What are the Differences Between a Podiatrist and a Chiropodist?

Foot health is an essential aspect of overall well-being, yet it often doesn't receive the attention it deserves. When foot problems arise, the professionals we turn to are chiropodists and podiatrists. For many, these terms may seem interchangeable, leading to confusion about the roles and expertise of these specialists. Here, we will know more about the world of foot care, clarifying what does a chiropodist do, what does a podiatrist do, and highlighting the differences when talking about podiatrist vs chiropodist. Let's get started.

What is a chiropodist?

Chiropody is derived from the Greek word "cheir" meaning hand, and "pous" meaning foot. They are the healthcare professionals specializing in treating and assessing foot conditions. Chiropodists are trained in treating wide range of foot-related issues such as corns and calluses to complex conditions like diabetic foot ulcers.

What is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is also a professional who specializes in treating, diagnosing and preventing foot, ankle and lower limb disorders. The term is derived from the Greek word "pous" meaning foot and "iatros" meaning physician. A podiatrist is trained to handle a broad spectrum of foot and ankle issues from routine care to complex surgical procedures.

What Does a Chiropodist Do?

Chiropodists play a crucial role in maintaining and improving foot health. Their scope of practice includes –

Diagnosis and treatment

A chiropodist diagnoses a several foot and lower limb conditions through physical examination, medical history review and diagnostic tests. Some common conditions that a chiropodist treat are – fungal infection like athlete's foot, structural deformities of the toes like bunions and hammertoes, ingrown toenails to name a few.

Minor surgical procedures

A chiropodist can treat minor surgical procedures as well as certain foot conditions like nail surgery, soft tissue surgery and joint injections to reduce inflammation in conditions like arthritis or bursitis.

Routine foot care

Routine foot care forms an essential part of a chiropodist's duties. And this is especially true for the individuals who are unable to care for their own feet due to physical limitations. Routine foot care involves toenail care like trimming and treating toenails to prevent issues such as ingrown toenails, skin care (removing corns and calluses), and guidance on maintaining proper foot hygiene.

Health education and prevention

Chiropodist duties involve educating patients on maintaining healthy feet. They recommend appropriate footwear advice to prevent any kind of injury and discomfort, exercise recommendations to strengthen foot muscles, improve flexibility, and lifestyle modifications that impact foot health.

What does a Podiatrist Do?

Podiatrists offer a wide range of services aimed at maintaining and restoring foot and ankle health. Their duties include –

Surgical procedure

A podiatrist are trained professionals to treat variety of surgical procedures to treat foot and ankle problems like repairing torn or damaged tendons, broken bones in the foot, hammer toe surgery and many more.

Orthotic Prescription and Biomechanical Management

Podiatrists are the experts in biomechanical assessments and the prescription of custom orthotics. They advise wearing custom-made orthotic devices to correct foot alignment issues, thereby improving overall function.

Diabetic foot care

Diabetic patients can get relief if they consult podiatrist for their foot health problems. Podiatrists conduct regular foot examinations to keep a check on early signs of complications like neuropathy, ulcers and infections. They educate diabetic patients on proper foot care practices.

Sports medicine

Podiatrists often coordinate with sportspersons and athletes to prevent sports related injuries. They advise on training techniques and wearing proper footwear. Podiatrists are the apt persons to treat injuries like strains, sprains, tendonitis and stress fractures.

What is the difference between the Chiropodist & Podiatrist?

The notable differences between them are –

Comparing foot care specialists

Going to the right doctor is very important when you encounter any health problem. In simple terms, there is no major difference when it comes to podiatrists vs chiropodists. Both are professionals who treat foot problems. Chiropody can be called podiatry's ancestor. Do you know why? Let's get back to the history. The term chiropody came into existence in the US in the 19th century, and the first chiropody school was established in 1911. All the schools in the US changed the name of the chiropody profession to podiatry by the late 1960s. So, the practitioners nowadays are awarded with the degree of Doctor of Podiatric Medicine and can be called podiatrists since then.

Education

Obtaining license is must for both podiatrists and chiropodist. Podiatrists must get a degree in doctor of podiatric medicine (Four year, post-bachelor's degree). While, chiropodists in Ontario must obtain a bachelor's degree and a post-secondary diploma in chiropody. Are chiropodists medical doctors? No, neither chiropodists nor podiatrists are medical doctors but highly skilled health physicians who treat foot conditions.

Scope of practice

Going to a podiatrist is advisable if you have basic foot and nail-related problems or something related to advanced surgical procedures. On the other hand, chiropodists may not perform surgical procedures on foot bones or other diagnostic X-rays.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the distinctions of podiatrist vs chirpodist is essential for making informed decisions about foot care. Both professionals play vital roles in maintaining foot health, but their training, scope of practice, and regional terminology differ.

Whether you seek routine care or need specialized treatment for a complex foot condition, the team of RMT Movement is here for you. Let our multidisciplinary clinic help you feel better and provide you with long-term solutions when it comes to your health and wellness. Our massage experts will truly help you lead a happy and healthy life. Contact us for more information.