Archives: FAQ

If you have an in-grown toenail that is not responding to conservative treatment then nail surgery may be needed. This is the surgical removal of the nail under local anaesthetic. The podiatrist will assess you to check if nail surgery is suitable for you, and will discuss the procedure and what is involved with you during your initial consultation.

This will depend on many things, such as what kind of problem or condition you are suffering from. There are some foot conditions that need regular care. The length of treatment required will be discussed during the initial consultation and assessment. We aim to help you avoid certain problems from recurring and are happy to advise you on this. We will discuss the type of footwear that is suitable for you to wear everyday depending on your condition.

Orthotics are a type of insole that are used inside your shoes. They are used to help rectify certain mechanical abnormalities in the foot. Pain may be felt in the feet or legs when walking, running, or maybe even all the time. We assess how you walk or run and make a note of any problems; this is called a ‘gait analysis’. We can then recommend a ready-made orthotic or one which is custom made for your foot. Back pain, knee pain and ankle pain are some of the conditions that can be treated by wearing orthotics.

If you have pain in your feet when walking or running then you will probably need a bio-mechanical assessment. The podiatrist will look at the positioning of your hips, knees, ankles and feet whilst walking. If there is a problem with the positioning of the lower limbs then it disturbs the bio-mechanics of walking or running and this is what causes pain. Using orthotics can usually help alleviate this problem.

This is a common concern but have no fear; your treatment should be entirely pain free. Conditions, such as ingrowing toenails, may be sensitive to treat but great relief is experienced following the treatment of the painful area. In some cases, anesthetic may be used to prevent pain.

No, you do not need a doctor’s referral to book an appointment.

Yes, simply click on http://www.hcpc-uk.org and http://www.scpod.org

 

“Podiatrists are highly skilled health professionals who have been trained to prevent, diagnose, treat and rehabilitate abnormal conditions of the feet and lower limbs. They also prevent and correct deformity, keep people mobile and active, relieve pain and treat infections”. (Society of Podiatrist 2009).

All practitioners at Sassy Feet Podiatry are trained to Degree level, they are HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council ) registered and are members of the country’s leading professional body, the Society of Chiropodists & Podiatrists.

Podiatry is a protected title in law and only those who are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) are legally entitled to use it. This offers greater protection to the public with the assurance that practitioners have met the standards set by the HCPC, such as:

* assessing patients’ feet and explaining a diagnosis before the commencement of any treatment;

* maintaining their knowledge through Continual Professional Development thereby enabling them to practice lawfully, safely and effectively.

For further information: http://www.hcpc-uk.org/