Q: What does a podiatrist do?
A podiatrist is a healthcare professional specialising in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions affecting the feet and lower limbs. This includes nail and skin problems, foot pain, gait issues, diabetic foot care, and more.
Q: Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist?
No, you don’t need a referral to see a podiatrist. If you plan to claim through your health insurance, I can provide a paid invoice with all the necessary clinic details so you can submit it directly to your insurer.
Q: What happens at my first appointment?
Your initial consultation includes a full medical history review, foot assessment, and discussion of any concerns. A treatment plan is then tailored to your needs, which may include nail and skin care, biomechanical assessment, or footwear advice.
Q: How long does an appointment take?
Most appointments typically last 30 minutes. Foot pain consultations are slightly longer, usually around 40 minutes. Review and redressing appointments typically take up to 15 minutes.
Q: What should I bring to my appointment?
For foot pain appointments, please bring at least two different pairs of shoes that you wear regularly, as well as comfortable trousers that can be rolled up above the knee for easier assessment. For routine appointments, kindly remove any nail polish prior to your visit. For new patients, please bring a list of your current medications and any relevant medical history so we can provide the best care possible.
Q: How often should I see a podiatrist?
The frequency of visits depends on your individual needs. Some patients benefit from regular check-ups every 6–8 weeks for maintenance, while others may only need occasional visits. In certain cases, more frequent appointments may be required.
Q: Do you offer footwear advice?
Yes. Proper footwear is essential for foot health. We can assess your shoes, provide recommendations for comfort and support, and suggest suitable brands or styles.
Q: Do you prescribe orthotics (insoles)?
At this time, I don’t prescribe custom orthotics. However, I offer a thorough assessment of your foot structure and walking patterns, and based on that, I can recommend suitable footwear that will provide the support you need. If orthotics are necessary, I’ll guide you through the best options available to ensure you get the right fit for your comfort and mobility. My goal is always to find the most effective solution tailored to your individual foot health needs.
Q: How can I pay for my treatment?
Cash, card, and contactless payments are accepted. Please check when booking for accepted payment methods.
Q: Does a shorter treatment mean I should pay less?​
Not necessarily. Some conditions require only a brief hands-on treatment, or no treatment, but still rely heavily on clinical expertise, medical responsibility, and overhead costs, which remain the same regardless of treatment length. If you have concerns about the fee after your appointment, you are always welcome to ask. I am happy to explain what your appointment involved and what was included in your fee.
Q: What is your cancellation policy?
I kindly ask for at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. Late cancellations or missed appointments may incur a fee. However, I understand that life happens, and in exceptional circumstances, I’ll do my best to accommodate you. Please let me know as soon as possible if something comes up, and we can discuss options.
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Q: Is your clinic accessible?
Each clinic location vary in accessibility:
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Berkhamsted: located on the first floor and unfortunately does not have a lift.
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Buckingham: fully wheelchair accessible and situated on the ground floor.
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Brackley: located on the ground floor, but unfortunately, it is not wheelchair accessible.
Q: Is there parking?
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Berkhamsted: On-street paid parking available. Additionally, the Lower Kings Road multi storey car park is just a 3-minute walk away.
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Buckingham: On-site parking is available free of charge for patients.
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Brackley: On-street parking is available nearby.
Q: Do you treat children?
Yes, I see patients of all ages, including children with conditions such as flat feet, in-toeing, or gait concerns.
It’s important to address foot health early, as children's feet are still developing. It’s best to see a podiatrist if you notice any issues like flat feet, toe walking, or difficulty keeping up with peers during physical activities. Preventative care can begin as early as age 3–4, especially if there are concerns about alignment, gait, or shoe fitting. Early intervention helps prevent more serious issues later on, such as bunions, ingrown nails, or postural problems. Regular check-ups during key growth stages can support healthy foot development and keep your child comfortable as they grow.
Q: Does the treatment of ingrown toenails hurt?
The treatment of ingrown toenails can be uncomfortable, but I do my best to ensure you're as comfortable as possible throughout the process.
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For conservative treatments, like trimming or Onyfix, most patients don’t experience much pain—or any at all. These methods are designed to relieve pressure and help the toe heal naturally without needing invasive procedures. You might feel some mild discomfort when I trim the nail, but it’s usually brief and manageable.
If surgery is needed—usually for more severe or recurring ingrown toenails—I’ll use a local anaesthetic to numb the area, so you won’t feel anything during the procedure. Afterward, you might experience some soreness as the toe heals, but this can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Recovery time varies, but most patients are able to return to normal activities within a few weeks.
I’ll always walk you through your treatment options so you know exactly what to expect and feel confident about the plan moving forward.
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Q: Is podiatry and chiropody the same?
While both terms refer to the care of the feet, podiatry and chiropody are often used interchangeably, though there is a slight difference.
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Chiropody is the traditional term historically used to describe foot care and treatments, focusing primarily on common foot problems like corns, calluses, and ingrown toenails.
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Podiatry, on the other hand, is the more modern and comprehensive term that encompasses a wider range of foot and lower limb care. It includes not just general foot care, but also the treatment of more complex conditions like diabetic foot care, biomechanics, sports injuries, and even surgical interventions.
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Ideally, most people should refer to us as podiatrists, as it reflects the broader scope of care we provide. However, chiropodist is still understood, and you’ll be in good hands no matter which term you use!
Q: Podiatry vs Pedicure (Health vs Beauty)
A podiatrist is a healthcare professional trained to assess, diagnose, and treat foot and lower-limb conditions. A pedicurist provides cosmetic foot and nail care for appearance and relaxation.
Q: Is a podiatry treatment the same as a “medical pedicure”?
Not exactly. Podiatry is clinical health care delivered by a qualified professional. While the results may look cosmetically improved, the purpose is medical, not beauty-focused.
Q: Can I have a pedicure after podiatry treatment?
Yes, as long as there is no open wound, infection, or medical reason to avoid it.
Q: Can you treat fungal nails?
Yes, I can help with fungal nail infections. Treatment options range from topical antifungal treatments to oral medications, depending on the severity of the infection. I will assess your condition and recommend the best course of treatment to help clear up the infection and restore the health of your nails.
Q: How do I get rid of corns and calluses?
Corns and calluses can be painful and are often caused by friction or pressure from poorly fitting shoes or repetitive activities. While I can carefully remove them, it's important to understand that they tend to reappear if the underlying pressure or friction isn't addressed. Adjusting your footwear and reducing pressure points are key to managing and preventing these conditions long-term. During the appointment I’ll offer advice on how to prevent them in the future.
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Q: Do you offer verruca treatment?
Currently, I do not offer verruca (wart) treatment at the clinic. Verrucas can be tricky to treat, and while there are several options available—such as cryotherapy (freezing), topical treatments, and more—it's not something I provide at this time.