What do Podiatrists do?
This can range from treating sports injuries, biomechanical assessments and advice on footwear and orthotics to support improving walking and running, managing long-term conditions (diabetes-related complications, arthritic problems) to treating and advising on general foot and nail conditions to support health and wellbeing.
Podiatrists can also perform some nail and skin surgery within their scope of practice.
Working Conditions: Podiatrists usually work in private clinics or within primary health organisations, retirement villages, hospitals, marae and may also provide mobile services.
What do Podiatric Surgeons do?
Podiatric Surgeons hold the scope of practice of Podiatrist and are also further qualified to perform a range of foot surgeries within the additional Podiatric Surgeon scope of practice.
Podiatric Surgeons will discuss the benefits and risks of any surgical procedure, along with the prognosis and any alternative management options.
As a health consumer, you are entitled to ask questions regarding the capability of a Podiatric Surgeon to perform any procedure discussed. To view the range and types of procedures that Podiatric Surgeons can perform, please refer to the Podiatric Surgeon scope of practice.