Podiatry is a specialised field in healthcare that focuses on the foot, ankle and associated structures of the lower limbs. It is an internationally recognised and licensed branch of Western medicine in most developed countries.
A podiatrist is specifically trained to prevent, diagnose, treat and rehabilitate abnormalities of the lower extremities. Their aim is to quickly restore optimal foot health and proper leg function with the goal of preventing painful complications and the possible loss of mobility.
In countries such as Singapore, U.K. and Australia, Podiatry is classed as an Allied Health profession. It is an outpatient service that is found in local public hospitals (such as CGH, NUH, SGH, and TTSH), polyclinics, private hospitals or private clinics.
Podiatrists in Singapore mainly focus on non-invasive methods to address foot problems that can be treated with conservative options, and we work closely with medical doctors and surgeons for more severe patient cases for pre- and post-surgery rehabilitative care so as to ensure the best clinical outcome for our patients.
Qualification
Across the globe, training to be a podiatrist (with the exception of the United States) generally requires a 3 to 4 years full-time bachelor’s degree, clinical training and hospital placement programmes. Masters and PhD programmes are also available. More information can be found below, in the links under Relevant Registrars and Societies.
Podiatrists trained in the United States are Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.). They are fully qualified as foot and ankle physicians or surgeons. Earning the title of D.P.M. requires an undergraduate degree, a post-graduate degree in podiatric medicine, and a multi-year surgical residency at a hospital.
There are 14 universities in the United Kingdom and 10 universities in Australia that offer podiatry. If you are interested in a career in podiatry, reach out to us for more information at careers@ecpc.sg.
Relevant Registrars and Societies:
- UK. Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) –
http://www.hcpc-uk.org/ - UK. College of Podiatry –
https://www.scpod.org/ - Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) –
https://www.ahpra.gov.au/ - Australian Podiatry Association (ApodA) –
https://www.podiatry.org.au - Singapore’s Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC) –
https://www.healthprofessionals.gov.sg/content/hprof/ahpc/en.html
You should consult a podiatrist whenever you have any concerns about your feet or legs, especially if you are experiencing pain as a result of an injury or even during sports and daily activities. Issues treated by podiatrists include, but are not limited to, the list below.
- Podopediatrics (children’s feet)
- Bunions and toe deformities
- Foot and ankle pain
- Prevention of foot alignment problems
- Sprains
- Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Pain)
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Fractures
- Lumps and bumps on the feet
- Footwear advice
- Soft tissue conditions:
- Ingrown toenails
- Nail problems
- Skin problems
- Wounds and infections
- Warts
