Chiropody, also called podiatry, is the routine and specialist care that keeps feet healthy, comfortable and mobile. It covers everything from nails, hard skin and corns to the assessment of pain and long-term foot health. This guide explains what chiropody involves, the problems it treats, and what to expect from an appointment.
What Does a Chiropodist Actually Do?
A chiropodist assesses and treats the skin, nails and mechanics of the foot. Day to day that means reducing painful hard skin and corns, managing thickened or ingrown nails, checking circulation and sensation, and spotting problems early. All of this is done by HCPC-registered clinicians, the protected standard for the profession.
Common Foot Problems Chiropody Treats
Routine chiropody handles the everyday problems that quietly affect comfort and mobility, including:
- Corns and callus (hard skin) that cause pressure and pain
- Thickened, fungal or difficult toenails
- Ingrown toenails, which we treat on our ingrown toenails service
- Cracked heels and general skin care
- Everyday foot pain that needs assessment
Treating these early keeps small problems from turning into bigger ones.
How Often Should You See a Chiropodist?
There is no single answer, because it depends on your feet. Many people come every six to eight weeks for routine care, while others need care more or less often. If you have diabetes, reduced mobility or a specific condition, regular review matters more, and we will recommend a sensible interval for you.
Chiropody for Diabetic and Older Patients
Feet need more attention as we get older or when a condition like diabetes affects circulation and sensation. Regular chiropody helps catch problems that might otherwise go unnoticed.
What to Expect From a Chiropody Appointment
At your appointment we take a brief history, examine your feet, carry out the treatment you need, and explain what we find and how to look after your feet between visits. Most people leave with same-day relief and a clear plan.
At Advanced Footcare Group our chiropody is delivered by experienced, HCPC-registered clinicians as part of our wider foot care service.
To book routine or specialist chiropody, call 01306 883 332 or book an appointment.
Frequently asked questions.
What is the difference between a chiropodist and a podiatrist?
They are the same profession. Podiatry is the more modern term for what was traditionally called chiropody, and the two words are used interchangeably. All of our clinicians are HCPC registered, which is the protected standard to look for.
How often should I have a chiropody appointment?
It depends on your feet. Many people come every six to eight weeks for routine care, while others need less frequent visits or more regular care if they have diabetes, reduced mobility or a specific problem. We will suggest a sensible interval for you at your first appointment.
Does chiropody treatment hurt?
Routine chiropody is generally comfortable and most people find it a relief. Reducing hard skin, treating corns and tidying nails should not be painful. If a treatment could cause any discomfort we explain it first and keep you comfortable throughout.