When you visit one of our London chiropody clinics as a new patient, you can expect a warm welcome from one of our chiropodists, followed by the chance to discuss foot health concerns, a thorough foot health check-up, gentle foot care, and a treatment plan (if required). Essentially, your first chiropody appointment is an opportunity for you to get to know us, improve the way your feet look and feel, and consider your next steps.
It’s perfectly understandable that if you’re unfamiliar with chiropody, you might feel nervous about visiting a chiropody clinic. So we’ve put together this helpful guide for first-time patients to shed light on chiropody and what happens during the initial consultation process.
If you’ve been putting off seeking chiropody treatment because you feel embarrassed about your foot problems or have neglected the hardest-working parts of your body, please be reassured you have nothing to fear and so much to gain from visiting our chiropody team and prioritising foot health.
Why not contact us today to find out how our London chiropodists can help you?
What Is Chiropody?
Chiropody is the branch of healthcare primarily concerned with ‘the professional treatment and care of people’s feet’, explains Collins Dictionary. It covers related areas too, such as the ankles. Chiropodists aim to keep patients’ feet – and lower limbs in general – healthy. They pay close attention to the skin, toenails, tissue, bones, joints, blood flow, etc. and are skilled at detecting abnormalities.
Chiropody involves examining the feet/lower limbs, performing tests, diagnosing problems, prescribing medication or medical aids (such as custom orthotics designed to improve foot function), and providing effective treatments and advice. It improves your foot health through routine foot care (for example, we file away hard skin), as well as by resolving both minor and complex foot problems, which span everything from athlete’s foot and verrucae to ingrown toenails and plantar fasciitis.
Where Are the Chiropody Clinics?
When you book an appointment, you’ll have five convenient, clean, pleasant chiropody clinics in London to choose from:
- Canary Wharf E14
- City of London EC2 – Moorgate
- Woolwich Royal Arsenal SE18
- London Bridge SE1
- South Kensington SW7
They’re all near public transport stops, and we offer chiropody appointments on weekdays and Saturdays for maximum flexibility.
What Happens During Your First Chiropody Appointment?
Every patient is unique, so we’ll tailor your chiropody appointment to your individual requirements. Below is a general overview of what happens during an initial consultation.
Step One – Putting You at Ease
Your chiropodist will warmly welcome you to Feet By Pody and ensure you’re comfortable in the consultation room.
Step Two – Foot Health Assessment
Your chiropodist will address any concerns/questions you have about your feet and review your medical history, including any previous chiropody treatments.
They’ll perform an extensive foot health assessment by carefully examining your feet/lower limbs, checking how well they’re aligned and assessing your skin and toenails.
Step Three – Vascular Assessment
Your chiropodist will check your circulation with a Doppler test, which involves using a handheld device to assess how sound waves behave when they encounter your blood cells. The test is non-invasive and painless and accurately measures how well blood flows.
Step Four – Essential Foot Care
Your feet will be treated to some general chiropody treatments (such as gentle corn removal), based on your needs. You’ll soon feel as if you’re walking on air!
Step Five – Treatment Plan and Advice
If you require advanced chiropody treatment (for an infected ingrown toenail, for instance), your chiropodist will create a tailored treatment plan and arrange further appointments. You may even be able to begin the treatment during this initial consultation.
Finally, you’ll receive aftercare advice to help you look after your feet well at home.
Chiropody Appointment FAQs
Who should see a chiropodist?
Chiropody benefits people of all ages and from all walks of life. It’s particularly helpful if you’re on your feet all day at work, love running or struggle to perform foot care.
How often do I need chiropody appointments?
We recommend a check-up once or twice per year to guard against foot problems. You can also book urgent appointments at any time if you develop foot pain or other troubling issues.
Do I need a referral from my GP?
No, you don’t need to be referred to us by a GP or other healthcare provider.
Which shoes should I wear?
If possible, please wear your everyday shoes to your chiropody appointment, so we can see what your feet are accustomed to. But don’t worry if you can’t.
Take your first step towards healthier, happier feet – book an appointment with Feet By Pody today.