Podiatry, more appropriately podiatric medicine is a field of
healthcare devoted to the study and treatment of disorders of the foot,
ankle, and the knee, leg and hip (collectively known as the lower
extremity). The range of disorders podiatry can address largely depends
on the scope of practice laid down in national, state, and/or
provincial jurisdiction.
A podiatrist, (pronounced
"poh-dye-eh-trist") or foot doctor is a podiatric professional, a
person devoted to the study and medical treatment of disorders of the
foot, ankle and lower extremity. The term originated in North America
but has now become the accepted term in the English speaking world for
podiatric medical school graduates: Doctors of Podiatric Medicine
(D.P.M.).
In other countries, such as the United Kingdom, New
Zealand, and certain provinces of Canada, the title "Chiropodist" is
often used. It should be noted that the titles "podiatrist" and
"chiropodist" are interchangeable, with the term “podiatrist” becoming
more favoured within the profession. Completing a degree in the United
Kingdom from one of its thirteen schools, gives the graduate a BSc
(hons) in podiatry. However they may not call themselves a “podiatrist”
or “chiropodist” until they register with the Health professions
Council (HPC) as they are protected titles and anyone using these
titles that are not registered may face prosecution. In these countries
a chiropodist or podiatrist is an allied health professional (not a
physician), who generally only treat the foot, ankle, and lower
extremity through non-invasive procedures. They can however perform
minor surgical procedures such as nail surgery using local
anaesthetics. The United States is one of the few countries, which
grants more invasive surgical privileges to podiatric physicians
Though the title "chiropodist" was previously used in the United States
to designate what is now known as a "podiatrist," the title
"chiropodist" is now considered to be an antiquated and etymologically
incorrect term.
Although podiatrists worldwide do not attend
traditional allopathic medical school, in many countries such as the
US, UK, and Australia they are granted privileges to perform surgical
procedures of the foot and ankle. In the US, podiatry graduates are
Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.).
