Podiatry

Podiatry, or chiropody, is a specialised area that deals with foot care and the mechanics of walking. For people with arthritis, it plays a big role in keeping mobile – making a real difference to your quality of life.

Arthritis frequently affects the feet, making standing and movement very uncomfortable. By understanding the effects of inflammation and degeneration of the joints, the podiatrist can reduce the amount of discomfort associated with arthritis.

What happens?

A podiatrist will closely examine the way you walk (called a gait analysis), to help them build a picture of how your foot functions. They will assess the:

• range of motion
• pressure on the foot
• forces on the individual joints
• compensation (the way you move to protect a painful foot)

Podiatrists prescribe orthotic insoles and shoes, which are specifically made to support your foot and make walking easier. They may also do X-rays and ultrasound scans to get the fullest picture of bone and joint activity in the foot.

Qualified podiatrists, who can perform basic surgery on nails and minor tissue, can train as podiatric surgeons.

How do I get referred to a podiatrist?

Contact your doctor's surgery. In some areas you can refer yourself directly. Podiatrists can work alone or as part of a health team, either in a hospital or health clinic, and can sometimes conduct home visits. You can also pay to see a podiatrist privately.

An appointment with a podiatrist will be followed up with a fitting if you have been measured for orthoses (specialist footwear). The podiatrist will arrange more appointments if you need them.

Standards of Care for People with Musculoskeletal Foot Health Problems

This is a document setting out standards of care for foot health services for people with musculoskeletal and rheumatological conditions, who are managed in community and hospital settings.

It was a project carried out on behalf of the Podiatry Rheumatic Care Association and funded by Arthritis Research UK.

Download PRCA Booklet (726.50 Kb)