Podiatry

Introduction to Podiatry

Podiatrists are healthcare professionals responsible for the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the foot and lower limb. They work with individuals who have an underlying illness or condition that put their legs and feet at increased risk of injury, compromised tissue viability and/or pain and loss of function. This can include Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Cerebral Palsy, Peripheral Arterial Disease, and Peripheral Nerve Damage. The main aim of a podiatrist is prevention - making sure the patient's feet do not get any worse and stopping issues from happening again.

A career in podiatry can provide a great variety of options, working with people of all age, working on their own and often within a multidisciplinary team, which includes other healthcare professionals, such as Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Nurses and Doctors.

If you enjoy problem solving, helping others and have an interest in anatomy (the structure of the body), then Podiatry could be the career for you.

Useful links

• NHS Wales Careers
• College of Podiatry
• Health and Care Professions Council
• Royal College of Podiatry Careers Page

Where can I study?

• Cardiff Metropolitan University