Chiropodist vs Podiatrist

[Babysharkdoodoodood]

What's the difference?

I used to see a lovely chiropodist in Birmingham, but she closed her business after Xmas.

Then I tried to book at Shuropody, but ours has just closed down.

So I've visited a local podiatrist, whilst she's sorted out my nails and taken a bit of hard skin off, doesn't do the whole foot soak, file trim that I used to get. And it's £50!

Now looking for another chiropodist.

I assumed they were the same, so am watching for other more learned souls (soles, lol, sorry..) to clarify.

They are the same, podiatrist is the updated name. Only know this because my dd had an ingrown nail so was trying to find one locally.

My Podiatrist is a surgeon so I figured Podiatrists did the medical stuff and Chiropodists were more toenail cutters? I would like to know the difference too.

They are the same qualification they do the same things. It's just an updated name.

I've gone to the same chiropodist for years they have certificates on their walls Is Bachelor of science in podiatry.

Chiropodist and podiatrist are the same thing, but only podiatrist is generally used now. The professional body, the Institute of Podiatry, only uses podiatry and the qualification they take is BSc Podiatry.
If you need treatment, it is well worth checking on the HCPC register that the person is qualified. It is not illegal to set up as a chiropodist/podiatrist privately when not qualified, but they would not have the backing of professional insurance and continuing professional development.
There is more than one theory as to why the name changed. One is that the word chiropodist was sometimes confused with chiropractor. Pod means foot in Latin so the word was considered suitable.

Sorry to be particularly direct, but, you are wrong.

1. "Chiropodist" and "Podiatrist" are protected titles, as they imply two things. First, that a level of training has been achieved. Second, that the individual claiming to be a Chiropodist or Podiatrist is regulated by the Health & Care Professions Council.

2. There is some wiggle room for referring to one's self as a "non-HCPC registered chiropodist/podiatrist". This would limit some of their scope, but does allow for them to refer to themselves in that way. BUT, they should also be able to demonstrate a level of knowledge and skill equal to that of the professional that they are seeing.

So, to go back to the point that "Podiatry isn't a closed profession so anyone can work privately", this is not accurate. One can only call themselves a chiropodist/podiatrist if they have achieved a level of training and skill and they are regulated by the HCPC if they want to work legally... but those who refer to themselves as a chiropodist/podiatrist without any of those qualities/registrations is acting illegally and can be fined (I think) up to £5000 and may even receive a jail sentence.

Technically, there should not be a difference between a 'chiropodist' and a 'podiatrist' - they are both regulated under the same license, and both are meant to have received training to a certain standard.

The modern reality is that chiropody tends to be more focussed on routine footcare whilst podiatry may encompass routine footcare, but podiatrists should take a more health-holistic approach and treat you in a way that is more scientific and evidence-based.

As for foot soaks etc...
Foot soaks are very much a 'chiropody' or 'pedicure-y' type of add-on. Some chiropody/podiatry clinics may offer it, and that is something which is individual to their clinic. It is not a standard part of podiatry treatments, and would probably be used in more chiropody-focussed clinics as it is more of a beauty/luxurious aspect to treatment, rather than the medically focussed treatment that most podiatrists should be giving.

As for the price of £50. This sounds about right for a properly qualified podiatrist offering a quality clinical service as you would not only be paying for their time, but all of the costs associated with bringing a quality clinical service to you.

As a podiatrist, I can confirm that the word 'chiropodist' is still used a lot - possibly even more than podiatry. Especially when referring to a practitioner of routine footcare.

The main professional body is the Royal College of Podiatry. The Institute of Podiatry is a much smaller organisation.

It is illegal to set up as a chiropodist/podiatrist privately unless you are qualified as one (or can at least prove training and skill sets to a sufficient standard when challenged).
However, it is not illegal to set up as a Foot Health Practitioner privately and these people are able to get insurance... though whether they do or not is another matter. Likewise, it is not a requirement when they are not registered to undertake CPD, but they still may.
Although they will often market themselves as a chiropodists or podiatrists - this is illegal and can carry large fines and potentially jail time.

The main reason that the name changed was to align with American colleagues who were practicing under the title of podiatrist, which in turn aligned more with the medical model of healthcare.
The Latin for foot is 'pes' or 'pedites'.
The Classical Greek for foot is 'podos'.
The Classical Greek for hand is 'chiros'.
The Classical Greek for doctor/physician is 'iatros'.
The Classical Greek for practical is 'praktikos'

So, 'podos' + 'iatros' = pod-iatrist. (Doctor of feet)
And, 'chiros' + 'podos' + ist = chiro-pod-ist (treater of the hand & foot)
And, 'chiros' + 'praktikos' = chiro-practor (A hand-practitioner [manual therapist].

[The original comment which this was replying to was as follows - and has been provided for context]:
Chiropodist and podiatrist are the same thing, but only podiatrist is generally used now. The professional body, the Institute of Podiatry, only uses podiatry and the qualification they take is BSc Podiatry.
If you need treatment, it is well worth checking on the HCPC register that the person is qualified. It is not illegal to set up as a chiropodist/podiatrist privately when not qualified, but they would not have the backing of professional insurance and continuing professional development.
There is more than one theory as to why the name changed. One is that the word chiropodist was sometimes confused with chiropractor. Pod means foot in Latin so the word was considered suitable.]

JJ138 - thank you for providing the correct information.
My experience is that podiatry is used now by professionals and chiropody more by the general public, but could be wrong. I understood that non qualified people could not get insurance, but stand corrected.

My Shuropody has also just closed down - the firm appears to have gone into administration. Gutted. I had finally found somewhere I could get decent shoes and now it's gone. Another one bites the dust!