What is the difference between a Chiropodist and a Podiatrist?
If you’re dealing with foot pain or a nail or skin concern, you may be wondering whether to see a chiropodist or a podiatrist. While both professionals focus on foot health, there are some important differences here in Ontario.
Understanding these distinctions can help you choose the right provider for your needs.
Read this excerpt from the College of Chiropodists of Ontario to Learn More.
What Do Chiropodists and Podiatrists Have in Common?
Both chiropodists and podiatrists are registered with the College of Chiropodists of Ontario and both are trained foot care professionals who assess, treat, and help prevent a wide range of foot conditions. These can include:
In many everyday situations, either professional can provide effective treatment and relief.
What Is a Chiropodist?
A chiropodist is a regulated healthcare professional who specializes in foot care. In Ontario, chiropodists are licensed to assess and treat foot conditions using conservative and surgical evidence-based methods.
Chiropodists typically:
Provide routine and preventative foot care
Treat skin and nail conditions
Offer custom orthotics and footwear advice
Manage chronic conditions like diabetic foot complications
Perform minor procedures such as nail surgeries or tendon resections
They focus on keeping your feet healthy, comfortable, and functioning well, without invasive surgical procedures.
What Is a Podiatrist?
A podiatrist is also a foot specialist, but with a slightly different scope of practice in Ontario. Podiatrists are licensed to perform bone surgery, communicate a diagnosis and requisition or perform diagnostic imaging, if qualified to do so.
However, it’s important to note:
Podiatrists are no longer being newly licensed in Ontario (since the early 1990s)
Those who are still practicing were “grandfathered” under older regulations
As of March, 2026, there are only 31 registered Podiatrists still practicing in Ontario.
Key Differences at a Glance
1. Scope of Practice
Chiropodists: Focus on minor surgical procedures and conservative care
Podiatrists: May perform invasive surgery and diagnostic imaging
2. Availability in Ontario
Chiropodists: Widely available and the primary foot care providers today (809 Providers in Ontario in 2026)
Podiatrists: Limited in number due to older licensing rules (31 Providers in Ontario in 2026)
3. Type of Care
Chiropodists: Preventative and ongoing foot care
Podiatrists: May perform more complex surgical procedures in addition to routine ongoing care
Which One Should You See?
For most people, a chiropodist is the best place to start. They are highly trained to treat the majority of foot concerns, from routine care to chronic conditions and they are more likely to be accessible in your community.
You should consider seeing a chiropodist if you:
Have foot pain or discomfort
Need nail or skin treatment
Have diabetes or circulation concerns
Want orthotics or footwear advice
Are looking for preventative foot care
If your condition requires more advanced surgical intervention, a chiropodist can refer you to the appropriate specialist.
Why This Distinction Matters
Choosing the right foot care professional ensures you receive the most appropriate and effective treatment. In Ontario, chiropodists are the frontline providers for foot health and are equipped to manage the vast majority of concerns safely and efficiently.
Final Thoughts
While chiropodists and podiatrists share many similarities, the key difference lies in their scope of practice and availability, particularly in Ontario. For most foot care needs, a chiropodist offers comprehensive, accessible, and expert care.
If you’re unsure where to start, booking an appointment with a chiropodist is a reliable first step toward healthier, pain-free feet.
Have questions about your foot health or looking to book an appointment? Contact our clinic today—we’re here to help you every step of the way.
