Podiatrist

Podiatrists are experts on problems with the feet and ankles, and some specialize further in problems caused by arthritis and related conditions.

Podiatrists (sometimes called chiropodists), may work either in the NHS or in private clinics. All podiatrists/chiropodists working in the NHS will have undertaken training at degree-level or higher and must be registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC). Your GP or hospital consultant may refer you to an NHS podiatrist but many NHS podiatry services will also accept patients on a self-referral basis without you seeing a doctor first. If you are self-referring you should make sure you go to an HPC registered podiatrist.

Podiatrists can help with problems such as corns, calluses and troublesome nails and can also give advice and help with obtaining special shoes or insoles (orthoses) to correct deformities of the foot. Some podiatrists are also qualified to perform minor surgery.

NICE, the government body that controls NHS care, recommend that all patients with rheumatoid arthritis should be able to see a podiatrist if they have foot problems. NICE also recommend some treatments provided by podiatrists for people with osteoarthritis in the feet.