What is Podiatric Medicine?

Podiatric Medicine is a branch of medicine devoted to the medical and surgical treatment of the foot, ankle and lower limb. A podiatrist is an autonomous clinician who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and management of lower limb conditions. Podiatry can significantly improve peoples’ quality of life by promoting and maintaining mobility. Therefore, podiatric medicine as a career can be extremely rewarding and fulfilling and can give immense job satisfaction.

 Podiatrists work in a variety of settings in the public and private sectors. Podiatrists will treat patients of all age ranges and at all stages of life. The scope of practice of a podiatrist ranges from:

• Management of skin and nail pathologies
• Management of patients’ with diseases that can compromise the viability of the foot and lower limbs e.g. diabetes, vascular disease, wound care.
• Musculoskeletal conditions
• Biomechanics and gait analysis
• Sports injuries
• Paediatrics
• Minor surgical procedures