Although it has been around for a long time, the field of chiropody is sometimes overlooked as a health care career option.
Chiropodists specialize in keeping feet healthy by treating disorders, diseases, and injuries with casts, braces, physical therapy, and minor surgery on the soft tissue of the foot. For example, if someone has an ingrown toenail, a chiropodist can remove it. They can also administer some injections and prescribe medications related to foot care.
A major part of chiropody involves working with orthotics, devices that support or immobilize injured muscles, joints, and bones. For example, a chiropodist may recommend carefully designed inserts for shoes to correct the gait of a patient who has problems walking or running.
Using computer programs and special measuring devices, the chiropodist determines exactly what is complicating a patient’s stride. Based on those measurements and the chiropodist’s assessment, an insert is designed that remedies the problem. In rare cases, some chiropodists also make their own orthotics. Orthotics can also help alleviate ankle, foot, knee, and hip pain that is related to how a patient walks or runs.
The foot can also reveal a lot about our overall health. A chiropodist may be able to recognize early warning signs of various diseases and inform patients of any irregularities. For example, the foot can be the first area to show signs of arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease. A chiropodist can be very useful to those diabetics who are prone to foot ulcers and infections due to poor circulation.
After patients receive treatment, the chiropodist continues to see them on a regular basis to monitor their progress.
NOC Code: 3123