Question 1

What is involved in an initial consultation ?

Accepted Answer

The first thing I have to do is to take your full medical history including all the medications you currently take.  I will then undertake a physical examination of your foot to ascertain and diagnose your condition. We can then agree a treatment plan that will meet your individual needs.

Question 2

Am I registered with an official body ?

Accepted Answer

I am registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) who are the regulator of health and care professions in the UK, and are responsible for determining fitness to practice. The titles podiatrist and chiropodist are protected by law. Other foot related titles are unregulated. Attending an HCPC registered practitioner helps to ensure safety.

I am a member of The Royal College of Podiatry (RCoP), the professional association for podiatrists in the UK.

Question 3

What do the letters after my name mean ?

Accepted Answer

An approved undergraduate university degree in podiatry is required to practice as a podiatrist. BSc (Hons) stands for Batchelor of Science Honours degree. MRCPod is a post-nominal to indicate membership of the Royal College of Podiatry, which is the professional body for podiatrists.

Question 4

What is the difference between a podiatrist and a chiropodist ?

Accepted Answer

There is no difference between a podiatrist and a chiropodist. The name chiropodist was changed to the internationally recognised name podiatrist in 1993. The titles podiatrist and chiropodist are protected by law, and the profession is regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Question 5

Are podiatrists foot doctors ?

Accepted Answer

Podiatrists  in the UK are not medical doctors. Podiatrists complete a 3-year university degree which trains them to specialise in assessing, diagnosing and managing conditions of the foot, ankle and associated structures. Some podiatrists continue their education to become a Doctor of Philosophy, Ph.D. Podiatric surgeons are podiatrists who have carried out approved post-graduate training to specialise in foot surgery.

Question 6

Do I need a doctor's referral ?

Accepted Answer

No you don't need a doctor's referral. If you have any concerns about your feet you should seek advice from a podiatrist. Many people will initially go to their GP regarding problems with their feet. However, the GP will most likely refer them to a private podiatrist, as the NHS will only treat podiatry problems in the most extreme circumstances, such as complications due to diabetes.

Question 7

Will my private medical insurance cover my treatment ?

Accepted Answer

You will need to consult with your provider and gain the necessary approval before any treatment commences. Not all providers cover all treatments, and not all providers cover the full cost of approved treatments. Different providers have different payment processes, but I will readily provide an invoice following your treatment if this is required.

Question 8

Are your medical instruments sterilised ?

Accepted Answer

All instruments used in your treatment are sterilised.

Question 9

Can you refer me to another practitioner or specialist if appropriate ?

Accepted Answer

Yes I can. Working as part of a Multidisciplinary team, I am able to refer you into the care of other practitioners and specialists if required.

Question 10

What are corns and calluses and how are they treated ?

Accepted Answer

Corns and calluses are areas of thickened and hard (compacted) skin that develop through excessive pressure or friction. They occur quite commonly and can cause pain and discomfort.
Corns or badly callused areas can be treated by using a sharp blade to remove the thickened area of compacted skin. This is painless and should help reduce pain and discomfort. Corn centres have to be removed in order to relieve the pressure and minimise further injury. This is done by a process called enucleation, which utilises a blade to remove the centre of the corn.

Question 11

Diabetic Foot and Wound Care

Accepted Answer

Foot problems are exacerbated if you have diabetes. A person suffering from diabetes may have reduced blood flow to their feet, so they can be slow to heal. A small blister or wound in the diabetic foot caused by inappropriate foot wear, or the inability to feel pain from an injury, can rapidly lead to further complications.

Regular observations and diabetic foot monitoring are essential to avoid any issues that could lead to non healing wounds, ulcers and ultimately amputation in extreme cases.

Treatment includes regular testing for blood flow and sensation reduction (neuropathy), plus inspection of the feet for injuries, wounds and any other visible signs of infection.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions