Nena Jukes  MRCPod, DPodM, HCPC

I attended The Chelsea School of Chiropody for 3 years and qualified as a Chiropodist in 1985. A few years later the profession underwent a big change and we were suddenly referred to as Podiatrists. This was to reflect the vastly increased scope of practice that we had gained.

Podiatrists use local anaesthesia and may remove painful ingrown toenails for a permanant cure. We treat muscular skeletal problems with the legs, ankles and feet as well as influence outcomes in other parts of the body because of course we are all joined up! We treat skin problems such as corns, callus, bacterial and fungal infections as well as verruca.

Some Podiatrists specialise in working with people with problems as a result of their diabetes and I spent 20 years of my working life at West Suffolk Hospital doing this. I became an expert on the treatment and prevention of wounds which includes vascular and neurological assessment of the lower limb.

I continue to add to my knowledge by   ongoing training worldwide. As a member of the HCPC we are all required to undertake at least 100 hours each year. This extra training has lead me to discover foot mobilisation (FMT) which is an amazing tool to help people with very painful or stiff feet, get moving again. I went to Adelaide to train specifically in this and have offered this treatment in my clinic since 2015.

There are so many ways we 'Pods' can help to keep people moving forward or get out of pain! I  still love my work which is a joy and a privilege.

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