Podiatry and Foot Health
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Are Podiatrists &
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.
Podiatry & Foot Health FAQs
What is podiatry?
What Is a Foot Health Appointment?
A foot health appointment is a professional assessment and treatment session focused on the health of your feet, ankles, and lower legs. It’s designed to prevent and treat common foot problems, improve comfort, and keep you moving pain-free.
During the appointment, a podiatrist or foot health specialist will:
- Review your medical history
- Examine your feet and ankles
- Identify issues like corns, calluses, fungal nails, or heel pain
- Recommend treatment or foot care advice
A foot health appointment is ideal if you have foot pain, nail problems, or want preventive care for long term foot health.
What conditions does a podiatrist treat?
Common conditions treated at our Poole podiatry clinic include:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Heel pain and arch pain
- Bunions and hammertoes
- Ingrown toenails
- Corns and calluses
- Athlete’s foot and fungal nails
- Ankle sprains and tendon injuries
- Diabetic foot care
- Flat feet and overpronation
Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist?
What happens during my first podiatry appointment?
Your first visit typically includes:
- A full medical history review
- Foot and ankle examination
- Gait and posture assessment
- Diagnosis and treatment plan
- Recommendations for orthotics, footwear, or exercises
Do podiatrists treat diabetic foot problems?
Yes. Diabetic foot care is a major part of podiatry. Our podiatrists provide:
- Foot risk assessments
- Wound care and ulcer prevention
- Nail and skin care
- Education on foot health and footwear
What is plantar fasciitis and how is it treated?
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot. Common treatments include:
- Stretching and strengthening exercises
- Orthotics and footwear advice
- Manual therapy
- Shockwave therapy (if available)
- Activity modification
What are orthotics and do I need them?
Orthotics are custom or off the shelf shoe inserts designed to support your feet and correct biomechanical issues. They can help with:
- Flat feet
- Overpronation
- Heel pain
- Arch pain
- Knee and hip pain
Your podiatrist will assess whether orthotics are right for you. (Not Foot Health)
Can podiatrists treat ingrown toenails?
Do podiatrists treat sports foot injuries?
Yes. We treat sports injuries such as:
- Ankle sprains
- Achilles tendonitis
- Stress fractures
- Plantar fasciitis
- Turf toe
- Shin splints
Are foot fungus and fungal nails treatable?
Yes. Fungal nail and skin infections are treatable by both or Podiatrist and Foot Health practitioner. Treatment options include:
- Topical antifungal medication
- Oral antifungal medication
- Nail debridement and cleaning
- Foot hygiene education
What should I wear to a podiatry appointment?
Is podiatry covered by insurance?
How do I book a podiatry appointment in Poole?
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