If you have problems with your feet, you may well need to visit an expert. There are a variety of professionals who are trained in dealing with issues with the feet, including foot health practitioners. But what is a foot health practitioner and what do they do?
The Podiatrist Vs The Foot Health Practitioner
Foot health practitioners are trained in the treatment of mild foot problems and providing advice about how to keep feet healthy. Their main duties may include:
- Giving advice on the correct shoes a client should wear
- Cutting and thinning toenails
- Treating fungal infections
- Removing calluses and corns
- Treating verrucas
A foot health practitioner carries out general duties to keep feet healthy and in working order. They usually need to complete a diploma to practice.
A podiatrist, on the other hand, is a specialist in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders affecting the feet and lower limbs. This covers all of the duties a foot health practitioner can do, and also involves many more complex issues too – such as minor surgeries, rehabilitation after injury and biomechanics. A podiatrist must have a qualification which is of at least degree level, and be registered with the Health & Care Professions Council.
A foot health practitioner is trained in how to refer clients to a podiatrist where necessary.
Which Should I Visit?
If you have a problem with your feet that you are concerned about, a podiatrist is the person to visit. They will be able to diagnose the source of your problem, and provide a treatment plan for you.
If you just want to get a foot check up or a routine procedure, you can visit either a podiatrist or a foot health practitioner. However, if you visit a podiatrist, they will be able to provide more depth to their service and could pick up on potential issues that a foot health practitioner may not be trained in.
How Do I Know If I Need An Appointment?
Both podiatrists and foot health practitioners will welcome appointments from anyone. Preventative foot health is becoming more and more popular, and some recommend that you should visit your podiatrist every six months, as you would visit your dentist. This means that you can be sure that your feet are in the best possible health, and nip any problems in the bud.
A Podiatrist Near Me…
At Northwich Foot Clinic, we have a team of dedicated, experienced podiatrists who are here to help with all of your foot health needs. Whether you want a check up, have an issue that needs diagnosing, or a routine procedure requirements such as nail trimming, we can help. You can use our online booking form to book your new patient appointment. Our clinic is based in Northwich, in the heart of Cheshire, and we are accessible from all over the North West. We look forward to helping you.
