Do I Need Chiropody or Podiatry? Understanding the Difference
If you’ve been searching for help with foot pain or nail problems, you’ve likely come across two terms: podiatry and chiropody. But what’s the difference - and which one do you actually need?
At Body Zest, our patients often ask the same question. The good news? You don’t have to choose. Let’s break it down.
Chiropody vs Podiatry: What’s the Difference?
The short answer is: there’s no difference in the care you’ll receive. Both chiropodists and podiatrists are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of foot and lower limb conditions.
The only real distinction is in the name:
Chiropody is the older, traditional term (still commonly used in the UK)
Podiatry is the modern, internationally recognised title
In fact, all new practitioners now qualify as podiatrists, and many professionals still refer to themselves as both.
So if you’re booking a chiropody appointment or seeing a podiatrist, you’re getting the same level of expertise, just with updated terminology.
What Can a Chiropodist/Podiatrist Help With?
Podiatrists manage a wide variety of foot-related problems, including:
👣 Hard skin, corns and calluses
🦶 Ingrown toenails and thickened nails
🔥 Heel pain and plantar fasciitis
💥 Bunions and toe deformities
🦠 Fungal nail infections and athlete’s foot
🧠 Nerve pain or pins and needles in the feet
🏃 Gait issues and foot posture problems
🦵 Diabetic foot care and monitoring
If it’s to do with the foot or ankle, or how you walk, a podiatrist is the person to see.
Do I Need a Referral to See a Podiatrist?
Not at all. You can book directly with a podiatrist at Body Zest without needing a GP referral. If you're unsure whether your issue is something we can help with, we're always happy to advise.
Why Foot Health Matters
Your feet do a lot. They carry you through thousands of steps a day, absorb impact, and help maintain balance and posture.
Neglecting small problems, like a painful corn or persistent heel pain - can lead to compensations, pain in other joints, and a knock-on effect to your daily movement.
Podiatry isn’t just about feet. It’s about keeping you mobile, pain-free, and confident in every step.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been wondering whether you need chiropody or podiatry, now you know: it’s the same expert care, under two different names.
At Body Zest, our podiatrist Monica is trained in both chiropody and podiatry and has years of experience treating a wide range of foot and lower limb problems, from everyday issues like corns and ingrown toenails to more complex conditions like heel pain, plantar fasciitis, and diabetic foot care.
You don’t need to figure it out alone. Whether you call it chiropody or podiatry - if your feet need attention, Monica’s here to help you move comfortably and confidently.
Book you appointment with Monica here!