Podiatrist, podologist or chiropodist: what is the difference?

If you search for foot care abroad you will meet three similar titles: podiatrist, podologist and chiropodist. In some countries they mean the same profession, in others they are different jobs with different training. This guide explains the main differences and what to check before you book.

Podiatrist

In the United States and some other countries, a podiatrist is a specialist in foot and ankle conditions with a degree in podiatric medicine and legal authority to diagnose, prescribe medicines and, in many places, perform surgery. In the United Kingdom, Ireland and Australia the title describes a registered health professional trained to assess and treat foot problems. Some of them also perform minor nail surgery and care for people at risk of diabetic foot problems, although the scope differs from place to place.

Chiropodist

In the UK and Ireland "chiropodist" is the older name of the same profession and has largely been replaced by "podiatrist". In some regions, for example in parts of Canada, the word is still used in regulation, so you may still see it on clinic signs.

Podologist

In continental Europe a podologist (podologue in French, Podologe in German) is usually a non-surgical foot-care specialist. Their training focuses on nail and skin care, calluses and ingrown nails, insoles and prevention. In many European countries they are not physicians and they refer patients to doctors when needed. In Hebrew both words are in use and the exact titles and rules in Israel are still developing, so it is sensible to ask about training and scope.

What each can usually help with

Routine care of nails and skin, thick or fungal nails, calluses and corns, ingrown toenails, advice on shoes and insoles, daily foot checks in diabetes, and referral when something needs a doctor. Surgery, prescription medicines and imaging are medical decisions. Some podiatrists are entitled to them, depending on the country, and many foot-care specialists are not.

How to choose

Ask where the person trained, what they treat and what they do not treat, and how instruments are sterilised. Ask whether they work with doctors and refer when needed. A good professional explains the plan in simple language and tells you when something is outside their role. Between visits, simple habits help too, such as cutting toenails straight across.

When to see a doctor first

Sudden severe pain, a wound that does not heal, spreading redness, fever, a foot that is hot and swollen, or any foot problem in a person with diabetes or poor circulation needs a doctor or a diabetes team, not only a foot-care specialist. People with diabetes can start with a simple routine described in a daily foot check for people with diabetes.

Frequently asked questions

Is a podiatrist a doctor? In some countries a podiatrist has a degree in podiatric medicine (for example in the United States). In others a podiatrist is a registered health professional who is not a physician. Titles and scope depend on the country.

Is a podologist the same as a podiatrist? Not always. In many European countries a podologist is a non-surgical foot-care specialist, while a podiatrist may have a broader scope. Check training and scope locally.

What is a chiropodist? In the UK and Ireland it is the older name of the profession, now usually called podiatrist.

Should I see a podiatrist or a doctor for diabetes? Both play a role. A doctor or diabetes team manages diabetes, and a podiatrist can check your feet and care for nails and skin. Any wound or sign of infection needs a doctor promptly.

Finding a specialist in Israel

Our directory lists foot-care specialists by city, service and language of treatment, in Hebrew, Arabic and Russian, and shows whether a specialist's documents were checked. You can open it in Hebrew, Arabic or Russian. More plain-language guides are on the English guides page.