What is Chiropody?

Is a Chiropodist different from a Podiatrist?

Until recently, anyone could call themselves a Chiropodist – there was no need to do any training at all. To work in the Health Service, you had to be State Registered (which meant you had completed a three year full time course) but there was no safeguard for people being treated in the private sector.

In the 1970’s, in order to distinguish between the registered and non registered practitioners, the American term Podiatrist was introduced - and it’s just beginning to catch on! This new term coincided with an expansion in the scope of practice of the registered practitioners following the Medicines Act which allowed Registered Chiropodists, subject to the appropriate training, to use local analgesics (give injections). Some have gone on to become Podiatric Surgeons and specialise in foot surgery.

In 2005 the profession was “closed” and the titles Podiatrist and Chiropodist became protected. This means that legally someone can only call themselves a Podiatrist or Chiropodist if they have completed the recognised training course or if they have undertaken further training to bring their standards, skills and knowledge base up to the minimum standards. The State Registration Board has been replaced by the Health Professions Council which now regulates the profession. You can check if a health professional you are planning to visit is registered by visiting www.hpc-uk.org.

Although at one time it was thought that Podiatrists were more highly qualified than Chiropodists, the terms are now interchangeable.