Chiropodists are professionals who examine, detect, diagnose and treat diseases and disorders of the foot by means of medical and surgical techniques.

Diseases such as diabetes or arthritis are initially manifested by disorders of the extremities, specifically the feet. In this regard, chiropodists must be capable of identifying these diseases and referring patients to appropriate specialists.
Although the classic image of the chiropodist is someone who examines and treats nail problems, corns or fungus, they also perform other functions such as the correction of deformities such as flat feet, the prescription and monitoring of orthopaedics and the treatment of blood circulation problems, ulcers or other skin-related disorders of the feet.

They are the only specialists with university-level training in diseases of the foot and can specialise in several areas: children¿s, geriatric, sports physical and preventive chiropody.

• Examine and identify foot diseases and conditions.
• Examine and diagnose patients and, if the disease or condition is something other than a foot problem, refer them to the appropriate specialist.
• Care for and treat diseases of the foot by means of the following medical techniques:
  Quiropodiatry: to treat skin disorders such as corns or calluses, nail alterations such as deformed or ingrown toenails, and infections such as fungi and papillomas.
  Foot Surgery: to heal foot problems such as hammer toe, claw toe and bunions, in addition to others.
  Orthopaedics: to treat deformations using prosthetics or special inserts for high arches, flat feet or hallux valgus.
• Treat neurological and traumatic problems of the feet caused by impact or accidents.
• Employ curative and maintenance techniques for professionals who are highly susceptible to foot maladies because of their work. For example: athletes, artists and dependent people.
• Prescribe appropriate medication to treat foot problems.
• Collaborate with other health professionals in the adaptation and use of technical aids or prostheses in accordance with the physical, psychological and social state of the patient.
• Perform clinical management which is focussed on the patient and makes efficient use of health resources.
• Clinically document each of their patients' cases.
• Safeguard the confidentiality of each patient.

Regulated training and graduates

• Grau: Podologia

Complementary training

Other specific skills

Chiropodists should have an advanced level of English, as informative and scientific research articles that chiropodists may read or write are in this language.
These professionals must be advanced users of office, email and internet browsing programmes. In addition to medical tools, ICT instruments are normally used to manage the personal and health data of patients.

Learning and use of knowledge: Level 1

Orientation within reach: Level 2

Analytical thought: Level 2

Flexibility and change management: Level 2

Customer orientation: Level 2

Concern for order and quality: Level 2

Healthcare

Working to maintain and improve health, as well as physical and mental well-being, is the primary interest of people who are involved in the field of healthcare. Some of the activities in this field include making diagnoses, prescribing treatments and monitoring illnesses and injuries. These activities also include the application of therapeutic treatments (traditional or alternative) with a view to facilitating the physical recovery of those being treated. To carry out these activities, one must have in-depth knowledge of the human body and medicine, in its various specialisations.

Optometrist

Naturopath

Physiotherapist

Speech therapist

Palliative care specialist

• Work hours

  Chiropodists can work for public or private organisations or independently. Thus, schedules and working hours depend on the place of work and their degree of independence. However, they generally work full morning and afternoon shifts.

• Salary

  Remuneration is calculated in accordance with hours worked and proven experience. Earnings range from €15.539 to €18.408gross per annum. Median: 16.913 euros annum gross. This difference is considerable because of the contractual situation of these professionals, which can be hourly, per service or through their own private practice.
  
  Source: Report "Observatory of Jobs and Salaries of the Labour Market. Barcelona Activa", elaborated by ICSA Grupo. April 2015.

• Professional category

  Technician

• Initial investments

  Setting up one's own practice requires a considerable investment in equipment and furnishings. Before choosing this option, it is advisable to make a preliminary study on one¿s potential clientele. This study should be based on factors such as the age of the population, nearby schools, gyms or sports centres, elderly homes, etc. It should also identify other nearby chiropodial practices that would be competitors, as chiropody is a sector which competes on the open market.