomechanics; they do this by treating problems that arise from the way your muscles function and joints are aligned. So, if you are having any such symptoms then you should definitely plan on visiting a chiropody and podiatry clinic. This is because if the condition accelerates then the pain from poor alignment can have a serious effect on not only your knees but lower back and hips.
So, if you are suffering from any of these foot conditions or other foot related injuries why not book in for an appointment with one of our fully trained and friendly podiatrists today.