Chiropody/Podiatry

There is absolutely no difference. For approximately 12 years since the HCPC (formerly HPC) was created, a registered Chiropodist/Podiatrist has been able to call themselves either of these titles. Both are protected by law and only clinicians on the register can use these titles.

A person who gives foot treatment but is not on the register is called a Foot Health Practitioner.

Treat and diagnose conditions of the foot, some of the more specialist treatments are covered in later pages.

• Nail Cutting: Ideal if you are unable to cut your own nails, or have nails that are difficult to cut.
• Callus: This is an area of hard or rough skin and can appear on areas of the foot where there is excess pressure. Some people are more prone to developing calluses. Formation is a normal process whereby the body tries to protect itself. If left untreated calluses can become unsightly and uncomfortable and can also split, leading to infection. At Bushey Foot Clinic we gently remove hard skin, apply moisturising cream and give advice on the prevention of return.
• Corns: These are small areas of callus that have formed into a conical shape and can appear on areas of the foot where there is excess pressure. Corns can also appear between the toes – these are known as soft corns. There are many reasons why corns occur, but foot shape and ill-fitting shoes are very common causes. At BFC we gently remove your troublesome corns. This is typically a pain-free procedure and we always give advice on the prevention of their return.
• Cracked Heels: A common condition around the edge of the heel, pressure can build up and a callus can appear. As the callus enlarges the skin loses elasticity and can split. This can be extremely uncomfortable and also unsightly if wearing open-toe shoes. To treat this we remove hard skin around the heels, apply creams and give advice on the management of this condition.
• Athlete’s Foot: An area of redness and irritation, usually between the toes, but also often seen on other areas of the foot. We give advice on the management of this condition.