Podology – what is it, and what does it involve?

In Greek, the word podos means “foot,” while logos translates to “study.” Combined, they form the term podology, which can be loosely interpreted as “the study of feet.” Interestingly, the history of this field stretches back thousands of years, and the concern for foot health is far from a modern phenomenon. Services aimed at relieving foot ailments — such as painful calluses or fungal infections affecting the toenails — were already developing in ancient Egypt and Rome. In more modern history, the end of the 19th century marked a significant milestone, with the first podological society being officially recognized in the United States. In Poland, the beginnings of podology can be traced back to the early 19th century. Unfortunately, the subsequent world wars and the rise of socialism greatly hindered the advancement of specialized foot care in the country.

Today, podology is evolving at a remarkable pace. Growing awareness of the importance of foot health has led more and more people to go beyond standard cosmetic treatments like classic or hybrid pedicures and seek specialized care at professional podology clinics. It turns out that podology is not limited, as commonly believed, to treating dermatological issues affecting the feet. It also incorporates insights from fields such as osteology, orthopedics, myology, phlebology, angiology, neurology, and lymphology. This broad interdisciplinary knowledge is crucial for podologists to accurately diagnose and treat foot disorders. It’s also worth noting that at top clinics, podologists work closely with dermatologists and phlebologists to ensure the highest standards of care for their patients.

A specialist trained in the field of podology is known as a podologist. In Poland, since 2015, this profession has been classified as a paramedical occupation, falling under the category of those “practicing unconventional or complementary therapy methods.” For many highly educated podologists, this classification is seen as unfair and misleading. A podologist’s primary role is to diagnose and treat skin conditions affecting the feet, as well as disorders of the toenails. However, in order to approach patients’ problems holistically, a podologist must possess a much broader knowledge that goes beyond dermatology alone.

One reason podology is not officially recognized as a medical profession in Poland may be the widespread misuse of the title by individuals who are not properly qualified. Many of them have completed only basic podology courses, which cannot provide the depth of knowledge and clinical methodology offered by specialized higher education. Unfortunately, this situation stems from the lack of legal regulation regarding the profession of podologist in Poland.

As a result, patients who visit clinics operated by inadequately trained individuals may have negative experiences and lose trust in the podology profession as a whole. This is particularly unfair to those podologists who have dedicated years to studying the field and mastering the medical knowledge essential for accurate diagnosis and effective therapy. Therefore, it is crucial to verify a podologist’s education and qualifications to ensure the highest standard of care and professional expertise.

In general, the conditions that bring patients to podology clinics can be divided into two main categories: skin problems affecting the feet and pathological changes involving the toenails. In practice, however, a podologist can also help manage certain early-stage orthopedic conditions that do not yet require medical intervention by an orthopedic doctor. A great example is a hallux valgus (bunion), where a podologist can effectively slow the progression of the deformity and implement preventive strategies. These may include creating custom orthotic devices or insoles, applying taping techniques, prescribing foot-strengthening exercises, and providing appropriate foot care recommendations.

Among the most common conditions treated by podologists are:

• Calluses, corns, and plantar keratoses – These are thickenings of the epidermis, usually caused by prolonged mechanical pressure, often from ill-fitting footwear. Treatment involves removing the excess skin using a podiatry drill, CO₂ laser, or a surgical scalpel.

• Cracked heels – Beyond being a cosmetic concern, cracked heels can lead to painful fissures that make walking difficult and allow bacteria and fungi to enter the bloodstream through broken skin. Early podology intervention is key. Treatments typically include softening the skin, removing callused areas, and applying specialized ointments to restore the natural skin structure.

• Diabetic foot – People with diabetes have unique foot care needs. Managing diabetic foot conditions requires extensive knowledge of neurology and lymphology. Specialized and meticulous foot care can help prevent the excessive buildup of skin, painful cracks, and complications related to nerve and circulation disorders.

• Fungal nail infections – Modern podology clinics often use laser therapy to treat fungal infections. The laser not only kills fungal cells but also stimulates healthy nail regrowth and encourages tissue regeneration.

• Ingrown toenails – A common and painful condition where the nail grows into the surrounding skin, making walking difficult. Regular care by a podologist is highly recommended for individuals prone to this issue. Treatment may involve selecting the appropriate therapy or applying specialized corrective braces to guide nail growth properly.

Of course, these examples do not cover the full range of podiatric treatments available. Podologists also address issues such as excessive foot sweating (hyperhidrosis), offer nail plate reconstruction, treat onycholysis (nail detachment), and provide basic podology care. This may include professional skin and nail drilling, correct nail trimming, and the application of specialized therapeutic or medical products.

The primary factor to consider when choosing a podology clinic is the qualifications and experience of its specialists. Due to the lack of legal regulation of the podologist profession in Poland, it is unfortunately easy to come across individuals who should not be using this title. In such cases, patients risk receiving incorrect diagnoses, experiencing a lack of proper aseptic techniques, and undergoing poorly performed treatments — all of which can worsen the condition or accelerate the progression of the disease.

A qualified podologist can be recognized by their thorough patient consultation, including a detailed health history interview, and their use of modern podology techniques, often acquired through additional training, professional courses, and symposiums. A good podologist also takes a holistic approach to the patient’s condition — examining habits related to foot and nail care, gait patterns, and even footwear choices. Educating patients about these important aspects is a hallmark of a true professional.

Patients who visit podology clinics are most often individuals who, due to genetic predispositions or improper foot care, suffer from conditions affecting their feet and toenails. This group frequently includes people whose professions expose them to injuries of the musculoskeletal system or to fungal and viral infections — such as lifeguards or athletes.nPodology treatments are also popular among women who can’t imagine life without high heels. Unfortunately, such footwear often leads to foot deformities, as well as painful friction and calluses.

Additionally, podologists regularly treat patients with diabetes, as they require professional and specialized foot care. That said, it is beneficial for anyone who cares about their overall health to visit a podologist at least once. A consultation can provide valuable guidance on how to properly care for one of the most important parts of the human body — the feet.