A Podiatrist spends 3 or 4 years at university learning specifically how the foot works when you walk and run. Podiatrists are autonomous healthcare professionals who aim to improve their patients’ mobility, independence and quality of life. They assess, diagnose and treat people with problems of the feet, ankles and lower limbs. Only clinicians who have completed the extensive university degree course and are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) can call themselves a Podiatrist or Chiropodist.
The short answer is nothing. The qualifications are essentially the same and both are protected titles in law. A Chiropodist is a more old fashioned term used to describe the basic treatment of hand and foot conditions. Today’s training of Podiatrists represents significant advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of foot, ankle and lower limb conditions. As all our staff has completed extensive undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications, the team at South West Podiatry refers to us as Podiatrists.
South West Podiatry is able to provide Podiatry and Chiropody care at home for our valued patients who are unable to get into our podiatry clinic in South London. Please contact us to arrange an appointment for one of our team to come to your home for assessment and treatment. Additional information on ‘what is a chiropodist’ can be found here.