
What’s the Difference Between Podiatry and Chiropody? You are not the only one wondering….
You may be having trouble with your feet, and be thinking of seeking out some podiatry and chiropody in Eastbourne, but what is the difference between them, and where does one start in getting help?
Depending on who you ask, you will get a different answer to this question.
What can make it even more confusing is that there are now other footcare related jobs emerging, such as “foot health practitioners.”
So, the big questions are, if you’re looking for a chiropodist in Eastbourne, a podiatrist in Eastbourne, or foot care in Eastbourne:
Does it matter who you go to?
Is there a difference in their training or skill set?
Where do I start?
With this blog post we hope to untangle some of the confusion relating to the terms podiatry and chiropody, and point you in the best direction to finding help.
Let’s start with how we ended up with the two different terms, chiropody and podiatry….
Changing times and common misconceptions about podiatry and chiropody
“Chiropody”, in short, is the older term, and one which most people associate with treating hard skin and toenails.
Many people think of “podiatry” as more advanced, including insoles/orthotics manufacture, wound care, and management of the foot in chronic conditions.
In fact, everything that chiropody previously meant has been incorporated into the new term “podiatry”.
So, in recent years, “chiropody” has been largely phased out in favour of “podiatry,” which is now the more widely recognized and commonly used term.
You might say that podiatry has grown out of chiropody.
Now, not only do we offer general foot care and advice, but also management of foot and ankle injuries, infections, deformities, and chronic conditions such as diabetes or arthritis.
But just to make things even more confusing, here in the UK some still use the term “chiropodist” to refer to foot care professionals who primarily focus on routine foot care and the management of minor foot conditions.
However, in this scenario, the choice to use the term “chiropody” should only be seen as describing that professional’s main field of work, not their level of qualification.
Podiatry and Chiropody Training
These days one can’t train to be a chiropodist; the only training available to be a podiatrist.
But, once a professional has qualified and is registered with the HCPC (Health Care Professions Council), they can then legally call themself either a chiropodist or podiatrist interchangeably.
That’s why our podiatrists/chiropodists in Eastbourne use both terms to describe their job.
However, other professions, such as “foot health practitioners”, are much more limited and generally more basic in what they can provide in terms of footcare.
Conclusion
So, if you have a foot problem and are in Eastbourne, please don’t stay away because you’re not sure whether you need a podiatrist or chiropodist: at Lushington Chiropractic we’re both!
One last thing – a poem about poorly feet!
In Eastbourne town, by the sparkling sea,
Sore feet wandered, longing to be free.
Yearning for a chiropodist’s gentle care,
Or a podiatrist’s touch, their pain to repair.
Through the cobbled streets, they made their way,
Seeking solace, a brighter day.
In Eastbourne’s haven, a clinic stood,
Where skilled hands could work their good.
With skill and precision, the expert would tend,
To each weary foot, a trusted friend.
Corns and calluses, they gently eased,
As sore feet found comfort and were appeased.
We hope you have enjoyed reading this, but is there even more we could do?
Do you know someone we could help? Or could we help you?
Every day at Lushington Chiropractic in Eastbourne we help ordinary people on the road to recovery from a wide range of complaints.
Call us on 01323 722499, book online here or simply pop in to Lushington Chiropractic at 30 Lushington Road BN21 4LL.
We also offer a complimentary chat service either face to face or by telephone, so you or your loved one can discuss things with a practitioner before booking, or if you have any questions or concerns.
Here are some more blog articles you may enjoy:
Your First Visit to a Podiatrist or Chiropodist
Your First Visit to a Chiropractor
I hope you enjoyed reading,

Rosannah Burden, podiatrist/chiropodist at Lushington Chiropractic
BSc (Hons), mRCOP, HCPC registered
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