What is the difference between chiropody and podiatry?

Chiropody and Podiatry both refer to the medical care of the feet, but the difference is mainly historical and regional.

🔹 Chiropody

• The traditional term used in the UK and Canada.

• Still widely recognised by the public, especially older generations.

• Refers to treatment of common foot issues like corns, calluses, nail problems, and general foot health.

  
  

🔹 Podiatry

• The modern, internationally recognised term used in healthcare today.

• It encompasses everything chiropody covers, but also includes more advanced care like:

  • Biomechanical assessments

  • Diabetic foot health management

  • Nail surgery

  • Musculoskeletal issues

  • Paediatric foot development

In Summary:

All podiatrists are qualified to perform chiropody, but podiatry reflects the full scope of modern foot healthcare.

At The Foot Clinic, Coxhoe, we use both terms because many patients are familiar with "chiropody", but our HCPC-registered practitioners provide the full range of modern podiatric care.