A chiropodist and a podiatrist are both professionals who deal with treating the lower limb and feet. The difference between the two is dependent on where one lives. In the USA and most parts of the world people refer to the medical professional foot specialist as a podiatrist, while in the UK and Ireland they are referred to as a chiropodist.
However, people in Ireland and the UK keep interchanging between the two terms. This is probably why people tend to think that the two are different specialists, when they are in fact one and the same thing. When looking for a chiropodist or podiatrist you need to ensure that they are registered and certified to carry out the practice. This ensures you are getting the right care for your feet.
Conditions a Podiatrist or Chiropodist Treat
A chiropodist or podiatrist often diagnose and treat foot problems. This includes relieving pain, treating infections, and fixing deformities. They can offer advice on proper feet care and what shoes are appropriate for one to wear. Some of the conditions they address include the following:
- Sports injuries
- Heel pain
- Calluses and corns
- Dry cracked heels
- Athlete’s foot
- Flat feet
- Smelly feet
- Fungal infection
- Verrucae
- Gout
- Ageing feet
- Blisters
- Diabetic foot care advice
- Chiropody assessment and treatment
- Ingrown toe nails
- Bunions
Consultation
During your first consultation the chiropodist often takes a full medical history, and then will carry out basic tests like checking the blood circulation. They could also look at how you move your lower leg joints and how you walk. They ensure you are assessed fully and they will then make a diagnosis, and discuss the various treatment options in case you have any foot problems.
If there are any problems detected the specialist will arrange for treatment and further follow up appointments. Minor feet problems such as calluses and corns, or removing hard skin are often treated on the spot.
Book an appointment with a podiatrist or chiropodist if your toe nails are thick and discoloured, soles are peeling or scaling, experiencing warts, cuts or cracks in the skin, or are having painful feet. If you have heel pain a podiatrist can prescribe orthotics, which are insoles that are tailor made, padded, and act as arch supports to relieve your heel pain. The orthotic will be put in your shoes to realign your feet, make your shoes comfortable, and take off the pressure from the vulnerable parts of your feet.
You can book an appointment with a podiatrist or chiropodist even when your feet are in good condition. For instance, you may want your toe nails clipped, or the hard skin on your feet removed. A podiatrist or chiropodist can also check your shoes and advice on whether they are appropriate for your feet, and also advice you on how to properly care for your feet. Booking a consultation can also help them detect any problems that you would not have otherwise noticed on your own.
In the case of severe foot problems a chiropodist or podiatrist will come to your home and take a look at you. A private podiatrist or chiropodist’s fee often varies. Factors like how experienced they are, and where you live can affect the fee they charge. You can however, always make a few calls to different practices and compare the fees to see one that is within your budget. You should also note that when you go to a private practice the fee will be slightly higher. Just make sure they are certified.
Why You Should See a Podiatrist or Chiropodist
You need to book an appointment with a podiatrist when you notice any foot related problems. This helps prevent the problem from turning into a huge condition and it also helps you save money that you may end up spending on treatment. Listed below are reasons you should immediately see a podiatrist or chiropodist when you notice such foot conditions.
Knee and Ankle Problems
When you notice that you have any knee or ankle problems you need to book an appointment and have it checked out by a podiatrist. In most occasions people tend to ignore any knee or ankle pain or discomfort because after resting or a couple of days the pain usually disappears. However, ignoring your pain will often result in the problem worsening overtime.
You may require a long term physical therapy to help restore the strength in the muscles and joints in your ankles, knees, and foot. Be sure to give detailed descriptions during appointments.
Diabetes
People with diabetes are more prone to have feet problems. This is because diabetes can cause nerve damage to your feet. Damaged nerves often lead to ulcers, pain, and numbness in your legs and feet. Therefore, if you have diabetes and you experience any feet problems, schedule an appointment with a chiropodist or a podiatrist and have them take a look at your feet. They will be able to make a diagnosis and come up with a treatment plan for you.
Arthritis and Gout
Arthritis and gout often cause pain in your feet. While there is no particular cure for arthritis, there are various treatment plans that can help ease the symptoms and relieve you from pain. You can either visit your family physician or a chiropodist or podiatrist to have them treat you. They will help you get on the appropriate diet, prescribe medication, and also let you know the appropriate exercises you should partake in.
Flat Feet
A chiropodist or podiatrist will take moulds of your feet and custom make foot support braces for you. Orthotics like arch supports and foot braces are often prescribed for injured foot ligaments, flat feet, and weak feet. So ensure you schedule an appointment and visit a podiatrist when you notice any of these.
Nail Infection
While a regular physician can treat your foot pain if it is a general condition. It is often best to visit a podiatrist if you have a serious nail infection. They are able to determine where the problem is stemming from and provide medication and tips on proper feet care to ensure that the problem does not recur.
Benefits of Seeing a Podiatrist or Chiropodist
It is important to take good care of your feet considering they support your body weight. Consider the steps you make through the day and how much more steps you will make through your life time.
Reasons to why you should see a podiatrist or chiropodist:
- They offer you advice on proper long term foot care
- Compared to general health practitioners, podiatrists have a more specialized approach in diagnosing and treating you
- They have extensive knowledge on both the external and internal make up of feet and lower limbs
- They will recommend healthy lifestyle changes
- They know what needs to be treated
- They help you prevent any future foot problems.
There is no particular difference between a chiropodist and a podiatrist. Podiatrist is the more popular term. For one to become a podiatrist they require a bachelor’s degree in the field. They also have to undergo training where they are taught on proper care for their patients. As mentioned earlier you always need to ensure that your podiatrist is qualified, ensure they are at least part of a well-known podiatry organization and that they have been practicing for a while.
Make sure you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist at least once every year and you frequently rest and pamper your feet. Your feet hold your weight when you are standing, walking or running so they are bound to get tired and experience some strain. Visiting a podiatrist ensures that you know the proper way to care for your feet and you also know what shoes are appropriate. Wearing the right shoes ensures your feet avoid experiencing any kind of strain.