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LR Podiatry

Podiatry clinics specialise in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of conditions affecting the foot and ankle.

A podiatrist specialises in health concerns involving the lower limb, with a focus on the feet and ankles. This broad scope of practice encompasses a range of foot and ankle pain conditions, such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, flat feet, osteoarthritis, bunions, and high arches. Podiatrists also address skin and nail issues, including ingrown toenails, fungal infections, verrucae, corns, and calluses.

Beyond these, they provide essential care for individuals managing systemic chronic conditions, such as diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and general elderly care. They help patients with mobility issues, offering guidance on self-care and preventative measures to support overall foot health and comfort.

Podiatrists in the UK train intensively to ensure they’re fully prepared for their role. To start, they must complete a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Podiatry, a program that typically takes three years of full-time study at an HCPC-approved institution. This degree is a crucial foundation, covering both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, and includes extensive clinical placements where students gain hands-on experience in real-world settings, such as hospitals and community clinics.

After completing the degree, graduates must register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to practice legally as podiatrists in the UK. Maintaining this professional title doesn’t stop with registration, however. Podiatrists are required to engage in continuous professional development (CPD) throughout their careers. CPD ensures that they stay up-to-date with advances in the field, maintain high standards, and continue providing the best possible care to their patients. This ongoing education may include specialised courses, workshops, or additional qualifications, particularly for those who choose.

In essence, while the initial training to become a qualified podiatrist involves three years of intensive study, maintaining the professional title requires a commitment to lifelong learning and continual skill enhancement.

All podiatrists in the UK need to be Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered, you can check our podiatrist’s HCPC registration at https://www.hcpc-uk.org/check-the-register/ . Searching by name or registration number will confirm we’ve met the necessary training standards and are legally permitted to practice.

Only individuals registered with the HCPC can use the protected titles "podiatrist" or "chiropodist," so if they use these titles, they are qualified and regulated. All our podiatrists  also belong to the professional body the College of Podiatry or the Royal College of Podiatry, which requires members to adhere to high standards and encourage continued professional development.

You can also ask your podiatrist about their training and recent professional development activities—we are happy to discuss our education background and ongoing commitment to maintaining high standards of care.

Seeing a podiatrist is worthwhile because your feet are complex structures that perform a challenging and essential role. They provide you with stability and balance, yet they must also be flexible enough to handle a wide range of tasks, terrains, and footwear. Each foot contains 26 bones - far more than the leg - illustrating just how intricate the foot’s function is. At LR Podiatry, our podiatrists are specially trained in the medicine of the foot, with extensive education and expertise that other medical fields don't cover in depth. This unique knowledge allows us to effectively diagnose and treat issues specific to the foot, helping you stay comfortable, balanced, and healthy.