What is the difference between a Chiropodist and a Podiatrist?

There is no difference between a chiropodist and a podiatrist. The term chiropody has been traditionally used in the UK, but the term podiatry is recognised and used more internationally. Chiropodists in the UK are being referred to as podiatrists more and more and many people in the profession refer to themselves as both.

What is a Podiatrist / Chiropodist?

An HPC registered podiatrist / chiropodist is a specialist in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the feet and lower limbs. Foot disorders affect the majority of the people at some time in their lives.

Podiatrists currently have to undertake a Bachelors degree which includes 1000 clinical training hours to meet standards for the use of the protected titles 'Podiatrist' or 'Chiropodist'. A Podiatrist may well be trained in the use of local anaesthetics and have a licence for issuing prescription only medicines.

What can podiatry help with?

Below are some examples of what a Podiatrist / Chiropodist does:

• Relief of foot pain and lower limb pain.
• Prescription and provision of orthoses (specialist shoe insoles).
• Use of techniques including minor surgery using local anaesthetics.
• Preventative care for people with specific conditions such as diabetes, poor circulation and various forms of arthritis.
• Recognition of systemic medical conditions which may first manifest themselves within the foot and alleviation of the effects of these disorders such as inflammation or ulceration.
• Routine care of problem nails, corns and callus.
• Podiatry assessments and treatments

Depending on your condition, your podiatry / chiropody assessment may include a biomechanical examination and gait analysis (video where necessary) and/or running analysis. Stretching and strengthening exercises along with orthoses (3D insoles) may be prescribed. Footwear assessment and advice may also be given

What else can chiropody help with?

Below are more examples of what a Chiropodist / Podiatrist does:

• Ingrown toenails and other problem toenails
• Corns
• Fungal infections (athletes foot)
• Verrucae
• Diabetic foot care advice
• Chiropody assessment and treatment

All patients undergo an initial 30 minute chiropody consultation, in which they are fully assessed and the various treatment options are discussed. Where further treatment is required 30 minute follow up appointments can be arranged (certain conditions can be dealt with in 15 minute dressing appointments).

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