What Can a Foot Health Practitioner Do?.
Our bodies are made up of crucial muscles, tendons, blood, and organs that keep us alive and kicking! It has always been important to look after our physical health, but there is a part of our bodies that many tend to neglect, the feet! Logically, our feet should be a huge priority when it comes to looking after ourselves given that they allow us to be mobile, but they can often be an afterthought.
In truth, we take our feet for granted and we only consider the use of a foot health clinic when we experience problems. However, looking after your feet properly will reduce the risk of developing issues later on in life. The good news is that you can learn everything you need to know about foot care from a Foot Health Practitioner.
Perhaps you assume that this role is fairly limited, but you would be mistaken! A Foot Health Practitioner is not only a necessary job, but it is one that you can achieve yourself without needing a degree. So, if you want to learn more about what a Foot Health Practitioner does for your own interest, or you’re keen to become one professionally, keep reading!
What is Foot Health?
Essentially, foot health refers to all the components of your foot being in good working order. If you are not suffering with foot pain or your mobility hasn’t been impaired through injury or a developing condition, then you have good foot health.
Feet are made up of bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons, which all come together to form a network. While many people go through life without experiencing severe foot issues, it can come as no surprise that problems can occur given that feet carry our weight. It is also important to note that foot issues can develop as a result of other health conditions.
For example, tingling or numbness can be a sign of diabetes, while swelling could indicate heart disease, high blood pressure, or kidney disease. Moreover, joint stiffness around your feet could be a sign of arthritis.
To maintain good foot health, you should do the following:
- Wear comfortable shoes that fit your feet correctly
- Trim your toenails straight across and avoid cutting them too short
- Use soap and lukewarm water to wash your feet on a daily basis
- Check your feet regularly
What is a Foot Health Practitioner?
A Foot Health Practitioner is a professional who is qualified to carry out routine care and maintenance on feet, providing advice and referring patients to advanced specialists should they need to.
If you have an interest in taking a Foot Health Practitioner course and becoming a qualified professional in this sector, then you should be aware of your responsibilities. You will need to assess the condition of feet and treat any mild issues, such as corns, calluses, hammertoes, and bunions, among others.
As part of your role, either in a foot health clinic or as a mobile Foot Health Practitioner, you will be responsible for promoting good foot health by advising patients on how best to care for their feet. This could range from creating a foot care routine to recommending the right type of shoes for patients.
It is important to note that a Foot Health Practitioner will need to be adaptable as they will be treating patients with varying issues and conditions. Whether a patient simply needs a verruca treated or extra care to help their feet cope with diabetes, the appropriate approach needs to be taken.
As mentioned, a degree is not needed to work in this role, but individuals will need to gain Foot Health Practitioner qualifications through an accredited course.
What is the Difference Between a Podiatrist and a Foot Health Practitioner?
When a person is dealing with a foot issue, it can be difficult to know what type of professional they need to see. Well, to avoid experiencing this confusion in the future, we have outlined the differences between a Podiatrist and a Foot Health Practitioner below:
What Do They Treat?
Foot Health Practitioner – Routine foot care treatments, such as trimming toenails, preventing fungal nail infections, treating corns, bunions, and calluses etc.
Podiatrist – Long-term lower leg, foot, and ankle conditions, correcting deformities of the lower leg and feet while also diagnosing ongoing issues.
Who Do You Need to See?
Foot Health Practitioner – Visit a Foot Health Practitioner at a foot health clinic or arrange an appointment with a mobile Foot Health Practitioner if you need a general foot health check-up, or you require services related to diabetic ulcers or mild problems related to your condition.
Podiatrist – Visit a Podiatrist if you have issues relating specifically to the bones, tendons, or ligaments in your feet or lower legs. Usually, Podiatrists treat patients that experience pain consistently in the areas mentioned.
How Much Does a Foot Health Practitioner Charge?
For those of you thinking about arranging an appointment with a Foot Health Practitioner, it is important to note that there is no set price across the board. For example, a foot health clinic may charge more or less than a mobile Foot Health Practitioner as private businesses have freedom over their rates.
Generally, though, a foot health clinic will charge between £20 to £40 depending on the treatment and/or condition. Seeking services from a mobile Foot Health Practitioner will likely cost you between £20 to £30.
How Much Does a Foot Health Practitioner Earn?
If you are keen to carve out a spot for yourself in this industry, then you need to consider whether you want to be employed by a foot health clinic or become a self-employed Foot Health Practitioner. The latter option will allow you to be your own boss and set up your own clinic or operate as a mobile Foot Health Practitioner.
If you opt to join an existing business, then you could potentially earn between £21,500 and £23,000 per year. For those of you who want to go it alone, you could charge patients between £20 to £30 per appointment. Setting up a mobile business may be favourable given that your overheads will be reduced on account of not having to rent or buy premises.
What Equipment Does a Foot Health Practitioner Need?
If you complete your accredited Foot Health Practitioner course and decide to join an established business, then equipment will be provided for you. If you opt to go down another route and set up as a self-employed mobile Foot Health Practitioner, then you will need to purchase equipment yourself.
You will require a range of sets to cater for the varying conditions you’ll be treating, but there are a few staples that you should have as part of your equipment, including:
- Foot file
- Nail nippers
- Swan neck probe
Can I Work as a Foot Health Practitioner?
Absolutely! If you have the desire to become a qualified Foot Health Practitioner, you need to undergo accredited training. Remember, you don’t need a degree to work in this sector, but there are beneficial Foot Health Practitioner qualifications that will help you achieve your goal.
By learning with Stonebridge Associated Colleges, you will be able to enrol on an online regulated Foot Health Practitioner course that will get you job ready. One of the many benefits of distance learning is that you can fit studying around your existing commitments. So, if you work full-time or have a young family to care for, you can still complete your studies at your own pace.
The Foot Healthcare Practitioner (RQF) Diploma Level 3 course is a combination of online learning and practical training, and by the end of it you will be qualified! The online portion of the Foot Health Practitioner course covers a variety of topics, including:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Infection prevention and control
- Pathologies and treatments for foot health
- Managing foot care for diabetic patients
- Preparations for clinical practice
- Setting up and managing a professional practice
Your practical training will involve a five-day stint at a state-of-the-art foot health clinic in Birmingham. During this time, you will help administer treatments to patients and interact with them. Your practical training will be overseen by tutors who have experience working as Foot Health Practitioners. They will also offer you ongoing support during the training process.
To achieve your Foot Health Practitioner qualifications, you will need to complete your practical training successfully and complete 6 question papers, with each one focusing on the individual online theory lessons. Please allow between 1-2 hours of study per question paper.
Kickstart Your Learning Journey!
So, do you want to get clued up on foot health? Are you keen to become a Foot Health Practitioner? Well, if the answer is ‘yes’ to either of those questions, get in touch with one of our Course Executives by calling 0121 392 8288 or reach out online. Get learning today!
