Podiatry & Chiropody

Chiropodists and podiatrists are specialists in diagnosing and treating complaints and deformities of the feet. We provide foot health care to patients of all ages, and we accept referrals from GPs and other medical professionals.

What treatments are provided?

Routine chiropody

Routine treatment principally involves the removal of callus and corns and professional nail cutting. Just as importantly, it gives the podiatrist the chance to identify and treat the underlying cause of the problem — helping to prevent specific ailments from recurring.

Diabetic foot care

Diabetes can lead to a range of foot complications, including loss of sensation. Annual foot assessments are essential for diabetics, allowing the podiatrist to monitor any changes and provide treatment and advice before foot-related problems develop.

Verrucae removal

A verruca is a wart caused by the human papillomavirus, most commonly found on the soles and toes of the feet. Verrucae are very common in both children and adults — typically around 1 cm in diameter, though they can be significantly larger. We assess each case and recommend the most effective course of removal.

Ingrowing toenails

Ingrown toenails can occur when a nail is damaged or deformed, with unsuitable footwear the main culprit — shoes with inadequate toe room, or tight stockings that press on the toes. Less common causes include incorrect cutting, genetics and trauma. As the nail grows into the skin it becomes extremely uncomfortable, can make walking difficult and may lead to infection. In persistent cases a minor surgical procedure under local anaesthetic may be required.

Athlete’s foot

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection producing an irritating rash, usually between the toes. It spreads easily in shared spaces such as changing rooms, and if left untreated the fungus can spread to the toenails, leaving them thickened and discoloured.

Foot health advice

Healthy feet are essential to staying mobile. An annual foot check is always a good idea, and our chiropodists can advise you on best practice to prevent foot problems before they arise.

Biomechanics and orthoses

A biomechanical assessment analyses your skeletal structure and the way you walk, identifying links between your gait and any persistent injuries you suffer from. Treatment usually involves orthoses — custom 3D insoles. Where orthoses alone are not enough to fully remedy the problem, we will advise on complementary approaches such as stretching, footwear changes for certain activities, injections, or referral for X-rays or scans.

What to expect at your appointment

Your podiatrist will begin with an assessment of your feet, your general health and your footwear, then carry out any treatment needed on the day — most routine problems can be dealt with in a single visit, with clear advice on preventing them from coming back.