A career in podiatry is something that those contemplating their future may wish to consider. Podiatry is that health profession which is concerned with the prevention and management of disorders of the foot and associated structures. Podiatrists make use of a range of different medical, physical, pharmacological, biomechanical and surgical interventions to manage virtually everything that can and does go wrong with the foot. The education to be a podiatrist is different from country to country with the degree being a 4 yr undergraduate degree in many countries with post-graduate work in areas of interest. In the USA it is a 4 yr post-graduate education followed by a 3 year residency. The scope of practice and the number of years of training does differ a great deal internationally. A fairly easy look online ought to turn up the info necessary for learning in every country.

The longer term for podiatry is probably excellent due to the aging populace and also the diabetes epidemic being fuelled by the obesity crisis. Those in the older age groups have a much higher incidence of foot conditions, so as the populace ages, so too will the requirement for podiatrists. It is the same with the obesity crisis which is bringing about the significantly increased prevalence of diabetes. People that have diabetes are at a substantially increased risk for conditions of the feet and even amputation, so in these people good foot care and podiatry management is crucial to prevent and treat these problems.

Podiatrists also work in many other different specialities such as sports medicine and paediatrics. Here they will use various treatment modalities to prevent and treat problems of the foot and leg in athletes and children. Their part is invaluable in these groups. In rheumatology settings they will be working together with other health professionals to deal with all of the complications which occur in the feet of those with the various arthritis type disorders.