How can a podiatrist/ chiropodist help?
You may want to see a podiatrist for advice and treatment if you have painful feet, thickened or discoloured toenails, cracks or cuts in the skin, growths such as warts, scaling or peeling on the soles or any other foot-related problem.Podiatrists can also supply orthotics, which are tailor-made insoles, padding and arch supports to relieve arch or heel pain. You put the orthotic device into your shoe to re-align your foot, take pressure off vulnerable areas of your foot or simply to make your shoes more comfortable. Even if your feet are generally in good condition, you might consider having a single session of podiatry to have the hard skin on your feet removed, toenails clipped, to find out if you’re wearing the right shoes (take your shoes with you for specific advice on footwear) or just to check that you’re looking after your feet properly.
What’s the difference between a podiatrist and a chiropodist?
There’s no difference between a podiatrist and chiropodist, but podiatrist is a more modern name.What happens at the consultation?
At your first consultation, the podiatrist will usually cut your toenails, remove any hard skin and check your feet for other minor problems such as corns, calluses or verrucas. Often, any minor problems that are picked up can be treated on the spot. It’s usually completely painless (even pleasant) and takes between 30 and 60 minutes.
