Understanding the Terms
If you’ve ever booked a “chiropody” appointment or seen “podiatry” advertised, you might be wondering — what’s the difference?
The short answer: there isn’t one anymore.
Both chiropodists and podiatrists are trained professionals who care for the feet and lower limbs. The term podiatry has simply replaced chiropody in modern practice.
The change reflects how the profession has evolved — from providing routine nail and skin care to offering advanced diagnosis, medical treatments, and management of complex foot and leg conditions.
A Quick History of the Name Change
The term chiropody has been used in the UK for over a century, traditionally referring to the treatment of minor foot problems like corns, calluses, and toenails.
In the late 20th century, as the profession expanded to include biomechanics, sports medicine, orthotics, diabetic care, and surgical procedures, the international term podiatry was adopted to better represent this wider scope.
Since 2005, all professionals who were previously called chiropodists or podiatrists have been regulated under the same title by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
That means if you’re seeing someone registered with the HCPC — whether they call themselves a chiropodist or podiatrist — you’re in safe, qualified hands.
What a Podiatrist Does Today
Modern podiatry is much more than nail care. It combines medical knowledge, biomechanics, and preventive care to keep you mobile and pain-free.
A podiatrist can help with:
- Ingrown toenails and nail surgery
- Corns, calluses, and hard skin removal
- Heel and arch pain (such as plantar fasciitis)
- Diabetic foot checks and wound care
- Gait analysis and orthotics
- Sports injuries and rehabilitation
- Foot and ankle advice for children or older adults
Many podiatrists also work closely with GPs, physiotherapists, and orthopaedic specialists to support holistic lower limb care.
So, Is There Any Difference Now?
In the UK, Chiropody and Podiatry refer to the same regulated profession.
The difference is mostly in the name — with podiatry being the modern, internationally recognised term.
So if you’re looking for professional foot care, don’t worry about which word is used — just make sure your clinician is HCPC-registered and has the right qualifications for your needs.
