Chiropodist / Podiatrist Halesowen – A Foot Health Practitioner offers many of the same treatments

Working as a FOOT HEALTH PRACTITIONER (FHP) in Halesowen and surrounding areas, I am frequently asked what the difference is between a Chiropodist and Podiatrist and where a Foot Health Practitioner fits in.

As a Foot Health Practitioner I am trained to focus on the lower limbs and feet providing treatment to minor ailments. My work is non-invasive with external minor surgery given without injected analgesia. Typically, the treatment of ingrown toenails, corn and callous removal is typical of the procedures I carry out. Assessment of foot positioning on walking, along with other external examination techniques are used in the assessment of the structure and condition of the lower limb and foot, all of which fall within the ability and remit of the Foot Health Practitioner. As such, the work carried out by an FHP far exceeds that of those trained simply to provide a nail-cutting service.

Poor health can cause physical limitations so I provide routine maintenance for diabetic patients, patients with arthritic hands, eye troubles, obesity, pregnancy and other debilitating conditions. In many cases patients will simply have difficulty reaching their feet to carry out the simple treatments many of us take for granted – others appreciate the help of a practitioner who they can trust to trim and maintain their nails properly.  Like Chiropodist’s and Podiatrist’s, Foot Health Practitioners are trained observers contributing to the health of their patients by screening and alerting other practitioners to indicated diabetes mellitus, malignancies, potential ulceration and other conditions requiring onward referral. Ethics consistent with the medical professions are held, recognized and respected.

Knowledge of the patient’s medical status is taken into account in order to execute the work safely and cause no medical complication. Hygiene, instrument skills, communication skills and a good measure of dexterity are important to the task, as are record keeping and regular updating. Dressing, padding and offloading skills are essential, as is the ability to manage minor wounds. Foot Health Practitioners undertake Continuing Professional Development to retain currency, update and expansion of their skills.

Foot Health Practitioners are members of an Accredited Voluntary Register (The Alliance Voluntary Register) that has been independently vetted by and approved by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care (PSA).

 CHIROPODIST or PODIATRIST

Is the profession by which disease and pathological conditions are addressed. The podiatrist is capable of taking on those cases requiring specialist leg and foot support that cannot be delivered by the Foot Health Practitioner.  The full skills of a Podiatrist would be needed and utilized in only a small proportion of the total of presenting cases.

Some Podiatrists choose to specialize in areas such as vascular studies, acute diabetic support and paediatric developmental conditions.

All podiatrists must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council in order to use the title Chiropodist or Podiatrist. The HPC regulates the chiropody and podiatry profession and ensures that all of its members meet their standards for training, professional skills, behaviour and health.