What is Podiatry?

Podiatry is a specialty focused on diagnosing, treating, and managing conditions of the foot, ankle, and legs.

Podiatry includes the treatment of skin and nail issues such as cracked heels, ingrown toenails, neuromas, warts, and fungal infections. It also covers common treatments for injuries, gait problems, and complications from conditions like diabetes and arthritis.

What can Podiatrists do?

Podiatrists are specialists of the foot, and as such treat all manner of conditions which affect the skin, nails, muscles, joints, tendons, nerves and circulation, and movement of the foot. As you can see that is quite a lot, which is why all Podiatrists must hold a formal qualification (commonly Bachelor of Health Science in Podiatry).

Most people will suffer from foot pain at some point in their life whether in their personal, professional or sporting activities. However, this is not something that needs to go unresolved, Podiatrists can identify and manage the cause of these foot or lower limb concerns.

Many podiatrists also choose to focus their expertise in particular areas such as general foot care, sports injuries, children’s foot development, high-risk foot conditions (like those related to diabetes), care for older adults, and footwear and orthotic solutions.

Podiatry and your work

We spend a third of our days at work, so it’s important to stay comfortable while we’re there - regardless of whether we’re sitting down, on our feet, or anything in between.

Podiatrists can help you stay comfortable on your feet at work, as well as help you manage the stress that repetitive movements performed at work may place on your bones, joints and muscles. Your Podiatrist can:

Help you recover from pain or injuries that affect you at work
Help you manage injuries sustained at work
Apply appropriate management strategies to reduce the likelihood of the pain or injury coming back in the future
Optimise your comfort and the way you move at work

They can do this by:

Performing tailored biomechanical assessment of your lower limbs
Using orthotics to alter your foot biomechanics
Retraining the way you move
Prescribing physical therapy (strengthening and stretching) exercises to promote healthy lower limb function
Recommending work-specific footwear that adds support and stability
Referring appropriately where further investigations are required

If you want to feel more comfortable and less tired during work, book in with your Podiatrist to see how they can help you specifically.

Podiatry in New Zealand

450+

Registered Podiatrists practice in New Zealand with many more needed for our population

1

Specialised Podiatry Education Programme based in Auckland - check it out here

65%

of Podiatrists are self employed business owners - so if you want to be your own boss this is a great job for you

500+

New Podiatrists are needed to meet New Zealand's current demand

Do you want to become a podiatrist?

To be a podiatrist in New Zealand, you have to hold a Bachelor of Health Science in Podiatry (or equivalent), which is a 3-year full-time degree. AUT is the only university in New Zealand where you can study a podiatry degree.

After successfully completing AUT's podiatry degree, you can apply to register as a podiatrist in New Zealand and overseas.

Clinical placements in hospitals, primary health organisations, private practices and AUT’s on-campus podiatry clinic are a key part of this programme. These placements are your chance to experience all aspects of a podiatrist’s caseload, and a great networking opportunity. You can practise and perform minor surgical procedures in AUT’s purpose-built surgical theatre.

AUT Bachelor of Health Science (Podiatry)

Student Support

PodiatryNZ offer students free membership while they are studying and can offer information, support and help finding a job when the time comes. If you are currently a podiatry student join below.