Adept chiropodist in Woolwich

In this feature we'll be interviewing Nicolas Ivanoff, a chiropodist in Woolwich and proprietor of the Feet by Pody clinics.

Interviewer: Nicolas, so let's get a little background on how you got into podiatry? Or is it chiropody? Nicolas: It's both really! I'd describe the chiropody side of my role (as a chiropodist in Woolwich!) as encompassing general foot care, nail trimming, and providing removal of corns and calluses.

Interviewer: And the podiatry side of your work as a chiropodist in Woolwich? Nicolas: The podiatry side I see more as the gait analysis and prescribed orthotics. Both of which I'll come onto a little later.

Interviewer: So why the different terms? Nicolas: Both "Chiropodist" and "Podiatrist" are titles regulated in UK law which can only be used by professionals who have undergone specific, accredited training. For simplicity's sake, it is correct to call me a chiropodist in Woolwich. Chiropodists and Podiatrists are regulated by the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) to ensure we meet their highest standard. Most of us in this field have graduated after a four-year degree course, and we also undertake significant training at post-graduate level in specific topics. I have certainly done so in my profession as a chiropodist in Woolwich. There is officially no difference between Chiropody and Podiatry. However recently the term "Podiatry" has become more commonly used, it refers to the assessment of foot disorders to diagnose and treat a large range of foot pathologies

Interviewer: Why did you choose this particular field of health? Nicolas: Feet are a part of our anatomy which are not peculiar to gender, age, or ethnicity, and the broad spectrum of people you can work with was a definite draw. And indeed, as a chiropodist in Woolwich I have been fortunate enough to be able to help such a wide range of people.

Interviewer: What defines podiatry, versus chiropody? Nicolas: Podiatry could be more defined as gait analysis and orthotics, which are respectively, analysing how people walk (e.g. the pressure they exert on different parts of the feet), and orthotics are custom-made devices, like shoe inserts, which correct certain foot conditions. Both of these are key elements of my role as a chiropodist in Woolwich.

Interviewer: What else does your job as chiropodist in Woolwich entail? Nicolas: A part of my job as a chiropodist in Woolwich is diagnosing and treating diabetic foot conditions. The prevalence of diabetes is rising in certain demographics, and this has serious implications on my work as a chiropodist in Woolwich.

Interviewer: How do you see your remit as a chiropodist in Woolwich evolving? Nicolas: Like I say, keeping abreast of wider health trends is vital to keeping on top of my work as a chiropodist in Woolwich. Nicolas Ivanoff is a chiropodist in Woolwich with other clinics in EC2 and Canary Wharf To find out more about this chiropodist in Woolwich, please visit www.feetbypody.com or phone 07907 456 846 and 0207 099 6657. Alternatively e-mail nicolas@feetbypody.com