The study and treatment of minor diseases and disorders of the feet.
The study and care of the foot, including its normal structure, its diseases, and their treatment.
Chiropody (also termed podiatry) is that part of medical science which is concerned with the health of the feet. Its practitioners are specialists capable of providing a fully comprehensive foot-health service. This includes the palliation of established deformities and dysfunction, both as short-term treatment for immediate relief of painful symptoms and as long-term management to secure optimum results. This requires the backing of effective appliance and footwear services. It also involves curative footcare, including the use of various therapeutic techniques, including minor surgery, and the prescription and provision of specialised and individual appliances.
Obsolete term for treatment of foot disorders.
The assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders and dysfunctions affecting the foot and its associated structures. Chiropody encompasses various foot-related issues, ranging from gait abnormalities in children, ankle injuries in adolescents, fractures in athletes and joggers, to conditions like bunions and hammer toes that can affect individuals of all ages. Additionally, chiropody involves the management of ulcers, toenails, and foot infections occurring as complications of diabetes mellitus. A practitioner specializing in chiropody is referred to as a chiropodist.