Podiatry / Chiropody

Podiatry (also known as chiropody) is the diagnosis and treatment by podiatrists (chiropodists) of diseases and other disorders of the feet. Podiatrists are highly skilled health professionals who have been trained to prevent, diagnose, treat and rehabilitate abnormal conditions of the feet and lower limbs. They also prevent and correct deformity, keep people mobile and active, relieve pain and treat infections.

When do I need to see a podiatrist?

If your feet hurt, something is wrong. In this case we recommend that you visit a podiatrist, who will advise you on the best course of treatment. You can also prevent foot problems before they occur by visiting a local podiatrist for advice on how to keep your feet healthy and in top condition.

Why do I need to see a podiatrist?

Podiatrists are highly trained professionals registered by the Health Professionals Council (HPC) that have trained solely in the area of the foot and lower limb for several years. In order to become an HPC registered practitioner a podiatrist will have undertaken and passed a full time degree in podiatry at one of thirteen schools of podiatry within the UK or will have met stringent entrance criteria set by the HPC.

Health Professionals Council (HPC)

The HPC is an UK-wide regulatory body, which regulates 13 health professions. Since July 2005, only those chiropodists and podiatrists who have satisfied the criteria for registration with the HPC can call themselves a chiropodist and podiatrist. To use these titles when not on the register is an offence.

All members of the Society that are practising chiropodists and podiatrists are members of the HPC.

A podiatrist can treat or advise you on:

•Acupuncture
•Ageing feet
•Athlete’s Foot
•Biomechanics
•Blisters
•Bunions
•Callus
•Chilblains
•Corns
•Diabetes (foot related)
•Footwear
•Fungal infections
•Gout
•Heel pain
•Homoeopathy
•Insoles (orthotics)
•Ingrown toenails
•Laser therapy
•Osteoarthritis
•Podopaediatrics (children’s feet)
•Rheumatoid arthritis
•Sports medicine
•Surgery
•Sweaty feet
•Toe deformities
•Toenail cutting
•Verrucae
•Walking and hiking
•Working feet

Priya Chavda MChS BSc (Hons) HPC Registered Podiatrist