Assessment & Diagnosis

Podiatrists and Foot Health Practitioners: Working Together for Healthy Feet

Podiatrists and Foot Health Practitioners (FHPs) both play an important role in maintaining foot health, each bringing different training and scope to patient care. Understanding the difference helps patients know what to expect from each professional — and how the two roles complement each other within a practice.

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Podiatrists

Podiatrists are HCPC-registered (Health and Care Professions Council) healthcare professionals who hold a BSc (Hons) in Podiatry (3–4 years training). Their scope includes:

• Assessing, diagnosing, and treating a wide range of foot and lower limb conditions

• Biomechanics, musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, dermatology, wound care, and minor surgical procedures

• Referring patients for imaging (such as X-rays and ultrasounds), surgery, or specialist care

• Prescribing certain medications, where they hold the appropriate independent/supplementary prescribing qualification

• Working across the NHS, private practice, hospitals, and multidisciplinary teams

 

Foot Health Practitioners (FHPs)

FHPs complete recognised foot health training (typically Level 3–5 diplomas or equivalent) focused on routine and preventative foot care. Their scope includes:

• Nail cutting, filing, and management of thickened or ingrowing nails

• Corn and callus removal, and general skin and nail maintenance

• Basic diabetic and at-risk foot checks

• Providing preventative foot care and patient education

• Working in private practice and, in many areas, within NHS podiatry services as part of the wider foot health team, often under the guidance of a registered podiatrist

 

FHPs are not HCPC-registered and, unlike podiatrists, do not diagnose or treat underlying medical conditions — but they provide essential, high-quality routine care that keeps patients comfortable and helps identify issues early.

 

Key Takeaways

• Podiatrists hold a degree-level qualification and can assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of foot and lower limb conditions, including prescribing and referring where qualified.

• Foot Health Practitioners provide skilled routine and preventative foot care, and are a valuable part of the foot health team, including in some NHS settings.

• Only HCPC-registered practitioners can legally use the protected titles "podiatrist" or "chiropodist" in the UK.

• Both roles are essential to keeping patients' feet healthy — podiatrists for diagnosis and treatment of complex conditions, FHPs for regular preventative care.