A day in the life of a Chiropodist ….

“So you had to go to University for 3 years to learn to cut toenails?” It won’t be the last time I get asked this 🙂 , but for a lot of my patients, this is exactly what they come to me for. They can’t reach their toes, or can’t see their toes, or perhaps want someone else to take the responsibility. So much more happens in my room though, I thought it may be nice to do a “day in the life of a chiropodist” for those that wonder.

A day in the life of our chiropodist, Tony Gavin, aka The Foot Inspector

Today was a pretty normal day, in summary what I did was….

cut 150 toenails
reduce 4 ingrown toenails
perform 1 nail removal under local anaesthetic
make 1 pair of orthotics
conduct 1 gait analysis
remove 8 corns
take 15 foot pulses
conduct 1 neurological examination
complete 1 diabetic foot assessment
visit 2 patients in their homes

As podiatrists we see patients with foot problems, or quite commonly people who have health conditions which affect their feet. Diabetes has major implications for the feet, which is why we often have to check pulses, listen to the quality of arteries using doppler machines and check the neurological status of patients feet. All of these assessments help us give the best advice and treatment to reduce the chances of ulceration and complications in diabetic patients.

Gait analysis is the study of how people walk or run. Its not just for athletes, many people may have a gait style which causes them pain, and often we are able to change things by using orthotics. Orthotics are prescribed to go into the shoes and change the way that people walk or run and are a great weapon in the fight against foot, ankle knee and hip pain for many.

Work as a podiatrist is really varied and rewarding, but without a doubt the best part is the wonderful people that I get to meet and make a real difference to. If I can make a difference by cutting someones toenails then I know my time of study wasn’t wasted at all, as when other problems arise I am there to help.