What is Podiatry? Complete Guide to Foot Health | MedGo2U

Podiatry is the medical field that deals with the health of your feet, ankles, and lower legs. A Podiatrist is a specialist who treats problems like nail and skin issues, foot pain, and movement difficulties, helping keep your feet healthy and working properly.

What is Podiatry?

Podiatry, once called chiropody, focuses on keeping your feet and lower legs healthy. Podiatrists diagnose and treat many problems, from simple issues like calluses and ingrown toenails to serious conditions like sports injuries, diabetic foot problems, and foot deformities.

Podiatrists not only relieve pain but also improve movement, daily life, and prevent future problems. They play a crucial role for people with long-term conditions like diabetes, helping prevent serious complications and amputations. (World Health Organization, 2023).

Who Can Benefit from Seeing a Podiatrist?

Nearly everyone can benefit from professional podiatric care at some point, as foot health is integral to overall wellness and movement. However, certain groups should prioritize regular check-ups:

Individuals with Diabetes: Diabetes can cause nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor circulation, leading to serious foot ulcers. Regular screenings and preventative care are essential for early detection and management (NHS, 2024).
The Elderly: As we age, foot structures change, and conditions like arthritis or loss of fat padding can lead to chronic pain and falls. Podiatrists help maintain mobility and independence.
Athletes and Active Individuals: Podiatrists treat sports-related injuries such as Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and advise on appropriate footwear and orthotics to optimize performance and prevent re-injury (Reddy et al., 2024).
Children: Podiatrists can assess developmental issues like flat feet, toe walking, and growing pains that can affect long-term posture and gait.

Common Conditions and Treatments Podiatrists Handle

A Podiatrist's scope of practice is broad, encompassing various areas of care:

Skin and Nail Care

Ingrown Toenails: Surgical or non-surgical removal and management.
Corns and Calluses: Professional reduction to relieve pressure and pain.
Warts (Verrucae): Various treatment options, including chemical treatments or cryotherapy.
Fungal Infections: Diagnosis and prescribed topical or oral treatments.

Musculoskeletal and Biomechanics

Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Pain): Treatment includes stretching, physical therapy, and custom-made orthotics.
Bunions and Hammertoes: Assessment, conservative management, and surgical referrals.
Custom Orthotics: Devices designed specifically for your feet to correct gait, improve alignment, and reduce strain on the joints.

High-Risk Foot Care (Diabetic & Circulatory Issues)

Vascular and Neurological Assessments: Routine checks to monitor sensation and blood flow.
Ulcer Management: Debridement, dressing, and pressure relief to promote healing and prevent infection. Research shows that early, specialized podiatry care significantly reduces amputation rates in diabetic patients (British Journal of Podiatry, 2023).

Why Choose a Registered Podiatrist?

Choosing a healthcare professional registered with a statutory body (like the HCPC in the UK) ensures they have the necessary training, qualifications, and adherence to professional standards. Unlike beauty technicians, a qualified Podiatrist has the clinical knowledge to differentiate between a simple callus and a sign of an underlying systemic disease. They use sterilized equipment and apply expert medical knowledge to treat conditions safely and effectively.

Safety & Tips for Optimal Foot Health

Inspect Your Feet Daily: Look for cuts, blisters, swelling, or changes in nail color, especially if you have diabetes.
Wear Supportive Shoes: Choose footwear that provides adequate cushioning and space for your toes. Avoid wearing the same pair every day.
Moisturize (But Not Between Toes): Keep skin supple to prevent cracks, but moisture between the toes can encourage fungal growth.
Trim Nails Properly: Cut toenails straight across to prevent ingrown nails.

Conclusion

Your feet form the foundation of your body, supporting every step and movement you make each day. Podiatry provides specialist care that goes beyond comfort. It helps you stay mobile, prevents serious health problems, and improves your overall quality of life.

If you feel foot pain, manage a long-term condition, or simply want healthier feet, do not ignore them. Seek a qualified podiatrist for home visits or virtual consultations. Take action now by consulting a registered podiatrist for a full assessment and a treatment plan designed just for you.

If you're looking for a podiatrist in Sutton, book an appointment with Mohammed R., a verified HCPC-registered podiatrist offering home and video consultations across the city.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is home podiatry as effective as clinic podiatry?

Yes, mobile podiatry often covers routine care, diabetic checks, and general maintenance for the elderly or those with limited mobility. It brings expert care and equipment directly to the patient's home, removing travel barriers and providing personalized treatment. (On the Go Rehab, 2025).

How often should I see a Podiatrist for routine care?

For most healthy people, a yearly check-up is enough. However, if you have diabetes, ongoing foot pain, or conditions like recurring ingrown toenails, your podiatrist may suggest visits every 6 to 12 weeks.

What is the difference between a Podiatrist and an Orthopaedic Surgeon?

A Podiatrist (or Chiropodist) focuses on non-surgical diagnosis and conservative treatment of the foot and lower limb. An Orthopaedic Surgeon is a medical doctor who specializes in surgical treatment for the entire musculoskeletal system, including complex foot and ankle surgery, often working closely with Podiatrists.

Can a Podiatrist prescribe antibiotics?

Yes, in the UK, a Podiatrist who has completed the necessary training and registration (often indicated by annotation on the HCPC register) can be legally authorized to prescribe certain prescription-only medicines, including antibiotics, for foot-related infections.

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References

World Health Organization (WHO). (2023). Diabetes Programme.
NHS. (2024). Looking after your feet.
British Journal of Podiatry. (2023). The Role of Podiatry in Diabetic Foot Care.
Reddy et al. (2024). Clinical outcomes of custom orthotics in managing plantar fasciitis. Journal of Clinical Biomechanics.
On the Go Rehab. (2025). Why Mobile Podiatrist Aged Care Services Are Transforming Elderly Foot Health.

About the Reviewer

Mohammed R. is a Specialist Podiatrist with seven years of clinical and domiciliary experience within the NHS. He manages a wide range of foot health needs, including nail pathology, callus and corn care, wound debridement, ulcer offloading, and insole guidance. Known for his organised, empathetic, and patient-focused approach, he consistently delivers effective care even in high-pressure environments.