Chiropody and Podiatry is the field of medicine devoted to the treatment of problems related to the foot and ankle.
Such treatment often brings about improved well-being in other parts of the body, especially the relief of body aches and pain.
This is because problems and pain in the foot affects both posture and gait the way we stand and the way we walk. And when we do not stand and walk in a proper, balanced manner, we tend to develop problems such as knee pain, back ache or even pain in the neck.
As such, chiropodists and podiatrists routinely work with other healthcare professionals who treat musculo-skeletal aches and pain, including osteopaths and chiropractors.
Foot and ankle problems commonly treated by chiropodists / podiatrists include:
corns and callouses (calluses)
plantar warts / verrucae
dry, cracked heel
foot fungal infection, also known as Athlete's foot
bunions (Hallux valgus)
neuritis (inflamation of the nerves, resulting in pain,
loss of reflexes and atrophy of the affected muscles)
long / short leg
calcaneal tendonitis (inflammation of the Achilles' tendon at the heel)
foot odour / excessive perspiration
She also has a Certificate in Foot Biomechanics (the study of posture and walking) from the International College of Biomechanics, Melbourne, Australia. A chiropodist trained in biomechanics is able to provide biomechanic assessment to check for flat foot, heel pain, knee pain, bunions, and other problems.
The treatment is for people of all ages. In particular, diabetics may require professional chiropody foot care to prevent foot infection.