What is the Difference Between a Chiropodist and a Podiatrist?

If I had a pound for every time someone asked me what the difference between a chiropodist and a podiatrist was... well, I wouldn't need to be a podiatrist anymore! Just kidding, I love my job. I'd still do it. I'd just be a lot richer.

Anyway, the short answer is: there isn't one.

In the UK, the profession used to be known as chiropody until a good few years ago when the term was retired. This change occurred because the qualifications needed for this job evolved from a diploma to an honours degree in podiatric medicine, or podiatry. You still hear a lot of people using the term chiropodist to describe the person who attends to their feet, but this term is no longer used professionally.

The History of 'Podiatrist'

The term "chiropodist" originates from ancient Greek. It combines "hand" (chiro) and "foot" (pous/pod) and originally described a practitioner who attended to both hands and feet. Over time, chiropodists focused solely (no pun intended) on feet.

The more modern term "podiatry" also derives from Greek, combining "pous/pod" (foot) with "iatreia" (healing). This term was used in America and eventually became internationally accepted.

In the UK, everyone practicing as a podiatrist must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). They offer a handy "check the register" service. As long as your practitioner is registered on their website, you can rest assured they are qualified to treat your feet!