Who or what is a podiatrist? to put it simply a podiatrist is a medical professional who has undertaken specialist training in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of conditions of the feet.
The training is usually at university degree level and can last for 3-5 years with many podiatrists going on to specialize in areas such as bio-mechanics, foot surgery, high risk groups and sports injuries.
What is a chiropodist?
Still widely used, the term Chiropody or chiropodist is becoming an old fashioned term and in practical terms the same as podiatrist. In the past it used to mean a specialist in both the hands and feet, as the part ‘chiro’ comes from the Greek word meaning hand.
The term chiropodist is still widely used in the UK but there is a growing trend and debate over the use of the more internationally recognized term Podiatrist.
Is there a difference between chiropody and podiatry?
Both terms are used in the UK, chiropody or chiropodist is a traditional title, podiatry or podiatrist is now more widespread internationally especially in the United States. There is no real practical difference as both undertake the same level of training.
In 2003 the UK government protected the titles chiropody and podiatry by offering HPC (health profession council) registration (now the health & care professions council). This was to ensure that anybody using the titles met a minimum standard of education and training, usually to university degree level.
Unfortunately for Chiropodists and Podiatrists the HPC inadvertently created a sub group within the foot care industry commonly known as “foot health practitioners”
So hang on, what is a foot health practitioner?
Many foot health specialists who didn’t want, or were not eligible to gain HCPC registration started to adopt the term, as an easily recognizable way to name themselves. You may have noticed the title in the yellow pages and in local advertising.
Foot health practitioners come from varying backgrounds and qualify to different levels, from well respected college courses to distance learning, unfortunately this title is not protected or regulated by the HCPC.
This meant the private podiatry sector grew with many companies such as age concern, providing very basic routine foot care, especially with the older section of society.
Does it matter if you see a podiatrist or foot health practitioner?
This depends on the severity of your foot problem, first we recommend you visit your GP, they will tell you the most suitable type of practitioner you should visit. If you don’t want to visit your GP then an HCPC registered podiatrist is always a good option.
Visit our find a podiatrist page.