Tell someone you’re suffering with your feet and the chances are they’ll suggest you see a ‘chiropodist’. Make a quick Google search for a helpful foot specialist and you’ll see ‘podiatrist’ appear in most of the results.
But who should you consult when your feet need a little more than just TLC – chiropodistor podiatrist?
Well, the answer to this one is fairly easy – chiropodists and podiatrists do the same thing. Whilst podiatry is the more modern title for the branch of health care professionals concerned with looking after your feet, you’ll often find people refer to them as chiropodists still.
Chiropodists and podiatrists – whichever title you might see being used – are both trained in the same areas of foot care and both have similar experience. Crucially, whether a professional uses the term podiatrist or chiropodist, they must be registered with the HCPC – a body which regulates health care professionals to ensure you get the best care and be insured.
What does a podiatrist do?
Your feet are arguably the most robust part of your body: they carry your weight everywhere you walk for your entire life and so looking after them is vital to being healthy and feeling well.
Giving you the best possible care and advice to help you look after your feet is the job of a podiatrist. They might do this by treating common problems, such as ingrown toenails or corns and calluses. They could also provide care for your feet if you suffer from long-term conditions such as diabetes or arthritis.
Your podiatrist will help you look after your feet so that you can be comfortable and mobile.
When should I see a podiatrist?
Most people will suffer with a foot problem or condition at some point in their life, but only about 50% of people actually seek help for it.
Whilst you might hope for the issue to go away, consulting a foot specialist early on could prevent unnecessary pain or prevent any long-lasting damage or injury from happening.
We treat clients with conditions ranging from fungal nail infections and Athlete’s Foot through to sprains and strains, as well as a lot more. Our advice is always to seek professional advice if you are suffering with any discomfort, pain or injury.
Booking an appointment with a podiatrist
If you have a problem or condition affecting your feet, you should consult a podiatrist for specialist advice. On occasion, referrals may be required to your GPor other allied health professionals.
Most podiatrists, like A Step Ahead Podiatry, operate privately and our clients contact us directly for consultations and treatments. Whilst we provide our services privately, we still operate within strict clinical guidelines to ensure that you get the best possible care in the right way.
A Step Ahead Podiatry provides a home-visit service so you can receive consultations and treatments with the convenience and comfort of being in a familiar environment.
We look after clients in Glasgow and the surrounding areas, so if you’re having any problems with your feet and would like to find out more about how a podiatrist can help you, please get in touch online or call us on 0330 311 0599.
