A PODIATRIST IS qualified by their education and training to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and related structures of the leg.
In the UK, individuals may not use the title 'chiropodist’ or ‘podiatrist’ unless they are registrants of the Health Professions Council (HPC). They are protected titles and their use by non-registrants is unlawful. This protection extends to titles including the adjectival forms e.g. ‘podiatric surgeon’ or ‘chiropody practitioner’. Such registration is normally only granted to those holding a specialised Bachelors degree or Diploma in podiatry from one of the 13 recognised schools of podiatry in the UK.
The scope of practice of UK podiatrists on registration after their degree in podiatric medicine includes biomechanics, podopaediatrics, surgery, orthotics, high risk patient management and sports injuries.
Because podiatrists treat such a vast array of foot and lower limb problems, the scope for medical error is high. Take diabetic foot care, for example. Common reasons for medical negligence litigation in this area include failure to: assess the patient adequately; explain reasons for interventions; obtain informed consent; take action when patients did not attend appointments; educate patients; request necessary investigations; make timely / appropriate referrals and provide adequate treatments.