Who is a Podiatrist?
The podiatry profession has undergone considerable growth and change in recent years.
The following information has been provided by the Australian Podiatry Association to outline the role of the podiatry profession in the treatment of problems of the feet and lower limbs.
A podiatrist is a health professional who deals with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of medical and surgical conditions of the feet and lower limbs.
Areas of specialisation
Some areas in which podiatrists may develop a special interest include:
Sports medicine Biomechanics Paediatrics Surgery Diabetes Arthritis Gerontolog 
The Australian Podiatry Association (APodA) is an independent, member organisation with a long history of service both to the profession and the community.
The Australian Podiatry Association is the peak representative body for our profession. Members join the Association at a state level, with each Association acting autonomously.Each state Association holds membership at the Australasian Podiatry Council (APodC) which functions at a national level.
Key roles of the APodA:
• To represent the profession to government and associated bodies,health funds and other professional associations
• To maintain professional standards through continuing education
and resources to ensure the competence of practitioners
• To maintain ethical standards by encouraging members to comply
with the Code of Ethics
• To promote and support the profession through planned
promotional events, liaison with external bodies and provision of
promotional materials to members
Podiatrists diagnose and treat both common and more rare skin and nail pathologies of the feet. Podiatrists play an important role in maintaining the mobility of many elderly and disabled people, and others. This achieved through the ongoing monitoring of foot health, in particular of those with circulation problems and diabetes.
Podiatrists are recognised as important members of the health care team in preventing and managing lower limb complications for those living with diabetes.
A basic area of foot care undertaken by podiatrists is the treatment of various acute and chronic nail conditions, the treatment of which depends on the pathology.
Podiatrists have specific instrumentation for painless and effective treatment of these conditions. For example, the surgical correction of chronically ingrown tow nails under local anaesthesia is a common podiatric procedure.
Podiatrists have specific instrumentation for painless and effective treatment of these conditions. For example, the surgical correction of chronically ingrown tow nails under local anaesthesia is a common podiatric procedure.
