All you need to know about Chiropody & Podiatry…

Podiatry and Chiropody mean the same thing, in the UK the terms are interchangeable, and both are now protected titles which can only be used by professionals registered with the HCPC.

Podiatrists are specialists of the foot, and as such treat all manner of conditions which affect the skin, nails, muscles, joints, tendons, nerves and circulation of the foot. As you can imagine that is quite a lot, which is why to become a Podiatrist a degree in podiatric medicine is required. Podiatrists can perform minor surgeries with the use of local anaesthetics, and some can dispense prescription only medicines when required, they really are a complete service for foot problems.

The most common conditions treated by podiatrists are problem nails (including ingrown toenails), corns and callus, verrucae and heel pain. The majority of people will suffer from foot pain at some point in their life, and podiatrists are always keen to tell us that foot pain is not normal, and is something we shouldn’t put up with.