What is a Podiatrist? A Podiatrist is a healthcare professional specialising in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting lower limbs, ankles and feet. Podiatrists are highly trained professionals registered by the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC). In order to become an HCPC registered practitioner, most Podiatrists will have a degree in podiatry.
What is the difference between a chiropodist and a podiatrist? Podiatry is the new term for what was previously known as Chiropody. Podiatrists are degree qualified and have a broader scope of practice than what some people think of as 'Chiropody'. As well as nail care and treating corns & callus, Podiatrists are trained to perform nail surgery, give local anaesthetics, undertake gait analysis and make bespoke insoles.
What happens at a New Patient appointment? Your first appointment will take up to 30 minutes. We will ask you for details of your medical history including any medications and vitamins that you are taking. We will then ask you details about any lower limb problems or pains that you may be having. It will help us to have as much detail as possible about your symptoms, such as how long you may have been having pain and what makes it feel better or worse.
To help us spend as much time as possible on treatments, please wear easily removable hosiery and footwear for podiatry appointments. When we make a diagnosis of your problem, we will explain how we came to that decision and what we think are the most appropriate treatment options for you at that time. We will discuss a treatment plan with you, which may involve further visits to help you completely resolve the problem. If it is appropriate and you are happy for us to proceed, we will start your treatment during your first appointment, so that you can leave feeling more comfortable and more informed than when you came in. How many appointments will I need? Intermittent one-off appointments combining advice with short term treatment may resolve presenting complaints and help you prevent future problems arising. Other patients however, may benefit from a course of treatments. We will advise you about your treatment options and you can choose whichever you prefer.
Why do you need to know my medical history? The medical history is an account of all medical events that you have experienced (such as previous surgeries and broken bones) and includes any medications that you are taking. A medical history is an important tool in diagnosing conditions and managing foot health.
Do I need to see a GP first? No, patients do not need a referral from a GP to see a Podiatrist. You may contact our clinic during clinic hours and make an appointment at a time that is suitable for you. You may however be referred to a Podiatrist from your GP as well as other health care practitioners.