Podiatry FAQs in St Helens

Choosing the right podiatrist is an important decision, especially when foot pain, nail problems, or recurring conditions are affecting your daily life. Patients across St Helens often want clear, honest answers before booking treatment, particularly when considering private podiatry or specialist care.

This FAQ page has been created to answer the most common and most important questions we are asked at Step First Podiatry. All information is provided by a degree-qualified, HCPC registered podiatrist with over 16 years of clinical experience, helping you make informed decisions about your foot health with confidence.

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Conditions We Treat

If foot pain, skin problems, nail issues, or verrucas keep coming back, worsen over time, or affect how you walk, a podiatrist should assess them.

Many conditions that appear minor, such as corns, hard skin, or ingrown toenails, are often caused by pressure, gait issues, or nail structure. Treating only the surface problem usually leads to recurrence.

If foot pain, skin problems, nail issues, or verrucas keep coming back, worsen over time, or affect how you walk, a podiatrist should assess them.

Many conditions that appear minor, such as corns, hard skin, or ingrown toenails, are often caused by pressure, gait issues, or nail structure. Treating only the surface problem usually leads to recurrence.

At Step First Podiatry in St Helens, we focus on identifying the underlying cause so treatment is effective long term.

Corns and calluses usually return when the pressure or friction causing them is not addressed.

Common causes include:

  • Foot shape and pressure points
  • Walking pattern or gait
  • Footwear choices
  • Structural changes in the foot

Treatment includes both removal of painful skin and guidance to reduce recurrence.

Yes. Many foot, ankle, knee, and lower limb problems are linked to the way you walk.

Using advanced foot scan and gait analysis technology, we assess movement patterns and pressure distribution. This helps identify why pain or recurring problems occur and allows for more effective treatment planning.

podiatrist st helens
podiatrist st helens

Treatments and Procedures

Swift verruca treatment stimulates your immune system rather than destroying skin tissue.

Traditional treatments rely on repeatedly breaking down the verruca, which can be slow and uncomfortable. Swift uses microwave energy to help the body recognise and clear the virus naturally.

Patients in St Helens often choose Swift because it is quick, requires no dressings, and allows normal activity after treatment.

Yes. Swift verruca treatment is suitable for children and is commonly chosen because it does not involve acids, needles, or cutting.

The treatment is quick, usually well tolerated, and does not require dressings or downtime. This makes it easier for children to return to school, sports, and normal activities immediately after treatment.

In many cases, nail surgery provides a long-term or permanent solution to recurring ingrown toenails.

The procedure is designed to prevent the problematic section of nail from regrowing. While no treatment can guarantee zero recurrence in all cases, nail surgery significantly reduces the likelihood of the problem returning.

Recovery after nail surgery is usually straightforward when aftercare advice is followed.

Most patients can walk immediately after the procedure, although activity may need to be reduced for a short period. Clear aftercare guidance is provided, along with follow-up support if required.

Laser podiatry treatments do not replace all traditional treatments, but they can be a useful addition in specific cases.

Laser therapy may be recommended where appropriate, and suitability is always assessed during your appointment.

Foot scan and gait analysis assess how pressure is distributed across your feet and how you move when walking.

This helps identify abnormal loading, imbalance, or inefficient movement patterns, particularly in patients with recurring pain or unexplained discomfort.

Yes. Preventative care is an important part of podiatry treatment.

By addressing pressure points, nail issues, and biomechanical factors early, podiatry treatment can reduce the risk of problems recurring or worsening over time.

General Information

Private podiatry provides quicker access to care, continuity with the same podiatrist, and a wider range of treatment options compared to NHS services.

Patients in St Helens often choose private podiatry because it offers shorter waiting times, access to advanced treatments such as Swift verruca therapy and laser podiatry, and longer appointments focused on individual needs. Learn about our pricing here.

Step First Podiatry is led by a degree-qualified podiatrist with over 16 years of clinical experience.

We are fully registered with the Health and Care Professions Council, HCPC, and maintain ongoing professional training to ensure all treatments meet current clinical standards.

Step First Podiatry is located at 97 Corporation Street, St Helens, WA10 1SX and is easily accessible for patients across the local area and surrounding towns.

No. You do not need a GP or NHS referral to book an appointment at Step First Podiatry.

Patients can book directly, allowing quicker access to treatment without waiting lists.

Appointments can be booked directly with the clinic.

You can contact Step First Podiatry by phone or use the online booking system available on our website. If you are unsure which appointment is right for you, we are happy to advise before you book.

biomechanical assessment st helens

Get In Touch

If you still have questions or would like advice tailored to your symptoms, we are here to help.

Contact Step First Podiatry today to book your appointment at our St Helens clinic, or explore our service pages to learn more about the treatments we offer.

Address: 97 Corporation Street, St Helens, WA10 1SX
Phone: 01744 808 303
Email: enquiries@stepfirst.co.uk