How is a Foot Health Practitioner different from a podiatrist/chiropodist?
- Britney
- Oct 2
- 2 min read
One of the most common questions I hear from patients is:
“How is a Foot Health Practitioner different from a podiatrist (or chiropodist)?”
It’s a great question—because while both professions care for feet, the training and focus are slightly different. Here’s a simple breakdown to help clear things up.
Foot Health Practitioner (FHP)
A Foot Health Practitioner looks after the everyday health and comfort of your feet.
We help with things like:
Nail trimming and thickened or fungal nails
Corn and callus removal
Cracked heels
Ingrown toenails (non-surgical management)
General advice on foot health, footwear, and circulation
Think of an FHP as your go-to for routine care and maintenance—keeping your feet comfortable, supported, and moving with ease.
Podiatrist / Chiropodist
The words “podiatrist” and “chiropodist” mean the same thing—the profession just updated its title.
A podiatrist provides all of the above, plus:
Medical diagnosis of foot conditions
Minor surgical procedures (such as ingrown toenail removal under anaesthetic)
Prescribing custom orthotics and insoles
Assessing and treating more complex foot and gait problems
Podiatrists train at university and are registered with the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council), which allows them to carry out these advanced treatments.
Which One Do You Need?
If you’re looking for regular, gentle care to keep your feet pain-free and healthy, a Foot Health Practitioner is perfect.
If you need diagnosis, surgery, or specialist treatment, a podiatrist may be more suitable.
At Pure Sole Wellness, I focus on holistic, everyday foot care—helping you feel grounded, balanced, and confident in your movement. And if I ever see something that needs specialist attention, I’ll always guide you in the right direction.
Healthy feet mean a healthier, more confident you.
If you have any questions about your foot care needs, please don’t hesitate to ask—I’m here to help.