What Does A Chiropodist Do

When was the last time you thought about your feet? Probably not recently, right? Our feet, often overlooked, play a significant role in our overall health. This is where a chiropodist comes into play. But what exactly does a chiropodist do, and why is their role so important? This blog will cover everything about chiropody and discover how these specialists keep us on our feet.

What is a Chiropodist?

A chiropodist, also known as a podiatrist in some regions, is a healthcare professional specialising in diagnosing and treating foot-related issues. While the terms chiropodist and podiatrist are often used interchangeably, chiropodist is more commonly used in the UK. Both professions deal with foot health, but podiatrists have a broader scope of practice in certain areas.

What Does a Chiropodist Do?

Chiropodists are experts in foot-related things, and they can diagnose and treat different conditions that can cause you pain and discomfort or limit your mobility. Here’s a look at some of the most common issues chiropodists can help you with:

Orthotics

Orthotic devices, often called orthoses, are custom-made shoe inserts designed to support, align, and improve foot function. Chiropodists assess the patient’s gait and foot structure to create bespoke orthotics that reduce pain, correct biomechanical issues, and provide comfort.

Diabetic Foot Care

People with diabetes are more likely to experience foot problems due to poor circulation and nerve damage. Chiropodists provide specialised care to manage and prevent complications such as ulcers and infections. This includes regular monitoring and treatment of any arising issues.

Nail Surgery

Chiropodists may perform minor surgical procedures for severe cases of ingrown toenails or fungal infections. Nail surgery involves removing the affected nail under local anaesthesia, followed by measures to prevent recurrence.

Biomechanical Assessments

Biomechanical assessments involve a thorough evaluation of the feet, legs, and overall posture. Chiropodists use these assessments to identify abnormalities and create treatment plans. These plans may include exercises, stretches, and the use of orthotics to correct imbalances and improve function.

Verruca Treatment

Verrucas, or plantar warts, are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and can be painful. Chiropodists offer various treatments to remove verrucas, such as cryotherapy (freezing), acid treatments, and other specialised techniques. So, it can promote the body’s immune response to clear the virus.

Corn and Callus Removal

Corns and calluses are areas of thickened skin that develop due to pressure or friction. Chiropodists use uninfected scalpels to carefully remove these hardened areas. Moreover, they provide immediate relief and advise on how to prevent recurrence through proper footwear and foot care.

Wound Care

Effective wound care is essential, especially for patients with chronic conditions like diabetes. Chiropodists are trained in cleaning, dressing, and managing foot wounds to promote healing and prevent infection.

Sports Injuries

From ankle sprains to stress fractures, chiropodists can help diagnose and treat sports injuries related to the foot and ankle. They can also recommend rehabilitation exercises to safely return to your favourite activities.

What are the Chiropody Diagnostic Methods used by a Chiropodist?

Before recommending the best course of treatment, your chiropodist will need to get a clear picture of what’s going on with your feet. They achieve this through a multi-step approach that combines:

Consultation and History:

• Discussion: Your chiropodist will ask detailed questions about your current foot concerns, past injuries, medical history, and overall health. This helps identify potential contributing factors.
• Family History: Understanding if any foot conditions run in your family can be helpful for diagnosis.

Physical Examination:

• Visual Inspection: Your chiropodist will closely examine your feet, looking for swelling, redness, deformities, skin changes, or signs of infection.
• Palpation: They will feel your feet to assess for tenderness, temperature variations, and any unusual bumps or masses.
• Range of Motion: They may check the movement of your ankles and toes to identify any limitations or pain.
• Gait Analysis: Observing how you walk can reveal gait abnormalities that might be contributing to your foot problems.

Additional Tests (if needed):

• X-rays: These provide detailed images of your bones to identify fractures, arthritis, or other bone abnormalities.
• Ultrasound: This painless test uses sound waves to create images of soft tissue structures like muscles, tendons, and ligaments, helping diagnose problems like tears or strains.
• Blood Tests: In some cases, blood tests may be needed to check for underlying conditions like diabetes or gout that can affect foot health.

When should you see a Chiropodist?

Your feet are the foundation that carries you throughout your day. Ignoring foot problems can lead to pain and limited mobility and even impact your overall health. But how do you know when a chiropodist’s expertise is needed? Here are some signs that you should see a chiropodist:

• Persistent Pain: Aching, sharp pains, or throbbing anywhere in your foot or ankle shouldn’t be ignored. Whether it’s heel pain, pain in the ball of your foot, or joint pain, a chiropodist can diagnose the cause and recommend treatment.
• Foot Abnormalities: Bunions, hammertoes, corns, and calluses can be uncomfortable and limit one’s ability to wear shoes. Early intervention from a chiropodist can prevent them from worsening.
• Skin and Nail Concerns: Discoloured, thick toenails, or an athlete’s foot that won’t go away are reasons to see a chiropodist. They can assess the problem and provide proper treatment to restore your feet’s health.
• Injury Recovery: Sprains, strains, or even a suspected fracture in your foot or ankle require proper evaluation and care. A chiropodist can provide treatment options like taping or orthotics to aid healing and recovery.
• Diabetes or Other Health Conditions: If you have diabetes, regular chiropodist visits are crucial. They can screen for nerve damage and other foot complications associated with diabetes. Additionally, certain health conditions, like arthritis, can benefit from a chiropodist’s expertise.
• Preventative Care: Just like visiting the dentist for regular checkups, seeing a chiropodist for routine foot care is a wise move. They can identify potential problems early on and offer advice on proper foot care to keep your feet healthy for years to come.

How Much Do Chiropodists Charge?

The cost of chiropodist services can vary depending on several factors, including:

• Location: Costs tend to be higher in urban areas compared to rural areas.
• Type of treatment: A routine foot care appointment will typically cost less than a procedure like ingrown toenail removal or custom orthotics.
• Length of appointment: Initial consultations often involve a more thorough assessment and may cost slightly more than follow-up appointments.

To give you a general idea, here’s a breakdown of some common chiropodist charges:

• Initial consultation: £55-£80 GBP
• Routine foot care: £30-£50 GBP
• Nail treatment (ingrown toenail, fungal nail): £40-£120 GBP (may depend on complexity)
• Orthotics: £250-£400 GBP

Conclusion

Healthy feet are essential for maintaining an active lifestyle and overall well-being. Chiropodists play a vital role in achieving this by providing complete foot care. From routine maintenance to addressing complex conditions, they offer various services to keep you moving comfortably.

Regular visits to a chiropodist can help prevent future problems and ensure early detection of any foot-related issues. Whether you’re an athlete pushing your limits or someone managing a chronic condition, a chiropodist can be your partner in maintaining healthy feet.

Furthermore, you can visit Wise Campus and explore our podiatry course to learn more about chiropody or podiatry. Our course is knowledge-based and targeted to provide you with knowledge on everything related to chiropody or podiatry.