Is a Chiropodist and a Podiatrist the same thing?

The answer is yes and no.  Chiropodist is a term previously used in Australia.  A Chiropodist’s work mostly concerned skin and nail treatments.  In 1978, the term Chiropodist was overtaken by Podiatrist.  Podiatrists were, from that time on, university trained. Podiatrists do all of the things a chiropodist did, but much much more.

If you are looking for a chiropodist, no doubt you are suffering from a painful foot condition.  You might have:

• Corns,
• Bunions,
• Painful toenails,
• Nails that are difficult to cut,
• Cracked heels,
• or Callusing.

We treat a great deal more than this.  We have access to prescribing medications such as oral antibiotics to treat conditions from simple toenail infections and complex diabetic wounds. We can perform corticosteroid injections to painful tissues and joints. Employing local anaesthetic injections for minor surgical procedures such as permanent ingrown toenail solutions.

We also have a solid focus on treating pain.  A podiatrist should be your first port of call for mechanical injuries such as heel pain, shin splints, Achilles’ Tendon injuries and more.  We can also address some types of back pain, and knee and hip issues.  In shoe supports called orthotics can reduce or resolve a great range of aches and pains, not only in the feet, but through the whole body. Podiatrists who undertake additional training can use mobilisation to address joint pain – it is kind of like chiropractic for feet. Injections of dextrose called prolotherapy are also offered by our practice to address nerve and soft tissue pain.

Check out our Services pages here for more information about the wide range of podiatry services we offer around Brisbane.  Our team have a minimum of four years of university training.   Many of us have additional post graduate qualifications to serve you better to Walk Without Pain!