We can’t stress enough the importance of taking care of the health of your feet as you would normally do with your eyes and teeth.
It doesn’t matter if you practice any kind of exercise or if you are sitting most of the time: your feet are the key to a healthier body.
Yet, when it comes to foot care, there might be a wide choice of specialists to look for and you might need a couple more information before booking your appointment. Here’s the difference between a podiatrist and podologist, and why the distinction matters!
What Is A Podologist? And What Is A Podiatrist?
Both of these names come from an ancient Greek root that means ‘“foot’” and both of these figures are trained to take good care of your feet and make sure that you are healthy.
You might think that these two figures are the same and that in fact, these are just two names for the same practitioner. But despite the same attention to feet that both podologists and podiatrists dedicate, they do different things and have different education.
In the UK, a podiatrist -or foot care practitioner- is a licensed medical professional that earned a relevant degree in the field and is registered with the Health and Professions Council.
They can assess, diagnose and treat any issue related to your feet health in different ways, from helping you in grooming or suggesting new shoes to treat your calluses.
There’s literally no limit to what a good podiatrist can do for you!
A podologist, on the other hand, is someone that specialises in studying your feet and lower limbs’ health but isn’t licensed to perform any kind of treatment on you nor to make a diagnosis.
It’s worth mentioning that podologists are not licensed professionals and, apart from knowing plenty of things about anatomy and physiology, can’t really help you if you have painful foot conditions that are holding you back from dancing all night or performing daily tasks.
What Does A Podiatrist Do?
The expertise of a podiatrist differs from the limited services provided by a podologist, which mainly involve superficial treatments like pedicures and drug-free foot baths.
Due to their specialised training and competence, only podiatrists are qualified to perform medical interventions.
Initially trained to address three categories of plantar disorders, podiatrists focus on musculoskeletal pain, dermatological disorders, and toenail problems.
Podiatrists handle musculoskeletal issues such as: plantar fasciitis, heel bursitis, foot bunions (hallux valgus), hammertoes or claw toes, achilles tendonitis, knee osteoarthritis, and patellofemoral syndrome.
They also treat dermatological disorders, including plantar warts, corns and calluses, Athlete’s foot, heel cracks and other plantar fissures, and diabetic foot lesions.
Furthermore, podiatrists address toenail-related problems like nail fungus (onychomycosis), ingrown toenails, and traumatic nail conditions.
Foot Care From A Podologist
A podologist specialises in providing external foot care services instead of performing medical procedures. For instance, they can offer pedicure services, such as trimming and maintaining toenails. However, when it comes to severe foot injuries or infections, the podologist’s ability to intervene is limited compared to a podiatrist.
In addition to the cosmetic treatments typically carried out by podologists, podiatrists have a wide range of treatments at their disposal. For instance, they can perform surgical removal of calluses and corns, prescribe creams and ointments, medically trim painful or misshapen nails, remove plantar warts, and apply therapeutic tape.
If foot care treatments do not provide relief, the podiatrist may recommend further tests to support their diagnosis. These tests may include a biomechanical examination, digital x-rays, and 2D/3D scanning, among other tools that enable the podiatrist to analyse the characteristics of your feet.
Understanding the Modern Role of the Podiatrist and Podologist
Across the world, the terms podiatrist and podologist are often used interchangeably, but the difference lies mainly in training, regulation, and professional recognition. In the UK, podiatrists are degree-qualified, HCPC-registered medical professionals who diagnose and treat disorders of the feet, ankles, and lower limbs. Podologists, by contrast, usually study the science of the foot—its anatomy, structure, and function—but in most countries, including the UK, they are not licensed to diagnose, prescribe, or perform surgical treatments.
In Europe and parts of South America, podology is an academic or para-medical discipline that focuses on research, preventative care, and cosmetic treatment rather than direct medical intervention. For example, in Spain or France, a podologist may perform advanced skin or nail care, provide orthotic consultations, or collaborate with physicians, but they still operate under different legal frameworks than UK podiatrists. This international variation is one of the main reasons patients encounter confusion when comparing these titles online.
Education and Professional Pathways
In Britain, a podiatrist must hold a BSc (Hons) in Podiatry from an accredited university. The qualification covers anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, biomechanics, and minor surgery. Graduates must then register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) before they can practice. This ensures they meet strict national standards for safety and competence and are legally authorised to prescribe certain medicines, administer local anaesthetic, and carry out nail or skin surgery.
A podologist, meanwhile, might study through a vocational or private diploma route focused on theory and holistic care. Their education may include modules on dermatology, posture, and preventative maintenance, but without the clinical placements or medical licensing required of podiatrists. While podologists can provide excellent external care—cleaning, cosmetic restoration, massage, and advice on footwear or daily maintenance—they must refer clients to a registered podiatrist or GP if there is pain, infection, or structural abnormality.
Why the Distinction Matters for Patients
Knowing who to see depends on your needs. If you are looking for routine or cosmetic foot care—for example, nail restoration after trauma, callus removal, or hydration treatments—a podologist’s expertise in superficial foot health may be appropriate.
However, if you experience persistent pain, circulation problems, numbness, or diabetic complications, only a podiatrist has the medical authority and training to diagnose the cause and provide evidence-based treatment.
Because podologists are not regulated under the HCPC, they cannot use protected titles such as chiropodist or podiatrist in the UK. This means patients should always check registration status on the HCPC website before booking an appointment for anything that might involve surgery, prescription medication, or advanced orthotic assessment. Regulation is what protects patients, ensuring practitioners adhere to professional codes of conduct and ongoing education requirements.
Global Trends in Podology and Podiatry
Interestingly, podology as a field is expanding in Europe, where podologists often work alongside medical teams in hospitals or rehabilitation centres. In some countries, a podologist might even be considered an assistant podiatrist—someone trained to provide non-invasive care under supervision.
By contrast, the UK’s approach integrates podiatry into mainstream healthcare, making it part of the NHS system. This distinction gives UK podiatrists a unique standing: they are not just foot-care providers but specialist clinicians whose work supports orthopaedics, sports medicine, dermatology, and endocrinology.
As awareness of preventative medicine grows, podologists may increasingly collaborate with registered podiatrists, providing complementary services that improve overall foot health and patient comfort.
Emerging Specialisations in Podiatry and Podology
Both professions are evolving rapidly. Modern podiatrists increasingly specialise in sports biomechanics, diabetic wound management, and surgical podiatry, often working alongside orthopaedic surgeons and physiotherapists. Digital gait analysis, 3D scanning for custom orthotics, and minimally invasive procedures have transformed how clinicians diagnose and treat complex conditions of the feet and lower limbs.
Podologists, meanwhile, are expanding into aesthetic and preventative care, particularly in continental Europe. Many now focus on advanced skin rejuvenation, cryotherapy for verrucas, and holistic approaches that combine posture correction with cosmetic restoration. This preventative mindset complements clinical podiatry perfectly: while podiatrists restore function, podologists often help maintain it.
The rise of wearable health tech and early-diagnostic tools means both fields are becoming more data-driven and patient-centred. Together, podiatrists and podologists form a continuum of care—one focused on medical precision, the other on maintenance and prevention—ensuring healthier, more resilient feet for life.
Book Your Appointment…
If you’ve noticed pain, discomfort, or changes in your feet, it’s always best to seek professional advice early. Our HCPC-registered podiatrists can assess your symptoms, explain your options, and provide safe, effective treatment to help you stay active and pain-free.
Call us on 01606 45077 or book your appointment online to see a podiatrist at our Northwich clinic today.
