If you have ever searched for foot care and come across both “chiropodist” and “podiatrist”, you would be forgiven for wondering whether they are two different professions. It is one of the most common questions we hear at People Podiatry. The short answer: in Australia, a chiropodist and a podiatrist are the same profession — “chiropodist” is simply the older name. This article explains where each term comes from, why the name changed, what podiatrists actually do, and how to choose the right foot health professional for you.
The quick answer
There is no difference in Australia. “Chiropody” is the historical name for the profession now known as podiatry. The title changed formally in Australia in 1977, and today every practitioner is registered as a podiatrist with the Podiatry Board of Australia through AHPRA (the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency). If you meet someone who still says “chiropodist”, they are talking about the same profession — you will simply hear the term more often from older generations, or in the United Kingdom and Ireland where it lingered longer.
Where the two names come from
The word chiropody comes from the Greek words for hand (cheir) and foot (pous) — early practitioners treated ailments of both. Over time the profession narrowed its focus to the foot and lower limb, and the name chiropody became less accurate and, frankly, confusing: people regularly mixed up chiropodists with chiropractors, an entirely different profession that focuses on the spine.
The word podiatry, from the Greek pous (foot) and iatreia (healing), was adopted first in the United States and then progressively across the Commonwealth. Australia moved to “podiatrist” in the late 1970s, and the title is now protected by law: only AHPRA-registered practitioners may call themselves podiatrists.
What does an Australian podiatrist do?
Modern podiatrists are university-trained health professionals who assess, diagnose and treat conditions of the foot, ankle and lower limb. At People Podiatry Australia, a typical week includes:
- General foot care — professional nail cutting, corn and callus removal, and management of cracked heels and other skin conditions.
- Ingrown toenail treatment — from conservative care through to minor nail procedures. Read more on our ingrown toenail treatment page.
- Diabetic foot care — regular assessments of circulation and nerve function that are essential for people living with diabetes. See our diabetic foot care service.
- Aged care podiatry — maintaining mobility, comfort and independence for older Australians, in clinic, at home or in residential facilities. Learn about our aged care podiatry services.
- Biomechanics and sports injuries — heel pain, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, orthotics and footwear advice.
- Home visit podiatry — full podiatry care delivered in your own home for people who find travel difficult, through our mobile podiatry service across Perth.
How are podiatrists trained and regulated in Australia?
To practise in Australia, a podiatrist must:
- Complete an approved university degree in podiatry (typically four years, or a graduate-entry masters);
- Register with the Podiatry Board of Australia via AHPRA;
- Meet continuing professional development requirements every year;
- Hold professional indemnity insurance and comply with national practice standards.
This is worth knowing because the term “foot care” is not regulated — anyone can offer pedicures or basic foot maintenance. The titles podiatrist and chiropodist, however, are both protected in Australia, so a practitioner using either must be AHPRA-registered. If you are ever unsure, you can search any practitioner’s name on the public AHPRA register.
Is a chiropodist more “basic” than a podiatrist?
A common misconception is that chiropodists only cut nails and remove corns, while podiatrists do more advanced work. Historically there is a grain of truth — the scope of the profession expanded enormously after the name change, growing from routine foot maintenance into biomechanics, sports medicine, diabetes care and surgery. But today the comparison is meaningless in Australia: there is one profession, one register and one national standard of training. Whether your grandmother calls us a chiropodist or your GP refers you to a podiatrist, you are seeing the same qualified professional.
Podiatrist vs chiropractor — do not confuse the two
Because the words sound similar, chiropodists were often confused with chiropractors, and the confusion persists today. They are completely different professions:
- Podiatrist (chiropodist) — feet, ankles and lower limbs: skin and nail care, foot pain, orthotics, diabetic foot health.
- Chiropractor — spine and musculoskeletal system, with treatment centred on spinal adjustment.
If your problem is below the knee, a podiatrist is the right first stop.
When should you see a podiatrist?
Book an appointment if you experience any of the following:
- Heel, arch or forefoot pain that is not settling;
- Painful, thickened or ingrown toenails;
- Corns, calluses or cracked heels;
- Numbness, tingling or cold feet — especially if you live with diabetes;
- Difficulty trimming your own nails due to age, eyesight or mobility;
- Balance problems or unsteadiness linked to foot discomfort;
- Children’s foot concerns such as in-toeing, flat feet or heel pain during growth.
Podiatrists are primary healthcare practitioners, so you do not need a GP referral to book. Some patients qualify for Medicare-subsidised care under a Chronic Disease Management plan, and many private health extras policies include podiatry cover.
Foot care with People Podiatry — in clinic or at home
Whatever you call the profession, healthy feet keep you moving. People Podiatry provides complete foot and lower-limb care across Perth, including clinic appointments and a dedicated home visit service for seniors and anyone who finds it hard to travel. Our friendly, AHPRA-registered podiatrists treat every patient with patience and respect — no question is too small.
Browse our full range of podiatry services, or get in touch to book: call the clinic on 08 9297 4800, our home visit line on 0415 708 817, or use our contact page.
How to check your foot practitioner is properly registered
Whichever title a clinic uses, verifying a practitioner takes less than a minute and is worth doing for any health service:
- Go to the AHPRA public register at ahpra.gov.au;
- Search the practitioner’s name;
- Check that their profession is listed as “Podiatrist” and their registration status is “Registered” with no conditions that concern you.
Every podiatrist at People Podiatry Australia holds current AHPRA registration, professional indemnity insurance, and completes ongoing professional development each year — so you can book with complete confidence, whether you found us by searching for a podiatrist or a good old-fashioned chiropodist.
Frequently asked questions
Is a chiropodist cheaper than a podiatrist?
No — because they are the same profession, fees relate to the service provided, not the title. A routine general treatment costs the same whether the practice sign says chiropody or podiatry.
Why do some UK clinics still say chiropodist?
The United Kingdom used both titles for decades, and “chiropodist” remains a protected title there alongside “podiatrist”. UK practices often keep the older word because their long-standing patients know it. Australia phased the term out from 1977 onwards, so you will rarely see it here.
Can a podiatrist treat problems caused by diabetes?
Yes — diabetic foot care is one of the most important parts of modern podiatry. Diabetes can reduce circulation and nerve sensation in the feet, which means small problems can escalate quickly. Regular podiatry assessments are recommended for everyone living with diabetes, and People Podiatry offers these in clinic and at home across Perth.
Do podiatrists only treat older people?
Not at all. We treat everyone from toddlers to centenarians — children’s growth-related foot issues, sports injuries in active adults, workplace foot problems, and aged care podiatry for seniors.