One question I get asked a lot in the clinic is about the difference between podiatry and chiropody. People often search for “podiatrist vs chiropodist” or “is a chiropodist the same as a podiatrist,” so I thought it was time to clear things up in plain English.
The short answer is that in the UK today, there is no real difference between podiatry and chiropody. They refer to exactly the same profession. Chiropody is the older, traditional name that was commonly used for decades. Back in the day, chiropodists focused mainly on basic foot care like cutting nails, dealing with corns and calluses, and treating simple problems.
Over time, the profession evolved. Training became more advanced, covering everything from skin and nail issues to biomechanics (how your feet move and affect the rest of your body), diabetes-related foot care, minor surgery, and even prescribing certain medicines. In the 1990s, the name officially changed to podiatry to reflect this broader scope and to align with the international term used in places like America and Australia.
These days, all qualified foot specialists in the UK must complete a degree in podiatry and register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). The HCPC actually lists the profession as “chiropodists/podiatrists,” which shows how the two names are still linked. You will see some clinics or older practitioners using “chiropody” in their name, often because it is familiar to long-term patients, but the person treating you is a fully qualified podiatrist.
If you are searching for foot care and wondering whether to book with a podiatrist or chiropodist, it does not matter which term you use. Just make sure the practitioner is HCPC-registered, that is the key to knowing they are properly trained and safe.
What can you expect from a podiatrist (or chiropodist)? We treat all sorts of common issues: ingrown toenails, verrucas, fungal infections, hard skin, heel pain, bunions, and foot problems linked to conditions like arthritis or diabetes. We also give advice on footwear, insoles, and preventing future trouble.
If you have foot pain or worries, do not put it off. A quick visit can sort most things out before they get worse. Whether the sign on the door says podiatry or chiropody, you will get the same expert care.
