Podiatrists are specialist practitioners who consult, diagnose, manage and treat foot and foot-related lower limb disorders. The scope of practice includes managing foot complications associated with chronic diseases such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis; sports injuries; paediatrics and geriatrics (elderly). Podiatrists are an integral part of a multi-disciplinary healthcare team and function in the capacity of both clinician and therapist in helping to prevent problems or complications.
Podiatrists are likely to treat common conditions such as corns, callouses, ingrown toenails, infections and biomechanical problems associated with structural and functional anomolies of the feet and lower limbs.
Podiatry is a dynamic career choice for a like-minded individual who is looking for a speciality within the medical field. A career in Podiatry can be both rewarding and lucrative. There are numerous areas in which podiatrists can work. Graduates qualify as independent practitioners and can therefore opt to work in both the public and private health sector both locally and internationally; work in the retail sector; pursue an academic career or conduct research