What Does A Foot Health Practitioner Job Entail?

Introduction

A Foot Health Practitioner is a specialist in the care of the legs and feet and the concerns that arise that might threaten our comfort or our independence. The need is greater than ever before, driven by an ageing population, so many of us overweight, and the increasing prevalence of Diabetes. This article is intended to provide insight into a much-needed and rewarding occupation.

What is a Foot Health Practitioner?

Foot Health Practitioners fill a gap in the services provided by the NHS, which has largely withdrawn from minor foot care. Chiropodists and Podiatrists working in the NHS are now employed in more serious cases, such as diabetic complications, the threat of amputation, and limb salvage. Foot Health Practitioners seek to maintain important mobility and independence and to prevent lesser issues from becoming major concerns.

Key responsibilities

The provision of routine foot care, inspection, and monitoring prevents small issues from escalating and gives reassurance and comfort. Practitioners are problem solvers and offer advice and guidance on hygiene, footcare, and footwear. They can help with corns, callosities, and dermatological skin disorders. Nail conditions are recognized and addressed.

Foot Health Practitioners learn anatomy and physiology to understand how the foot works. All aspects of the foot are studied. The practitioner needs good interpersonal communication skills to be able to discuss their findings and proposed treatments with patients. Hand and eye co-ordination and steady hands are essential to manipulating diagnostic tools and instruments. Qualification can be achieved within one year—earlier if you have a relevant background or can give your study more time. The College offers five further Level 4 Diplomas also related to feet, which are optional. These lead to a greater understanding of areas of interest that might arise.

Typical work environment

Practitioners work in a variety of circumstances. Many visit people in their own homes offering mobile services, but others have clinics or work from clinics. Some are based in pharmacies, GP surgeries, or in small group practices. Once qualified, there are lots of options and great flexibility in the hours that you choose to be available, so your work can be planned around your other commitments, and you can achieve a good work/life balance.

Salary and Earning Potential

Mobile Foot Health Practitioners generally earn from £40,000 per annum based on a fee of £40, six visits per day, five days working, and a 48-week year. Actual income depends upon the fee charged, number of treatments per day, days worked, and holiday weeks taken. Clinic-based practitioners must afford rent, rates, and utility bills, but these costs can be offset by seeing more patients a day, so clinic location is important.

Challenges and rewards

The work is varied and interesting, and there is considerable human reward from helping people maintain mobility and independence. Having trained with the College of Foot Health Practitioners there is always support in complex cases, help is available by ‘phone or email.

Steps to becoming a Foot Health Practitioner

Choose your course carefully—cheap courses lead nowhere—you get what you pay for. Good training leads to respected qualifications and professional abilities. There are no formal entry requirements, but you need to be literate and have normal hand-eye dexterity. Being professional requires professional behavior.

The Importance of Foot Health Practitioners

Practitioners are early responders and are usually able to offer immediate relief and ongoing strategies for management and control of problems of the leg and foot. Foot Health Practitioners fill a gap and play an important role in supporting and improving the lives of the public.