What is Podiatry?
FAQs
Whether you're a professional athlete, a weekend warrior, or simply someone who wants to take good care of their feet, podiatry can help you maintain healthy, pain-free feet and ankles.
What is podiatry?
The name was changed from chiropody to podiatry in 1993 as it is the internationally recognised name for a foot specialist. Extensive training is given to podiatrists over a 3-4 year full-time basis at a recognised university. Podiatrists can treat a vast array of foot and lower limb problems.
What qualifications should I be looking for?
BSc (Pod) signifies that the podiatrist has completed a full 3-year degree course at an appropriate approved university.
HCPC registration means the professional is registered with the Health & Care Professions Council. The HCPC are the regulatory board for chiropodists and podiatrists.
MRCPod means the podiatrist is a member of the Royal College of Podiatry.
Do you offer toenail surgery for children?
Yes, we are happy to treat children at the clinic. We offer a relaxing and friendly environment for the child. Contact us to arrange an appointment.
My nail is black/discoloured/flaky what should I do?
All nail conditions will be diagnosed and treated at the practice. Often nail conditions can be trauma related or fungal, and advice can be given on how best to treat and resolve these conditions. Contact us to discuss further.
My big toe is hurting, my toe is swollen, and there is pus/infection around my nail, what should I do?
Conditions affecting the nail and surrounding skin can often be caused by trauma from external force or from an ingrown toenail or foreign body. This can irritate the surrounding skin around or under the nail leading to inflammation (heat, swelling, redness, pain and pus) and possibly infection. The podiatrist will diagnose, treat and reassure you about any condition, and if necessary obtain the required medication from your general practitioner to treat any infection present. Contact us to arrange an appointment.
I have diabetes/my feet are numb/tingling/ feel strange and I don't know how diabetes affects my feet
Our podiatrists are specialists in the care of the diabetic foot and will, in layman’s terms, explain how diabetes can affect your feet and what you can do to minimise any future foot problems. Diabetes can often be an overwhelming diagnosis and a completely life-changing condition. The patient is often left confused and mystified about how it will affect them. Education and knowledge of this condition is the crucial factor in preventing and reducing future complications that may arise. Contact us to discuss further.
I have painful lumps on my feet/bunions/funny shaped toes/trouble finding shoes that fit, what can I do?
Callus, bunions, hammer toes and general lumps and bumps on the feet will be diagnosed and treated at the clinic. We can quickly refer our patients on to podiatric foot surgeons that will expertly deal with any surgical requirements such as toe corrections, bunion operations or just for further investigations such as x-rays/scans/blood tests etc.
I have problems buying shoes that fit properly
We can offer advice on where and how to purchase shoes that are right for your feet. Often it is difficult to find shoes on the high street that fit you comfortably. We are familiar with the local specialist shoe shop providers and often recommend tried and trusted mail-order companies for shoe provision. We are also able to suggest a more bespoke involvement from the hospital-based orthotist if that is what your feet require. Contact us to arrange an appointment.
Book your appointment
Looking to book a treatment but can't fit it in to your day? We can be as flexible as you need. We offer both weekday and evening appointments at our clinic in the West End of Folkestone.