Understanding the Difference: Registered Foot Health Practitioner, Chiropodist vs Podiatrist

Regarding foot care, it's vital to understand who to turn to for your specific needs. Many people are confused about whether to visit a Registered Foot Health Practitioner or a Podiatrist. Both professionals are dedicated to foot care, but they may offer different services, and some services may overlap. Let's clarify the roles to help you make the right choice.

What is a Registered Foot Health Practitioner?

A Registered Foot Health Practitioner is a professional trained, usually to Level 4 diploma in routine foot healthcare treatments. Their services typically include:

• General toenail cutting, filing, corn and callus removal.

• Treatment and prevention of fungal toenail infections

• Treating verrucas.

• Performing general foot check-ups

In addition, many Foot Health Practitioners specialise in diabetic foot care, assessing feet for changes and ensuring that diabetic ulcers are prevented and toenails are correctly cut.  Continuing professional development enables many Registered Foot Health Practitioners to develop their skills and knowledge, expanding their scope of practice to the role previously provided by the old diploma-trained Chiropodist.

What is a Podiatrist?

A Podiatrist, on the other hand, specialises in the study, diagnosis, and treatment of more complex foot, ankle, and lower leg conditions. Podiatrists are nowadays University graduates, having completed at least 3 years of full-time training in Medicine, Pharmacology, Musculoskeletal Biomechanics, and Research.  Podiatrists tend to focus on:

• Preventing and correcting foot and lower leg musculoskeletal deformities, often with prescription using orthotics.

• Minor surgical procedures such as Toenail Surgery under local anaesthetic.

• Management of bacterial, viral and fungal infections of the skin and nails

• Lower limb injury prevention and rehabilitation.

• Providing care that enhances mobility, independence, and quality of life

People often visit a Podiatrist if they have issues with ligaments, tendons, and bones in the lower extremities or experience consistent pain in these areas.

Our Clinic's Podiatry & Foot Healthcare Services

Our clinic is proud to have a multidisciplinary team of Registered Foot Health Practitioners and Podiatrists who can cater to all your general and specialist foot and lower limb care needs. Our team, with extensive experience in podiatric medicine and foot healthcare, delivers exceptional care services to individuals of all ages and mobilities. We offer a range of podiatry treatments, including:

• General toenail cutting, filing, corn and callus removal.

• Treatment and prevention of fungal toenail infections, including Class 4 Laser.

• Toenail Surgery, removing ingrown toenails under local anaesthetic.

• Effective treatment of persistent verruca using Swift Microwave Therapy.

• Musculoskeletal problems and pain management, including Plantar Fasciitis and associated Achilles Tendinopathy.

• Custom 3D-scanned & 3D-printed prescription orthotics.

Before any treatment, we conduct a confidential consultation to understand your specific needs and recommend the most suitable course of treatment. We ensure all our instruments have been sterilised and provide tailored management plans, plus aftercare advice upon completing your treatment.

Interested in booking an appointment with our Podiatrists or Registered Foot Health Practitioners for yourself or a loved one? Or, if you'd like to learn more about the foot care services we offer, please don’t hesitate to call us on 0115 9328832. 

We're here to help you step into comfort and better health!