Today's Australian Podiatrist works as a health professional to prevent, diagnose, treat and rehabilitate medical and surgical conditions of the feet and lower limbs.

The profession itself has undergone changes to allow for the growth and upgrading of educational standards. Up until 1977, the Australian Podiatrist was called a Chiropodist, but this term was renamed in recognition of the educational changes that had occurred . In the initial stages, students were able to qualify as chiropodists after short courses between 6-12 weeks. But now , in order to practice as a Podiatrist, the individual must complete a four-year science degree and be registered with the state Podiatry Registration Boards. In essence, the name change was to highlight the upgrading if you like in education between the Chiropodist and the Podiatrist.

In order to practice as a Podiatrist, the individual must complete a four-year science degree and be registered with the state Podiatry Registration Boards.

The most common foot conditions that Podiatrists currently treat include:

• ingrown toenails
• cracked heels
• blisters
• corns & calluses
• thick nails
• fungal nails
• aching feet and
• athletes' foot.

Some of the common areas that Podiatrists specialise in include:

• Sports Medicine
• Diabetes
• Paediatrics
• Surgery
• Arthritis and
• Biomechanics