Podiatry is a medical speciality that focuses on the management of foot problems. It aims to improve the overall health and well-being of patients by focusing on preventing, diagnosing, and treating conditions associated with the foot and ankle. This often involves treating specific patient groups such as athletes with sports injuries or children.

Training to be a podiatrist involves taking a three year Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree course at a university or college of higher education. This degree is approved by the Health Professions Council (HPC) and is offered at only 13 institutions in the UK.

What is a Biomechanical Specialist Podiatrist?

A Biomechanical Podiatrist is a specialist in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders affecting the foot. By looking at the way certain joints and muscles function a Podiatrist is able to determine whether walking or running may be contributing to a current injury or may cause an injury in the future. These types of foot problems affect most of the general population at some time in their lives. Treatment often involves the Prescription and provision of Orthoses (specialist insoles) to re-align foot or leg imbalances.

Common injuries treated by a Biomechanical Specialist Podiatrist:

- Heel pain
- Arch pain
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendon injuries
- Big toe joint pain (e.g. bunions)
- Shin pain
- Knee pain
- Leg length differences
- Lower back pain.