Hi there again. Just catching up on what seems to be a debate developing over the differences between chiropody and podiatry.
Skye is right when she says the term chiropody was used exclusively in this country till fairly recently, and podiatry seems to have been use everywhere else. Many chiropodists, myself included, have come into the profession later in life as a second (or more in my case) career, and don't have the luxury of being able to go off and do a degree (or another one in my case). I trained with the SMAE Institute who have been training chiropodists since the early 1900's (I believe). The theory part of the course is done as distance learning (like the open university) and it took me 2 years working on it regularly every week. We covered anatomy, physiology, the lymphatic system, kidneys, diabetes, deformities of the foot,skin disorders, padding/strapping etc etc. I then had to do an exam which I passed and was then allowed to go on to the practical course. This gave us 100 hours hands-on training, which I admit is somewhat less than I would have had on a degree course. This then gave me the basic qualification in Surgical Chiropody. There are additional courses I could do which would then give me the full Diploma. It is these add on bits that the podiatrists do on their 3 year course (Biomechanics and Orthotics, Cryosurgery, Sports Therapy). They also become qualified to use local anaesthetics - I can also apply to do this training because I am HPC registered. I haven't done these add on courses because of the additonal cost - e.g. biomechanics/orthotics would cost me around £1000 and in the area I live in I could never recoup the cost. I will eventually study the subject myself and do a 2 day workshop - in the meantime I refer people to their GP or to a private orthotist if they don't want to wait about 9 months for an appointment.
Free podiatry / chiropody treatment on the NHS is very difficult to get unless you are diabetic or on long term steroid use or have some other medical condition making it essential your feet are seen regularly. However, some diabetic patients only see the podiatrist once or twice a year and obviously need their nails cut in between. Unfortunately, being elderly, unable to see your feet or reach them easily, and not having the money to pay for private treatment doesn't seem to qualify for free treatment any more.
So, I hope that clears up a few misconceptions about whether chiropodists are qualified to treat diabetics - WE ARE - and like I said before, chiropodists AND podiatrists have to be registered with the HPC in order to use those titles.
Chris