What Is the Difference Between a Podiatrist and a Chiropodist?

If you are looking for professional foot care, you may have wondered whether you should see a podiatrist or a chiropodist. With both terms commonly used in the UK, it can be confusing to know whether there is actually a difference.

The simple answer is: in the UK, podiatry and chiropody refer to the same regulated profession.

Podiatrist vs Chiropodist – What Is the Difference?

Historically, the term chiropodist was commonly used to describe a foot care professional. Over time, the profession developed to include a much broader range of foot and lower-limb healthcare, and the term podiatrist became increasingly used.

Today, both podiatrists and chiropodists are trained healthcare professionals who assess, diagnose and treat conditions affecting the feet and lower limbs.

The title "podiatrist" is now more commonly used within the profession, although many people still search for and use the term "chiropodist" when looking for professional foot care.

What Does a Podiatrist or Chiropodist Treat?

A podiatrist or chiropodist can provide assessment and treatment for a wide range of foot and lower-limb conditions, including:

• Thickened and difficult-to-cut toenails

• Ingrown toenails

• Corns and calluses

• Verrucas

• Cracked or painful skin

• Foot pain

• Heel pain

• Plantar fasciitis

• Sports and activity-related foot problems

• Biomechanical and gait problems

• Nail and skin problems

• Some conditions affecting the muscles, joints and lower limbs

  
  

Depending on the problem, treatment may involve routine foot care, advice, footwear recommendations, exercises, padding, orthoses or other appropriate podiatric treatment.

Are Podiatrists and Chiropodists Qualified?

Yes. In the UK, podiatrists are regulated healthcare professionals.

When choosing a practitioner, it is important to make sure they are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). HCPC registration means the practitioner is regulated and must meet the required professional standards.

At Advanced Chiropody & Podiatry, our practitioners are HCPC Registered Podiatrists, providing professional podiatry and chiropody care.

Why Do Some People Still Say "Chiropodist"?

The word "chiropodist" has been used in the UK for many years and remains a familiar term for professional foot care.

In fact, someone searching online for a chiropodist in Hexham, for example, may be looking for exactly the same type of professional as someone searching for a podiatrist in Hexham.

This is why you may see both terms used when looking for foot care services.

Do I Need a Podiatrist or a Chiropodist?

In most cases, there is no need to choose between the two terms. If you need professional treatment or advice for your feet, a qualified, HCPC-registered podiatrist can assess your problem and advise you on the most appropriate treatment.

Whether you call them a podiatrist or a chiropodist, the important thing is to choose a properly qualified and regulated professional.

Professional Podiatry & Chiropody in Hexham

Advanced Chiropody & Podiatry provides professional foot care from their clinic in Hexham, as well as home visits across Tyne and Wear.

Our Hexham clinic is located at:

26 Battle Hill Hexham NE46 2EB

We provide professional podiatry and chiropody care for a wide range of foot and lower-limb conditions.

HCPC Registered Podiatrists | Est. 1990

If you are experiencing foot pain or have a problem with your feet, nails or skin, contact Advanced Chiropody & Podiatry to arrange an appointment.