This is a question we get asked a lot – in many different forms! We get asked almost every day “what’s the difference between a Chiropodist and a Podiatrist”, or “are you a nurse….doctor for feet?”, or even “does a podiatrist just cut toenails?”
The full answer of what a Podiatrist is, and how they differ to a Chiropodist, is a little long-winded and steeped in history and jargon – so allow me to explain it all!
The answer that I always tend to give when I’m asked this question in person, is that there is very little difference in the day-to-day practice of a Chiropodist and a Podiatrist. A Chiropodist will likely have a 3-year Diploma in Chiropody, and a Podiatrist will likely have a 3-year degree in Podiatry. Both should be registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC). So far, they are very similar! The diploma in Chiropody ceased to be awarded as a qualification in 1993, and simultaneously the degree in Podiatry took over. With the changes in qualification came the change of the more universally term of ‘Podiatrist’ which has mostly replaced the use of ‘Chiropodist’. If all you wanted was the short answer, this is it!
If you delve a little deeper, there are a few differences, but mostly there are similarities.
Both Chiropodists and Podiatrists specialise in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of conditions of the lower limb (i.e. feet, legs, knees, hips). Our insurance and license to practice also covers us to treat certain conditions on the hand where there is appropriate cross-over (for example cutting fingernails, treating warts).
So far, there seem like nothing but similarities! So, let’s get to the differences.
The title Chiropodist is a protected term, so you would specifically have to have the appropriate qualifications to be eligible to be called a Chiropodist.
The title of Podiatrist is NOT a protected term, however morally one should have the appropriate qualifications to be called a Podiatrist. Many Chiropodists are now going by the term Podiatrist, and due to the huge amount of cross-over, this is generally acceptable.
A safe Podiatrist or Chiropodist should always be registered with the HCPC. If they are not, then I would always be questioning why – it is likely that they have been ‘struck off’ and mandated not to practice.
A Podiatrist, as part of their degree training, will have gone through a module on prescription only medications – this will mean that they are able to issue certain medications (for example adrenaline on the exceptionally rare occasion that there is a reaction to anaesthetic). However, a Chiropodist would have had to do this same type of module AFTER their diploma had finished, and it is optional for them to have completed this.
Now, things can get a little more technical when you consider letters after one’s name. Let me break down what they all mean.
DPodM is a Diploma in Podiatric Medicine – this was later changed to a degree in Podiatry, if somebody has these letters after their name, they are a qualified Podiatrist.
BSc(Podiatry) is an undergraduate level degree in Podiatry – if somebody has these letters after their name, they are a qualified Podiatrist.
SRCh – this person is a State Registered Chiropodist. This title has been defunct since 9th July 2003, although some Chiropodists that have been practicing since before this date still use this title, as it is widely recognised by members of the public.
MRCPod – This means that the Podiatrist or Chiropodist is a member of the Royal College of Podiatry
Then, to make things even more complicated, there are Foot Health Practitioners, or ‘FHPs’. This is not a protected title, and anybody can use this title regardless of training levels. Courses are available that can offer as little as 11 days of training, and following this a person that has completed this course is able to state that they are a ‘fully qualified Foot Health Professional’. This level of training should not be confused with a 3 or more year Podiatry degree.
A Podiatrist, or Chiropodist, should always be your first port of call for a foot problem. You do not need a GP referral for a private consultation, and many NHS services are able to accept self-referrals for acute issues. Podiatrists are able to identify risk factors for developing foot ulcers and help to prevent these from happening, and are able to act when serious complications arise. We are able to treat foot pain, ingrowing toenails, verrucae, corns, callus, difficult to cut toenails – anything your feet can throw at us…or should that be kick at us?!