A question often asked by patients is what is the difference between a Podiatrist and a Chiropodist. Both are very similar and are qualified to perform assessments on patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, sporting injuries, various forms of arthritis and footwear.
The term “Chiropodist” was very widely used in the 1960s and 1970s. The industry was unregulated at the time so to bring in regulation and make the transition easier the term was changed to “Podiatrist” and that is the term most people are familiar with now.
In the United Kingdom the term “Chiropody” is still widely used. This is very different to the United States where being a Podiatrist involves attending medical school first and then going on to specialise in being a physician of the foot and ankle.
Podiatry is typically a 4-year University degree in Australia. Students learn how to become specialists in diagnosing, assessing and treating conditions associated with the lower limb. A podiatry degree ranges from studying pharmacology, anatomy, sports therapies and attending placements in private practice and public hospitals.
Most people know podiatrists cut toenails but they can do things such as dry needling, shockwave therapy, ingrown nail surgery, rehabilitation programs and diabetic assessments.