Job description
Podiatrists, previously known as chiropodists, are specialists who assess, diagnose and treat a wide range of problems of the foot and lower limb below the knee. These can include minor ailments, diseases and deformities of the feet and lower limbs, for example, bunion operations or metatarsal realignment. Podiatrists also advise patients on how to prevent foot problems in the future.
The term 'chiropody' is still used by some professionals to describe the more routine aspects of podiatry such as nail cutting, the treatment of more minor ailments and minor surgery. Non-state-registered podiatrists are required to describe themselves as chiropodists.
Podiatry is a relatively new term for the treatment of foot disorders. Pod is Greek for foot and iatros, doctor - hence the name Podiatrist or foot doctor!
HTH