Podiatry (or podiatric medicine) is a branch of medicine devoted to the study, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle, and lower extremities. Since joining the NHS in 1945, the role of chiropody has evolved into what is now widely known as Podiatry. Today, it encompasses the management of high-risk conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and peripheral vascular disease, along with services like nail surgery, biomechanics, musculoskeletal care, orthotic therapy, and even podiatric surgery. Traditional chiropody services, like nail care and hard skin removal, remain important parts of podiatry practice.

The HCPC (formerly known as the HPC) is the UK’s national, independent regulatory body responsible for ensuring that health professionals — including private and NHS practitioners like physiotherapists, paramedics, and radiographers — meet national standards. HCPC registration is not automatic or free. Practitioners must demonstrate continual professional development (CPD), ongoing training, and subscribe annually to remain registered. Before 2005, anyone could call themselves a podiatrist or chiropodist without formal training, putting the public at risk. Fortunately, the HCPC closed the profession to unregulated entry, protecting patients by requiring recognised qualifications for registration.

Legally, there is no difference between a Podiatrist and a Chiropodist—they are protected titles for the same profession. “Podiatrist” is simply the more modern term and is usually preferred by those with degree-level training covering advanced areas such as nail surgery, biomechanics, and complex foot care. To use either title, a professional must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), ensuring the highest standards of training, safety, and accountability.

By contrast, titles such as Foot Health Professional or Foot Health Practitioner are not protected by law, and individuals using them are not HCPC-regulated. Training for these roles can vary significantly and may be limited to short courses, so they cannot claim to provide podiatry or chiropody services. This distinction is important, as these similar-sounding titles can cause confusion and may not guarantee the same level of clinical expertise or public protection.

To qualify and register with the HCPC, practitioners must complete a three- or four-year BSc (Hons) degree in Podiatry at a recognised university — the only qualification accepted by the Department of Health for NHS work. Degree training includes a minimum of 1000 hours of hands-on clinical experience in a real clinical setting treating patients. Registration also requires ongoing CPD and professional audits.

• Duration and Depth: A podiatry degree takes three to four years of full-time study, covering in-depth medical knowledge, clinical skills, and hands-on patient care. Some foot health courses can be completed in a matter of weeks.
• Clinical Experience: Podiatrists must complete a minimum of 1000 clinical hours. Foot health courses may require only a fraction of that, often outside of hospital or NHS settings.
• Regulation: Only HCPC-registered podiatrists are regulated nationally to ensure public protection.

Absolutely. Your foot health — particularly if you have conditions like diabetes — can significantly impact your overall wellbeing. Choosing a highly trained and HCPC-registered podiatrist ensures that you are treated safely and competently by a professional who has undergone rigorous training and is accountable to national standards. Unregulated practitioners may use confusing letters after their name, but sadly these often hold no official recognition. Always check that your foot care provider is HCPC-registered. When it comes to your health, especially with complex or high-risk conditions, experience, regulation, and professional training matter.