Podiatry (Chiropody)

Podiatry (chiropody) is the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the feet and lower limbs. It is the medical discipline for the treatment of the many foot ailments from which we suffer today. These complaints are caused by a variety of factors including incorrect footwear, poor posture, occupational habits, gait or by deformity due to accident or disease.

Disorders which can be treated include: corns and calluses, nail deformities, in-growing toe nails, skin and nail infections such as Athlete’s foot and verrucae. We also offer advice and some treatments for conditions associated with foot pain, for example: flat feet, hallux valgus (bunions), arthritis, plantar fasciitis (heel pain) and metatarsalgia (forefoot pain) and sport related injuries.

Podiatry / Chiropody – What’s the difference?

It is in fact the same discipline. In 2003 chiropody became a protected profession and with this change the name was changed to podiatry.

In the past it was possible to study for a year and receive a diploma in Chiropody. The title can now only be used by those who have a university degree in podiatry and who are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

The diploma is still available and those that study for it use the title Foot Health Practitioner.

Always check the qualifications of your practitioner.

Letters to look out for:

Podiatry Treatments

Our excellent podiatrists offer a wide range of general podiatry treatments and some speciality treatments for common conditions.

This list is not exhaustive:
Corns
Hard skin
Ingrown toenails
Thick toenails

Fungal nail infection
Fungal skin infection (athletes foot)

Foot pain & discomfort
Pressure relief
Heel pain
Plantar fasciitis
Achilles tendinopathy
Arch pain
Bunions
Mortons neuroma

Diabetic foot care
Rheumatoid arthritis
Osteoarthritis

We use a variety of treatments to ensure the best outcome for patient foot problems, including acupuncture, insoles/orthoses, padding, strapping and various devices to help relieve pain and pressure.
We supply and fit both chair-side and bespoke orthotics, following biomechanical assessment. The aim is to reduce and prevent foot fatigue, foot deformities and pressures on the feet which would otherwise result in reduced activities and pain in the feet and legs. Some issues which can be addressed are flat feet, pronation or high arched feet. (See our biomechanics section).

Podiatric Acupuncture

What is Podiatric acupuncture?

Podiatric acupuncture is a form of therapy in which fine needles are inserted into specific points on the body. In podiatry, we treat only the lower limb from the knee down to the feet.

Acupuncture is generally very safe. Serious side effects are very rare (for example the formation of a blood clot within the body’s tissue) and occur in less than one per 10,000 treatments.

In podiatry acupuncture can help in many ways, the obvious ones being pain relief for:

  • arthritic joints
  • plantar fasciitis
  • heel spurs
  • Morton’s neuroma
  • bunions
  • Achilles tendonitis
  • stress fractures

Acupuncture can also help with:

  • restless legs
  • headaches
  • muscle pain
  • gout
  • Raynaud’s disease
  • Varicose ulcers

Single-use, sterile, disposable needles are used in this clinic.

Testimonials for Podiatry

A few years ago I suffered badly from “Restless Leg Syndrome”. It was so severe that I was very diffident going to the theatre or cinema. I tried different medications and as these did little to alleviate the problem, my doctor suggested that I try acupuncture. I contacted “Feet First” and found that Jenney Klose practices acupuncture on legs and feet. I now have acupuncture into my calf muscles once a month, the procedure only takes 15 minutes. This has been wonderful and my symptoms have been cut by 95%. I would genuinely recommend this treatment to any sufferers of this problem. Ann C
I would recommend Feet First without hesitation. I have been a patient here for at least 5 years and, in that time, my feet have improved enormously. I have a rheumatic condition which means that I need to look after my feet otherwise my mobility is severely affected. Jennifer Adshead
Feet first have given and continue to do so an effective service in the treatment of my feet/toe nails.Any problem I have is dealt with in a professional and kindly manner.I have no hesitation in recommending Feet-first to anyone who is encountering problems with their feet. Mervyn Stanley, Wheatley, Oxon
In late June this year, I damaged my Achilles and leg tendons quite severely and, as a result, could hardly walk. A & E were more concerned about the possibility of DVT above all else and, when this was ruled out, diagnosed Soft Tissue and said go back to your GP for a referral. Stupidly I didn’t do this. My tendons were not healing and I was in trouble when quite by chance I saw the Feet First ad in Look Local, and saw that they now fix Achilles problems.