Chiropodists diagnose and treat a wide range of problems on the foot and lower leg. They seek to determine the cause of ailments, diseases and deformities of the foot. They discuss treatment options with patients and give advice on how to stop the problem from recurring. If a complete cure is not possible, the patient is kept comfortable and preventative measures are taken to stop the condition from worsening.
Treatment can involve the use of scalpels and occasionally local anaesthetic. With advanced chiropody training, it is possible to carry out minor surgery such as removing bunions.
Chiropodists play an important part in educating the public about the importance of healthy feet. This can involve talking to patients and addressing groups, such as the parents of young children. They work with other health professionals including orthopaedic specialists, GPs and health visitors.
To become a chiropodist/podiatrist you need a degree in podiatry approved by the Health Professions Council (HPC). This will make you eligible for state registration and membership of the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists (SCP), the professional body and trade union for podiatrists.
Details of approved degree programmes are available from both the HPC and SCP websites; check the Further Information section for contact details.
The minimum academic entry requirements for a degree in podiatry are usually five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3), including maths, English, and biology or human biology, plus two or three A levels/H grades including a biological science. An Access to Higher Education qualification may also be accepted for entry to certain courses. Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.
Entry requirements for mature applicants may vary, however, it is likely you will need to show evidence of recent science-based academic study. If you already have a degree in a subject such as biology, nursing, physiology or zoology, you may be able to gain some examination exemptions on a podiatry course.
Some people work solely in private practice as Foot Health Practitioners (FHPs), delivering routine foot care to the general public. Many FHPs undertake a Diploma in Foot Health Practice and join the Voluntary Register of Foot Health Practitioners, administered by The Alliance of Private Sector Chiropody and Podiatry Practitioners. The HPC recognise The Alliance as a professional body in this field; check Further Information for contact details.
After completion of the Foot Health Practitioner course, qualified Foot Health Practitioners can attend to all common conditions that affect the foot and leg. These can range from routine care of nails, treatment of verrucas, corns, hard skin, callous, through to functional problems of the foot.
