Podiatrist

Job overview
Podiatrists' work is the diagnosis and management of problems, injuries or pathology relating to the human foot.

What do people do in this job?
Podiatrists are concerned with both the prevention and the cure of foot disorders.

After a thorough physical examination, which may include the use of X-rays etc., podiatrists decide on courses of treatment for their patients.

This may include the administering of medicine, the prescription of exercises or special shoes and other aids.

Podiatrists may have to design special devices to help their patients overcome their problems.

For example, a plaster cast of the foot can be made and an insole or orthotic of plastic or other artificial material manufactured.

Podiatrists also cover ordinary foot care, e.g. cutting toe-nails and removing calluses and corns, especially for the aged and infirm.

Doctors often refer patients with conditions such as knock-knees, inwardly turned feet, uneven tread or sports injuries to podiatrists.

Podiatrists also treat abnormal skin conditions of the foot, for example fungal infections.

Podiatrists' experience and knowledge of the foot also enable them to identify diseases that initially manifest themselves in patients' limbs and feet.

These cases, which fall outside their field of treatment, are referred to physicians.

Podiatrists are also able to perform minor surgical procedures under local anaesthesia, for example the removal of an ingrown toenail.

Involvement in Primary Health Care Education is also becoming part of podiatrists' role in health teams.

What kinds of people are suitable for this career?
Manual dexterity and sound eye-hand coordination are essential, because podiatrists have to perform most of their tasks with their hands.

They must be able to apply their theoretical knowledge effectively in diagnosis and take responsibility for the care of their patients.

Sound interpersonal skills, sympathetic interest in and patience with people are indispensable.

Podiatrists must be able to express themselves clearly when giving recommendations or explaining treatment procedures.

What qualifications are needed?
Podiatrists normally undergo a course of tertiary training, which will include anatomy, physiology etc.