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Foot Health Week

Foot Health Week is from 22 to 28 March 2023. It's a national awareness raising campaign dedicated to promoting podiatry and the importance of healthy feet. We want to tell the world what podiatry is all about and why it’s important.

Click here for member resources

What is Foot Health Week?

Foot Health Week is our national campaign dedicated to promoting the importance of healthy feet and podiatry.

This year's campaign starts on Monday 22 April and it finishes on Sunday 28 April. During this time, the College and its members will be campaigning about the importance of good foot and lower limb health and the role that podiatric interventions can play in keeping people healthy, active and pain-free.

Members can download resources for promoting Foot Health Week here.

What is a podiatrist?

Podiatrists are experts in all aspects of foot and lower limb health

Their scope of practice ranges from everyday footcare needs such as issues with toenails, calluses and corns, and treating and avoiding infections, all the way to early detection and diagnosis, minor surgery, sports injuries, healing wounds and preventing amputations. Podiatrists cover a large range of issues in the lower limb including:
 
  • General foot health
  • Musculoskeletal podiatry such as joint pain, sports injuries, walking analysis and rehabilitation
  • Minor surgery under local anaesthetic - this includes ingrown toenail removal
  • Vascular podiatry - ensuring your circulation works the best way it can in your lower limbs
  • Skin conditions
  • Wound care
  • High-risk limb care for those with complex health needs.

You can also read more about lots of common foot conditions or download our free guide to foot health.

Common foot problems Download our free Guide to Foot Health

This is only scratching the surface of what a podiatrist can do!

Some have completed further training to become podiatric surgeons, operating on bone and joint conditions in the foot. No matter your age or foot issue, there is a podiatrist that is right for you.

I thought that chiropodists dealt with footcare?

The profession used to be known as chiropody until the qualification changed from a dipolma in chiropody to an Honours degree in Podiatric Medicine. There is no difference between a chiropodist's and a podiatrist's service. Podiatrists are trained to degree level and are Allied Health Professionals. In the UK, podiatry is a regulated profession. All podiatrists must be Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered. You can check that your foot care provider is registered at hcpc-uk.org.

Podiatrists sound amazing! How can I get help with my foot problem?

You can find a private clinic near you using our Find a Podiatrist service. You can also check with your local NHS to find out what NHS podiatry services are available in your area. Services vary depending on your local NHS Trust or Health Board and self-referral may be available. Many health insurance companies will also cover podiatry services. Check with your insurance provider for details.

What is the College doing for foot health week 2023?

We are leading the charge during Foot Health Week. We'll be informing the public about the role that podiatry plays in saving lives and limbs; arming our members with the resources they need to spread the word.

We're making lots of resources available, including:

I'm a member -  how can I get involved?.

  • Participating in community walks and workshops
  • Educational talks and presentations
  • Giving speeches at local schools and education centres
  • Working with other healthcare professionals to provide foot screenings and other services in your local community.
Resources for members' use are now downloadable from the member only online shop. 


I'm a member of the public - how can I get involved?

What is the Royal College of Podiatry?

The Royal College of Podiatry (RCPod) is the voice of podiatry in the UK. It speaks to the public, media, government bodies and other organisations about the importance of podiatry and the many lives it saves. We are the professional body and trade union for podiatrists and are the academic authority in the UK. The College does not provide training in podiatry but accredits the training provided by the many universities across the UK including undergraduate degrees, apprenticeships and pre-registration masters. 
Find out about a career in podiatry
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