These are questions that are often asked
Q. What is the difference between Chiropody and podiadtry ?
Q. What is a 'State Registered' Chiropodist/Podiatrist ?
Q. What is the difference between Chiropody and podiadtry ?
A. None. The name was changed to podiatry in 1993 as it's the international recognised name for a foot specialist and also as it's slightly more appropriate; 'podiatry' refers just to feet while 'chiropody' refers to both feet and hands.
It is not just the name that has changed though. Podiatry is a constantly evolving profession, the extensive training given to students over the 3 or 4 years of their full time course and the continuing education after graduation enable Podiatrists to treat a vast array of foot and lower limb problems. Along with the most obvious treatments for corns and hard skin, specialties exist within the profession for almost any lower limb problem
Biomechanics A common area of practice within podiatry, this deals with problems arising from the way your joints are aligned and your muscles function. Pain from poor alignment can affect not just your feet but your knees, hips and lower back. |
Orthotics These are custom made insoles that aim to reduce the symptoms resulting from biomechanical problems. Often these are used for controlling excessive pronation. Commonly known as flat feet or fallen arches, but they can be useful for many other conditions |
Surgery An increasing amount of foot surgery is being performed by specially trained Podiatrists, usually on a daycare basis under local anaesthetic, meaning no overnight stays in hospital and minimal disruption Often working alongside physiotherapists, the everyday life. Their practical experience and knowledge of underlying foot function make using a podiatric surgeon a sensible choice |
High risk patient management The largest group is patients with diabetes who benefit greatly from regular foot care and advice, but also those with arthritis, neurological or vascular conditions high tend to have 'risk' feet and should see a Podiatrist regularly. |
Podopaediatrics This deals with the diagnosis and treatmet of lower limb disorders in children many of which are biomechanically related. |
Sports_injuries Often working alongside physiotherapists, the Podiatrist's knowledge of lower limb function and orthotic treatments are put to good use in diagnosing and treating many lower limb sports injuries. |
Q. What is a 'State Registered' Chiropodist/Podiatrist ?
A. 'State Registered' is an old term that no longer has legal credance. On July the 9th 2003 the (H.P.C) Health Professional Council replaced the old Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine (CPSM). However some Practitioners still use the term 'State Registered' simply because the general public are use to it.
I am
Q. What do the letters that Podiatrists use mean?
A. DPodM or BSc(Podiatry) - This signifies that the Podiatrist has completed a full training course in podiatry at an approved institution. Originally this course was a diploma in podiatric medicine - DPodM but was later changed to a degree course - BSc. NB:DipPodMed is not the same as DPodM,
SRCh - State Registered Chiropodist. Since July the 9th 2003 this title is defunct though is likely to be used by many Podiatrists for the time being as it may still be expected by the general public as a sign that the Podiatrist is fully qualified. The current form of registration with the state is given by the new Health Professions Council (See notes on HPC registration below)
MInstChP or FinstChP This means that the Podiatrist is a member or fellow of The Institute of Chiropodists and Podiatrists. A practicing member of this society is assured of having professional indemnity insurance cover.
MChS or FChS - This means that the Podiatrist is a member or fellow of The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists. A practicing member of this society is assured of having professional indemnity insurance cover.
These letters do not mean that any one member is any better than another, these are just the organisations that Chiropodists/Podiatrists join in or to get Insurance CPD and common companionship just in the same way that you may join a trade union or a professional association in your own line of work although these organisations do not allow members to call themselves chiropodists/podiatrists unless they are registered with the HPC (Health Professions Council).
A Chiropodist/Podiatrist does not have top belong to any organisation if they do not wish to do so but they must meet the criteria for HPC (Insurance, good practice CPD etc.). The Health Professions Council regulate people who are in the health profession currently 13 professions of which Chiropody/Podiatry is one. Professionals who are registered with HPC have to meet a minimum standard of training and practice and have to undergo regular clinical updates (CPD-Continual Professional Development) in order to maintain their registration. You should always ensure that that your Chiropodist/Podiatrist is HPC Registered. It is a criminal offence for a person to use this title when they are not.
BackQ. Do you make home visits ?
A.
Q. How much do you charge ?
A. Prices vary dependent on put the reasons here. For current prices please Contact us
Back
