What is Podiatry?

Podiatrists, or chiropodists, specialise in the diagnosis and management of foot and lower leg complaints by providing treatment of any disorders, diseases and injuries to keep this part of the body working properly.Foot problems affect people of all ages and abilities, from young children to athletes and the elderly. Having a foot disorder can cause pain in the lower back and other joints by changing how you walk or run. Foot problems include infections, sporting or overuse injuries, or can be the consequence of some systemic diseases, such as diabetes.

What do Podiatrists treat?

Podiatrists or chiropodists treat a wide variety of lower limb dysfunctions including Achilles tendon pain, aching feet, athletes foot, blisters, bunions, corns and callous, cracked heels, diabetes related problems, fallen arches, footwear advice, fungal nails, thickened nails, Heel pain and heel spurs, ingrown toenails, knee pain, plantar warts, shin pain and stress fractures.

What to expect when visiting the Podiatrist.

Your appointment with the podiatrist will last approximately 30 mins. Good podiatry particularly focuses on the underlying cause of a problem, so aconsideration of the mechanics of the whole lower limb is fundamental to achieve an accurate and comprehensive diagnosis. A visit involves a comprehensive case history followed by a detailed mechanical examination and screening, a biomechanical evaluation and general foot health assessment.

The podiatrist will then explanation to the patient their findings, their diagnosis and then a discussion will follow to decide an agreed treatment approach and, if appropriate, the likely benefits of tailor-made orthotics.

Specialist treatment such as nail surgery and supply and fitting of orthotics are available at extra cost (please discuss this with the podiatrist).

Podiatry and Chiropody is available at the Shefford clinic, prices starting at £43