The role of a chiropodist and podiatrist within the UK is to assess and determine any abnormalities of the lower limb area of a patient, specifically the foot.

Most patients that a chiropodist will deal with include young children, the elderly and those who have diabetes and arthritis.

In order to become a chiropodist you first need to enrol in a chiropody training. Once a course has been completed you can then apply to work in a GP surgery, hospital, clinic, health centre or even in schools and nursing homes around the UK.

Those who enrol in a course will find that it takes three years to complete the course, this will then result in a degree being obtained by the HPC, which is the Health Professionals Council. This degree is essential should you want to work within the NHS.

The term chiropody is the practice of a fully qualified doctor specializing in foot ailments. Doctors who have gone through the normal channels of medical school perform diagnosis, treatment and offer preventative measures against problems which affect the lower limbs, ankles and feet. Many times, the doctor will open up their own chiropody centre, which adds to the feeling of being a fully prepared and qualified doctor. In the UK, chiropody treatments are usually charged at around £30 per hour, in London.

How to Become A Chiropodist

Firstly, you need to get accepted onto a medical school program and study to be a doctor for around 4 years. You need to be accepted onto a residency program and shadow a fully qualified doctor. Once you gain your degree and qualification, you are able to diagnose, treat and prevent foot illnesses in patients.

What Ailments and Conditions do People Suffer From?

The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists is a Trade Union and professional governing body for those who are qualified and registered as chiropodists and podiatrists. The society is for those who are qualified and practicing within the Untied Kingdom of which approximately 10,000 people within this trade are registered. This number not only includes those who are qualifies but students, private chiropodists and podiatrists and those working with the UK's NHS.

In terms of education the society plays a vital part as it monitors the education of this field as well as providing new opportunities for those already within the sector to develop thus gain access into different fields within the sector.

Chiropodists are commonly known to us as being foot doctors. If patients have any problems with their foot their doctor will typically refer them to a chiropodist to examine and diagnose the problem which in turn is the first point a cure or treatment will be revealed.

In addition to treating problems that are already present visits to your foot doctor for a check up is a good idea as they can also advise you on preventing any problems that could occur.

Here are some common practices that your local foot doctor will deal with on a daily basis.

Common problems that your foot doctor will see include verrucas, in grown toe nails, corns, fungal infections and callouses. It is important to get these conditions treated as soon as you can before the condition worsens which could cause further problems. Leaving conditions such as verrucas can also put other members of your household at risk as the condition can spread easily.

Chiropody is the treatment of patients who suffer from lower limb problems such as verrucas, corns, fallen arches, bone deformities and other musculoskeletal problems. A chiropodist or podiatrist (same meaning) has to undergo a lengthy process to become qualified. It takes excellent college grades, medical school, at least two years of residency and then obtaining a license, if the person wishes to run their own practice or find other chiropody jobs.

A common reason patients are referred to a chiropodist is heel pain. The correct term is plantar fasciitis which is known more commonly as a heel spur. The plantar fascia is the tissue which runs along the base of the foot from toes to heels and is a fibrous band of tissue. Sufferers feel extreme pain from untreated plantar fasciitis as Calcium can be deposited which feels similar to standing on a thorn.

Many people dream of becoming a doctor and understand the route into medicine is a long one which requires years of dedication and hard work. After going through the motions of college, medical school and internships, you the have the life changing decision of what area to specialize in. Over the past twenty years, podiatry has become more popular and in more demand due to a higher amount of diabetes sufferers and sports professionals injuries. A podiatrist and chiropodist are the same profession, just different names.

Our feet are one of the most important parts of our bodies, they keep us standing up, help us walk and run. They have to be able to hold our full body weight and are subjected to heavy pounding from everyday walking or running. Human feet are very complicated structures. They are filled with ligaments, muscles, nerves and 26 bones. It is a complex profession being a chiropodist especially as they also treat ankle problems which are even more complicated.