There is some understandable misunderstanding about the titles of chiropodist and foot health care professional.

Many foot health care professionals qualified as chiropodists before the HPC (Health Professions Council) came into existence about 10 years ago - 1993 in my case - now they are not allowed to use the title unless they are registered with the HPC. That does not mean they are less qualified than the registered chiropodists. In many cases they are equally as well qualified and carry full public indemnity insurance and have their own reasons for not applying for registration.

In my case I worked in Spain for nearly 10 years before returning in June last year and I used the title –Podolgo (foot doctor) and was approved by the Spanish Chiropody Association. Ex pats and locals alike knew exactly what my qualifications were and there was no need to register with the HPC. However now I am looking at the possibility of doing so.

I have been worked full time as a chiropodist/foot care professional since qualifying running a visiting practice both in the UK and Spain and have in recent years specialised in foot care for the elderly and now work in a number of care and residential homes.

Professional and business references are available as is proof of my continued membership of the British Chiropody Association/Foot Health Care Professional Association for 18 years and my public indemnity insurance.

FOOT CARE

Why is it that so many people forget to look after their feet?

In these days of new hips, new knees, transplants of various organs, facelifts etc. – the poor old feet are left to fend for themselves and throughout your life you only have one pair!

As someone who has looked after and advised people about foot care for 18 years I am still amazed about how low down the list of priorities feet come in most people’s agenda. If there is one message I would like to get across to the general public is look after your feet and they will look after you.

In my time as a foot health professional  and prior to the new title as chiropodist both here and abroad I have treated wide variety of problems – a few serious ones some of which I have had to refer to a specialist – but on the whole they are minor and with a little care and regular attention most people’s feet can get along fine!

Nail cutting may seem a minor task in the great scheme of things – but bad nail cutting can cause a whole range of problems from infections to ingrowing nails. As people get older nails are inclined to get thicker and ordinary clippers do not cut the nails properly leaving them misshapen and ragged. If you need help seek out a professional who will be able to give advice and for a small charge will be able to cut the nails in the correct manner. In the cost they will check out your feet and give them a general MOT and will deal with any other problems like corns, callous, fungus, verrucae etc.

Before going to the pharmacist it always best to check with someone who knows what the problem is – I would be a rich man if I had a £1 for every time a patient had told me on the phone that they had a verruca and it has turned out to be a corn and vice versa.

My initial fee for an appointment at the clinic (about 45 mins) is £20 and that includes nail cutting, basic treatment and a foot massage. Why not treat yourself afterwards to a pedicure? For two in one only £35

Your Foot Healthcare Professional: Ian Pithers