There's no difference between a podiatrist and chiropodist, but podiatrist is a more modern name.
A podiatrist (chiropodist) can help you with common foot problems, including ingrown toenails and bunions.
What does a podiatrist do?
Podiatrists are healthcare professionals who have been trained to diagnose and treat abnormal conditions of the feet and lower limbs.
They also prevent and correct deformity, keep people mobile and active, relieve pain and treat infections.
They can give you and your family advice on how to look after your feet and what type of shoes to wear.
They can also treat and alleviate day-to-day foot problems, including:
Toenail problems, such as thickened toenails, fungal nail infections, ingrown toenails, corns and calluses, verrucas, athletes foot, smelly feet, dry and cracked heels, flat feet, bunions, heel pain, ageing feet, blisters, gout, sports injuries.
How can a podiatrist help?
You may want to see a podiatrist for advice and treatment if you have painful feet, thickened or discoloured toenails, cracks or cuts in the skin, growths such as warts and verrucas, scaling or peeling on the soles, or any other foot-related problem.
Podiatrists can also supply orthotics, which are tailor-made insoles, padding and arch supports to relieve arch or heel pain.
The orthotic is put into your shoe to realign your foot, take pressure off vulnerable areas of your foot, or simply make your shoes more comfortable.
Even if your feet are generally in good condition, you might consider having a single session of podiatry.
For example, you may want to have any hard skin on your feet removed or have your toenails clipped.
A podiatrist can also advise you about footwear (take your shoes with you) and check that you're looking after your feet properly.
Podiatrists can also help with more complex foot problems, including preventing, diagnosing and treating injuries related to sports and exercise.