The difference between chiropodist and podiatrist is artificial. Both titles are protected in law and only persons registered by the HPC (the new form of state registration) may describe themselves as chiropodists and/or podiatrists. HPC Registered chiropodists and podiatrists are allowed to work in the NHS.

At one time chiropodists with more advanced training started calling themselves podiatrists. Modern day podiatrists have a degree in podiatric medicine.

At Clifton Chiropody and Podiatry Practice we use the term chiropodist for the practitioner who carries out work on skin and nails (eg ingrowing toenails, corns, calluses. We term the practitioner who does gait analysis and musculoskeletal work - with orthotics, manipulations and acupuncture - a podiatrist.

However, essentially, an HPC Registered chiropodist is the same as an HPC registered podiatrist.

HPC Registration is annotated to give you an indication of the practitioner's scope of practice. Annotations exist, for example, for local anaesthetics (LA) and Prescription Only Medicines (POMs.

Foot Health Professional and Foot Doctor are terms used by practitioners who are NOT HPC Registered and who are not allowed in law to call themselves chiropodists or podiatrists.

Pedorthists are non HPC registered practitioners who make orthotics. They are not chiropodists or podiatrists.