Podiatry and Chiropody: Foot Care, NHS Access and Checking Registration

Podiatry covers the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of foot, ankle and lower-limb problems. That includes skin and nail care, biomechanical assessment of how you walk, insoles and footwear advice, wound care, and some minor surgical procedures such as treatment of ingrown toenails. “Chiropodist” and “podiatrist” mean the same thing; podiatrist is the more modern term.

You will be asked about your general health, medicines, circulation, diabetes status, footwear and symptoms. The podiatrist examines the feet and may check pulses and sensation. Treatment might include removing hard skin or corns, cutting and thinning nails, dressing a wound, padding, or providing insoles.

You should be given self-care advice — how to wash and dry feet, moisturise, check skin daily and choose footwear — and told whether follow-up is needed.

Structured foot care, risk assessment and prompt treatment of foot problems are central to NICE guidance for people with diabetes, where they help reduce the risk of ulceration and amputation. For general foot pain, evidence supports footwear advice, exercise and, for some conditions, orthoses, but findings on custom insoles are mixed and they are not always better than good off-the-shelf supports.

Treatment is generally safe. Risks include minor bleeding, infection after nail or skin procedures, and discomfort while new insoles are worn in. Tell the podiatrist if you have diabetes, poor circulation, neuropathy, a weakened immune system, a bleeding disorder or take anticoagulants — these change what is safe to do.

If you have diabetes or reduced sensation, do not use corn-removing plasters or blades on your own feet, and seek professional advice instead.

“Podiatrist” and “chiropodist” are protected titles. Only HCPC-registered practitioners may use them, and you can search the HCPC register free of charge. Some people offer “foot health practitioner” or similar services; those titles are not protected and are not HCPC-regulated, so ask exactly what training the person holds.

NHS podiatry is available in most areas but is usually prioritised for people at higher risk, for example those with diabetes, circulation problems, reduced sensation or an existing wound. Some services accept self-referral; others need a GP referral. Routine nail cutting for otherwise healthy feet is often not provided.

Private fees vary by area and treatment and we do not publish a typical figure. Ask for prices in writing before the appointment, including any nail surgery, and check whether the fee covers follow-up dressings.

Speak to the clinic or NHS service first and ask for the complaints procedure. NHS complaints can be escalated to the relevant ombudsman. Concerns about a registered podiatrist’s conduct or safety can be reported to the HCPC.