Podiatry?

Chiropody:

Chiropody is a term primarily used in the United Kingdom and some other Commonwealth countries. Traditionally, chiropodists focused on the treatment of minor foot ailments, such as corns, calluses, and ingrown toenails. They also provided basic foot care services like nail trimming and foot massages.

Chiropody has evolved over time, and chiropodists are now commonly referred to as podiatrists. In the 1960s all of the schools in the USA started to implement surgical training and the change of the name to podiatrist (DPM). The term chiropody is no longer utilized in the USA due to the difference in training and confusion of those seeking care. However, in some regions around the world, the term “chiropody” is still used interchangeably with podiatry some colleges outside of the USA offer undergraduate degrees for Chiropodist that are not surgical.

Podiatry:

Podiatry is a branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of foot and ankle disorders. Podiatrists are healthcare professionals who specialize in addressing a wide range of foot-related issues, including biomechanical problems, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and dermatological conditions affecting the feet.

Podiatrists undergo extensive training, typically completing a four-year undergraduate degree followed by a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) program. They are trained to assess foot and ankle problems comprehensively, offering both conservative treatments like orthotics and physical therapy, as well as surgical interventions when necessary. Podiatrists undergo 3 years of surgical training through a residency program. Some will further specialize through a 1-2 year fellowship program. The term Podiatrist is also interchangeably used with Foot and Ankle Surgeon.

Podiatrists play a crucial role in promoting foot health and mobility, working closely with patients to manage chronic conditions like arthritis and diabetes that can affect the feet.

These surgeons treat a wide range of complex foot and ankle conditions, including fractures, deformities, ligament injuries, and arthritis. They utilize advanced surgical techniques, such as arthroscopy and joint replacement, to restore function and alleviate pain in the foot and ankle region.

Foot and Ankle Surgeons:

Foot and ankle surgeons typically refer to those with an MD/DO orthopedic background and specialize in the surgical treatment of disorders affecting the lower extremities. As a Foot and Ankle specialized orthopedist the scope is without limit, however Podiatrists typically have scope (differs from state to state) up to the tibial tuberosity thus covering the ankle and foot (knee is excluded).

Both professions offer a comprehensive approach to foot and ankle care, with podiatrists and foot and ankle surgeons often working together on complex cases and surgical load.