Chiropody & Podiatry
Podiatry is the area of medicine concerned with
the treatment of disorders of the foot Podiatry is derived from the Greek 'pod' meaning foor.
The practice of podiatry is regulated by the Health Professions Council (HPC) which is concerned with ensuring that practitioners maintain acceptable standards of practice. From 2008 the HPC will be monitoring the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) of podiatrists, the professions being the first HPC regulated profession to be audited.
Chiropody (ki-roppadi) also derived from Greek is concerned with the care and treatment of feet. This is perhaps a more familiar professional designation.
The terms Chiropody and Podiatry are nowadays effectively interchangeable.
The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists is the professional body to whom a substantial number of podiatrists and chiropodists belong.
Since 2003 the titles 'Podiatrist' and 'Chiropodist' have been protected by law and can only be used by persons registered with the HPC.
The field of podiatry and chiropody covers a wide range of treatments.
Chiropody. The diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as Ingrown toe nails, corns, callus, blisters, Athlete's foot, painful cracks in the skin, foot wear and foot care advice for all patients.
Podiatric Biomechanics
An integral part of evaluating and treating lower limb pathology (symptoms) Gait analysis is part of this process.
Orthotic therapy
Using the biomechanical evaluation, an orthotic is evolved. An orthotic is an orthopaedic appliance used to support, align, prevent or correct deformities or to improve function of moveable parts of the body.
Cryo-surgery
The treatment of lesions caused by a virus such as Veruccae Pedis using Liquid Nitrogen.
Nail Surgery
Carried out under local anaesthetic. This can be a partial or total nail removal (avulsion) for long term treatment of ingrown toe nail plates or very thickened nails that are giving rise to painful symptoms.
Foot surgery
Podiatric foot surgeons operate and carry out bone surgery of the foot, such as to remove what are commonly known as bunions, and straighten claw toes. They work in the NHS and in Private Practice. This invasive surgery is not available at Brightwell Clinic but the Podiatrist will be able to advise whether such surgery is likely to be appropriate and may be able to recommend a podiatric foot surgeon.
Click on any of the above links to find more information about each particular area.