Who Cares for Feet – Podiatrists, Pedorthists or Pedicurists?
Podiatrists, Pedorthists and Pedicurists all look after feet in some way. Training, qualifications, certifications and scope of practice are very different. Interestingly there can be some hazy cross-over between the foot issues that they attend to. If you have a foot problem finding the right person can be confusing. Finding the wrong person can be expensive, a waste of time or at worst just downright dangerous.
Comparison Table of Podiatrists, Pedorthists and Pedicurists
| Podiatrist | Pedorthist | Pedicurist | |
| Definition | Assess, diagnose and treat disorders and injuries of the foot, ankle and lower extremity | Manage and treat conditions of foot, ankle and lower limb | Cosmetic treatment for feet and nails |
| Mode of Practice | Medical / Surgical treatment | Fitting, making and adjusting foot orthotics. Select and modify footwear. | Wash, clean and massage feet. Remove rough skin. File and Paint and polish toenails |
| Training | Bachelors Degree, then Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree[4 years] then specialized medical and surgical training [2-3 years] in care of the lower extremity | High school diploma, GED, or College degree. The Accredited Pedorthist Program [3-4 weeks] plus 1000 hours supervised practical experience then the Certification Exam. | No training required other than “on-the-job”. However, to be State Licensed training is required – High School Diploma, State approved Cosmetology or Nail Technician program, then State licensing exam |
| Associated Specialties | Surgery, orthopaedics, public health | Orthotics and Prosthetics, | |
| Sub specialties | Pediatrics,dermatology, radiology, geriatrics, diabetic foot | ||
| Work Environment | Private or group practices, hospitals | Specialty shoe stores, patient care facilities, VA facilities, and rehabilitation facilities. | Nail or hair salon |
| Scope |
Orthopedic surgery Biomechanics Nail surgery Medication Prescription Order X rays Skin penetration Local anasthesia |
Footwear modification and construction |
Nail polish and paint Foot massage (not body massage unless separately certified) |
| Cross-Over Areas |
Orthotics Footwear prescription Nail care Callus care |
Orthotics Footwear prescription |
Nail cutting Minor callus care Basic footcare advice |
How to choose between Podiatrists, Pedorthists or Pedicurist
If you have a foot issue, use our simple table above as a guide to choosing the right Foot person. If you are not sure, see a Podiatrist first. Irrespective who you choose to see I recommend you ask questions about their Qualification, Credentialing and Licensing. No Licensing – NO DEAL.
Comparison Table of Foot Conditions and who treats which
| Podiatrist | Pedorthist | Pedicurist | |
| Foot Pain | Able to investigate a broad range of causes | May be footwear related |
Nails may be too long
|
| Areas of hard skin | Able to treat all causes on all sites and advise on prevention. | May be friction with footwear. Can modify some footwear | Hard skin removal limited to healthy skin only |
| Unhealed sores on feet | Must be managed by Podiatrist or wound professional. May refer to Pedorthist | Orthotics and footwear modification may be appropriate |
–
|
| Foot Odour | Advice and Over the Counter or Prescription Medicine | May be caused by Footwear materials | – |
| Complex health issues such as Diabetes or Arthritis | Medical training essential | Part of health team approach | – |
| History of Falls | Medical investigation essential | Advice and provision of foot orthotics and appropriate footwear | If bending is difficult but the nails and skin are healthy – Toe nail cutting |
| Can’t find comfortable shoes | Advice | Advice and supply | – |
| Misshapen toes | Potential Surgery | Footwear modification | – |
| Can’t cut toenails | If associated with complex health issues or infected, thickened or ingrown toenails | – | For normal healthy nails |
| Love to wear fashionable open toe shoes | – | – | Nail polish and paint |
Further Resources
- American Podiatric Medical Association (Podiatrists)
- American Board for Certification (Pedorthics)
- The Pedorthic Footcare Association (Pedorthists)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Manicurists and Pedicurists)
