Podiatrists are specialists who assess, diagnose and treat disorders, diseases and deformities affecting the feet and lower limb.

Specialist areas in podiatry relate mainly to long-term conditions including diabetes, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and systemic musculoskeletal disorders (such as rheumatoid arthritis) (Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, 2010).

A range of treatments, including debridement, pharmacology and therapies in conjunction with footwear advice and the provision of orthoses, where appropriate, are used by podiatry services in the NHS and in private practice to manage foot conditions.