Podiatry

Podiatry is the health care profession concerned with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the foot and ankle. The term ‘podiatrist’ is derived from two Greek words meaning ‘foot healer’, an apt description of the podiatrist’s professional role. Podiatrists offer a range of preventative, curative and palliative treatments to patients of all ages in both the public and private sectors.

Podiatrists treat foot and ankle pathologies in people from many different client groups. Infants and children may need treatment for structural deformity or abnormalities of walking. Athletes will often seek treatment for lower limb sports injuries due to structural dysfunction or overuse related to their sport. Adults of all ages may require treatment to improve symptoms due to poor posture or foot and ankle deformities. Older people often seek treatment to aid mobility, balance and reduce discomfort. People with systemic diseases may need treatment from a podiatrist for complications, which can occur in the lower limb, e.g. diabetes and arthritis.

Career prospects
Employment prospects are expected to remain good for podiatrists, with private practice, community health centres and hospitals being the main avenues of employment. Podiatrists can go on to undertake further qualifications in a specialist area such as; sports injuries, paediatrics, diabetes, or podiatric surgery of the foot and ankle.

• Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Podiatric Practice
  

Content Approved by: Registrar
Page maintained by: Senior Academic Officer
Last Updated: May 7, 2008