ARE PODIATRISTS AND FOOT HEALTH PRACTITIONERS THE SAME?
Podiatrists and Foot Health Practitioners are not the same, though both are involved in foot care. Here are the key differences:
Podiatrists:
Receive extensive medical training, can diagnose and treat complex foot conditions, perform minor surgeries, and prescribe medications.
Foot Health Practitioners:
Focus on general foot care and maintenance such as nail trimming and callus removal, and provide general foot hygiene advice.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PODIATRY AND FOOT HEALTH CARE?
While both Podiatry and Foot Health Practitioners provide important foot care services, Podiatrists receive extensive medical training and a broader scope of practice. Foot Health Practitioners focuses on general maintenance and minor treatments.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR PODIATRY OR FOOT HEALTH APPOINTMENT?
Whether you visit a Podiatrist or a Foot Health Practitioner, your foot care professional will take a detailed medical history and may request a list of your medications. They will assess the anatomy of your foot to create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your specific foot health needs.
During your treatment, both Podiatrists and Foot Health Practitioners may use pre-sterilised instruments and apply various techniques to address your concerns. Podiatrists, in particular, may also perform foot mobilisation techniques, offer medicaments, and, if necessary, provide local anesthesia for procedures like nail surgery.
Podiatrists are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council and are members of the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists. Their extended scope of practice allows them to perform advanced procedures, such as foot mobilisation and minor surgeries.
WHAT CAN PODIATRY AND FOOR HEALTH CARE TREAT?
WE ALSO OFFER
- Foot Health Education
- Orthoses and arch supports
- Cycling shoe inserts
- Footwear Advice
