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Chiropody vs. Chiropractic: Distinct Professions, Different Scope

Chiropody (Podiatry) and Chiropractic are separate licensed professions with distinct education, scope, and regulatory boards.

Chiropodist / Podiatrist (DPM)

Focus: Foot, ankle, and lower extremity.
Education: 4-year podiatric medical school + 3-year surgical residency.
Scope: Medical/surgical management of foot/ankle: fractures, deformities (bunions, hammertoes), diabetic limb salvage, wound care, orthotics, dermatology, sports medicine, PAD management.
Prescriptive authority: Full (including controlled substances) in all states.
Hospital privileges: Standard.
Board certification: ABFAS (surgery), ABPM (orthopedics/primary care).

Chiropractor (DC)

Focus: Neuromusculoskeletal system, emphasis on spine.
Education: 4-year doctoral program (no residency required; optional 1–3 yr specialties).
Scope: Spinal manipulation, manual therapy, exercise rehab, lifestyle counseling. No prescriptive authority (except limited in NM, some states allow OTC/supplements). No surgical privileges.
Board certification: Specialty boards (orthopedics, neurology, sports, radiology, rehab) via ACA/ACCB.

Key Distinctions

Collaboration

Common in sports medicine, diabetic foot care, spinal-pelvic biomechanics. Interprofessional referral is standard.

Terminology note: "Chiropody" is the older term (UK/Commonwealth); "Podiatry" is modern universal term. In the U.S., only Podiatrist/DPM is used.

Chiropractic - Related Articles

Aspect	Podiatry (DPM)	Chiropractic (DC)
Primary Domain	Foot/ankle/lower leg	Spine/extremities/nervous system
Surgery	Core training & practice	Not within scope
Prescribing	Full	None (rare exceptions)
Hospital Privileges	Standard	Limited/rare
Residency	Mandatory 3 yr	Optional