What is the difference between a podiatrist and a chiropodist?
Podiatrist versus chiropodist. Podiatry is the modern name for a Chiropodist, but with a few differences.
When did Podiatry become the new term?
Podiatry became the new term in 1993, in the UK. It was to ensure that the UK was in line with podiatry across the world.
What training do Podiatrists undergo?
All students training since 2005 have undertaken a 3 year BSc degree at university. Degree education has given podiatrists the skills to diagnose and treat conditions of the feet and lower limb. We are known as foot and ankle specialists.
Podiatrists are allowed to access, use and supply certain drugs. These include local anaesthetic, antibiotics and corticosteroids to broaden their treatment remit and skills.
Would you like a career in podiatry?
If you are interested in a career in podiatry, please check out a career in podiatry.
Podiatrist versus chiropodist
Chiropodist as a term is commonly used by the general public but less so be health professionals, we are podiatrists. Podiatry comes under the allied health professionals.
What is the scope of practice for a podiatrist?
The treatments that podiatrists offer range from nail cutting and nail surgery to sports injury through and injection therapy.
Training includes in depth knowledge of anatomy, physiology and the skills in treating conditions.
Podiatrists regularly use high tech kit to aid diagnosis and treatment. Such as ultrasound to see images of soft tissue and dermatoscopes to diagnose skin conditions.
Shockwave therapy is used for sports injury, microwave therapy for verrucae, camera imaging for detailed gait analysis.
Extended scope of practice for podiatrists
Podiatrists can become further skilled in podiatric surgery, research and forensic science, to name a few. Specific masters degree courses are available.
Dentists treat the mouth and teeth. Podiatrists treat the foot and lower limb.
Where can podiatrists work?
Private practices see patients with all foot and ankle conditions.
Podiatrists work both in the NHS and in private practice to cater for all patients’ needs.
It is recommended by NICE the podiatrists manage footcare of long term conditions. These conditions include diabetes, peripheral arterial disease and rheumatoid arthritis should be available on the NHS.
Podiatrist versus chiropodist