The terms Chiropodist and Podiatrist are interchangeable; the term Podiatrist currently being the favoured title and it is anticipated that the terms Chiropodist and Chiropody will be phased out.
Chiropody/Podiatry as practised in the UK by HPC Registered may be defined as the maintenance of the feet in a healthy condition, and the treatment of their disabilities by recognised podiatric methods in which the practitioners have been trained.
This is a somewhat bland statement but kept that way in order to allow for the rapidly increasingly scope of practice. Chiropody, (pronounced kiro-pod-ee), or the more modern term, Podiatry, (pronounced poh-dye-at-ree),extends from conservative routine care of the feet, which is removing corns and callouses, making painful nails comfortable, treating verrucae and athletes foot. advising on suitable footwear to removal of part or all of severely painful toenails painlessly with the use of local anaesthetics. Some members of the profession also advise on foot function and are able to carry out biomechanical assessments to diagnose your gait cycle and issue orthotics or insoles to correct your gait. This, in turn, will improve joint alignment, reduce wear and tear and increase the efficiency of walking. Another part of the profession is able to undertake bone surgery, e.g. straightening hammer toes or bunion joints on a day care basis.
In the UK, individuals may not use the title "podiatrist" or "chiropodist" unless they are registrants of the Health Professions Council (HPC). They are protected titles and their use by non-registrants is unlawful. Such registration is normally only granted to those holding a specialised Bachelors degree or Diploma in Podiatry from one of the 13 recognised schools of podiatry in the UK.
HPC Reg. Podiatrists study full time for three or four years at a recognised school of chiropody which are all departments of Universities and receive a BSc degree on successful completion of the course.
Some HPC Reg. Chiropodists/Podiatrists work within the NHS and HPC Reg is the only qualification accepted by the NHS, where chiropodial care is free to those of the priority classes that need it. Many more chiropodists are self employed working in their own practices either in a surgery or as a visiting practice in your own home.

It is not currently necessary to have a GP's referral to receive treatment