Chiropody

Origins and historical development :

Evidence of humans looking after feet can be seen as far back as Egyptian carvings dating around 2,500BC. Later, around 100BC, Hippocrates fashioned the first scalpel for the purpose of reducing hard skin from the foot. This was expanded on later as the term ‘corn’ became used to describe the hard, white lumps that usually formed on the feet and needed to be filed down or cut out.

It wasn’t until the 18th Century, however, that David Low referred to the phrase ‘Chiropody’ for the care of feet with the hand; from the Greek ‘chiro’ (for hand) and the latin ‘pod’ (for foot). There is suggestion that this confusing title was used to hide the fact that his writing was a mere translation of a piece by Nicholas-Laurent LaForest, as opposed to an original piece of work.

Podiatry is a newer term for the professional carer of the feet, taken from podology, meaning the study of the feet. This title was originally popular in America but is increasingly used in the rest of the world.

What to expect during a treatment :

Individual sessions, along with their frequency and total number, will be determined by the nature of the condition to be treated. A verruca may require the application of acid that takes around 15 minutes and is repeated every couple of weeks until the centre falls out; sometimes after only a couple of visits. A chiropodist is also the best person to ask about over the counter remedies to a variety of conditions for self help at home.

Conditions suitable for treatment :

Chiropody is valuable in treating common conditions such as corns, warts, in growing toenails, athlete’s foot and verrucas. Chiropodists are also able to advise on appropriate shoe wear and care of feet, particularly if a weak foot arch is in need of some support so as to ease spine misalignment and resulting back pain.

Interestingly, certain conditions can affect the sensitivity of the feet, for example arthritis and circulatory problems (which includes diabetes and peripheral arterial disease). In such cases chiropodists can actually help diagnose these conditions as the manifestation can first present itself in the feet. Alternatively, if the condition is recognised separately, regular visits to the chiropodist may well be recommended as desensitised feet can get injured yet go unnoticed; and this in turn risks the development of an infection.