The Duties of a Chiropodist

If suffering from foot pain in the United Kingdom, you would likely visit a chiropodist. A chiropodist serves as a podiatrist, or foot doctor in the UK. The duties of a chiropodist are similar to those of a podiatrist, performing routine procedures and minor surgery.

Assessment

Chiropodists take a medical history and perform physical examinations to determine the nature of the problem and what symptoms are present. They also perform tests and X-rays to obtain more information and rule out broken bones or systemic diseases. Once chiropodists have enough information to make a diagnosis, they prescribe a treatment. 

Practice

Chiropodists treat common foot ailments such as bunions, fungal infections and in-grown toenails, but they also treat more serious conditions such as tendon pain and tumors in the feet. Chiropodists provide treatment to prevent future problems. For example, chiropodists may prescribe braces or shoes to correct the alignment of the foot and ankle. 

Types

Chiropodists often specialize in a particular area of foot care. Some chiropodists work with athletes to treat sports-related injuries. Others work with diabetics to treat diabetes-related conditions. There are chiropodists who specialize in minor surgery and those who focus on gait analysis to correct patient's walk. 

Education

In the United States, chiropodists complete an undergraduate degree and a 4-year podiatric program. They must sit for a three-part American Podiatric Medical Licensing Examination to earn licensure and any state exams that may apply. In the UK, chiropodists complete a 3-year program and apply for credentials from the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, or the Institute of Chiropodists and Podiatrists.