Chiropody is an allied branch of medicine that specializes on the general science of foot care. To become a licensed chiropodist, you need to take 3 to 5 years of medical education that focuses on chiropody training.
In the past, there are sub-professional chiropody courses and special trainings that award certificates for individuals who want to become foot health practitioners. But in order to protect chiropody as a special branch of medicine and to protect the title of Chiropodist, the sub-pro certification system has been abolished by medical institutions.
Today, if you want to be called a Chiropodist, you need at least 3 years of undergraduate education specializing on the science of chiropody. You must also pass a licensure examination so you can practice as a Chiropodist.
Core Chiropody Courses
If you study to become a Chiropodist, you will be required to take standard undergraduate as well as basic medicine courses. However, there are specialized chiropody courses that are considered as the core programs of the profession.
Some of the core chiropody courses are biomechanics, orthotics, podopediatrics, and surgery. Biomechanics is a major area in the general practice chiropody medicine. This subject area involves diagnosing problems caused by misaligned joints in the foot or lower leg. Chiropody courses on biomechanics also involve the study of muscle dynamics of the feet and lower legs.
For the diagnosis, treatment, and proper care of joints and muscles of the feet of infants and children, the area of podopediatrics is required. Chiropody training on podopediatrics will enable you to treat foot problems of babies and small children.
Orthotics is a special study about the use of custom insoles to relieve biomechanics discomfort and prevent joint degeneration. As a chiropodist, you will work closely with a specialist on orthotics to give proper diagnosis of foot injuries and conditions.
Surgery is a highly specialized area of study. In most cases, you will provide medical assistance to a general surgeon during major foot operations. However, there are increasing numbers of chiropodists who get specialized surgical courses for outpatient procedures under local anesthetics. It is important for you to take surgical chiropody courses if you want to become a foot doctor specialist.
Other Areas of Chiropody Courses
After 3 to 5 years of chiropody studies, you can have the option of practicing clinical foot care or you can proceed to postgraduate studies. Postgraduate courses on chiropody will open greater opportunities for you.