WHAT IS PODIATRY?

This is the term used to describe the study of conditions that relate to the foot, ankle and lower limb. Through assessment, diagnosis and treatment plans a podiatrist can treat a range of foot issues. Podiatry covers all aspects of foot health, and has become the modern name for a foot specialist.

The name of chiropody was changed to podiatry in 1993. The Society of Podiatrists dropped the term chiropodist from its title in 2018. We have a chance to rebrand and update, due to a change in premises, so we have changed from Cambridge Road Chiropody to Step First Podiatry.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING A PODIATRY TREATMENT?

New patient assessments: Treatment begins with some questions about your general health. Then, once consent is provided,  an initial assessment will be done.  This includes neurological and vascular tests and relevant treatment. This normally involves nail trimming and drilling, as well as all callus reduction and corn removal.  At the end of the treatment, a plan is decided upon.


Routine appointments: This treatment is generally the same as the New Patient assessment, but neurological and vascular tests are not conducted. These tests may however be done on an annual basis, or as required.  These treatments can be as often as every 6 to 12 weeks, depending on your specific treatment plan.


Half appointments: We offer a simple nail trim to people who have a normal nail profile. This appointment is only offered after a full assessment and at the discretion of the podiatrist. Some patients may think they have normal nails but any nail condition which requires more time and skill such as an ingrowing toenail will come under a full appointment.

This type of appointment may also be used for the benefit of the podiatrist if they need to assess the feet more frequently, and the patient does not require a full appointment every time.  This is again at the discretion of the podiatrist.

Half appointment will not include a foot bath.


Corn or redressing: We offer a corn appointment which is 10 minutes, this appointment is part of a treatment plan, this allows the podiatrist to treat stubborn, painful and long-standing lesions. This type of appointment is used at the discretion of the podiatrist. Occasionally redressing appointments are required, and both treatments are the same price.

WHO SHOULD HAVE PODIATRY?

Podiatry is useful for treating the following conditions:

  • Ingrown toenails
  • Bunions
  • Corns
  • Calluses
  • Verrucae
  • Fungal nail infections
  • Athletes foot
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Heel pain
  • Hyperhidrosis
chiropodist in st helens

Step this way…

Book an appointment