Frequently Asked Questions
If you are unable to find the answers to your
foot care questions please contact us
The length of your podiatry appointment at My Foot Medic depends on the type of appointment you book:
- Initial Skin & Nail Appointment: Up to 30 minutes
- Initial Musculoskeletal (MSK) Appointment: Up to 60 minutes
- Follow-Up Appointment: Up to 30 minutes
Please see our booking page for pricing and availability.
It’s completely normal to worry about discomfort, many people do. While some conditions, like ingrown toenails or corns, can be sensitive to treat, our team is highly skilled at making the process as gentle as possible. If we think a procedure may cause discomfort, we can use a local anaesthetic to numb the area and ensure you’re comfortable throughout.
In many cases, patients feel immediate relief after treatment, especially when we’re addressing a painful area. Your well-being is always our priority, and we’ll talk you through every step to make sure you feel at ease. If you’re ever unsure or nervous, just let us know. We’re here to help.
bsolutely! Hygiene and safety are top priorities at our clinic. All treatments are carried out by HCPC-registered, degree-qualified podiatrists who follow strict aseptic techniques to reduce the risk of infection.
We use a three-stage sterilisation process for all instruments; the same gold standard used in dental practices, to ensure everything is completely clean and safe for use.
Our clinical environment is regularly sanitised, and we strictly follow the high standards set by both the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the College of Podiatry. You can feel confident that you’re in safe, professional hands.
It’s true, you might find lower-cost foot care elsewhere. But at MyFootMedic, we focus on quality, safety, and long-term results. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Highly qualified professionals: Our team is made up of degree-qualified, HCPC-registered podiatrists with specialist training and up-to-date clinical knowledge.
- Exceptional hygiene standards: We follow strict aseptic techniques and use a three-stage sterilisation process; just like dentists do, to prevent the risk of infection and ensure a safe, clean environment.
- Advanced clinical care: We invest in the latest equipment and use evidence-based practices to keep you walking in comfort, not just today, but for the long term.
- Preventative approach: We don’t just treat problems, we screen for early signs of foot issues so we can address them before they become painful or serious.
- Patient-first ethos: As an ethical clinic, we’re always transparent. If NHS treatment might be a better fit for your situation, we’ll let you know and can help guide you through the referral process via your GP.
At MyFootMedic, we take diabetes seriously because it’s the leading cause of foot ulceration and amputation.
When diabetes isn’t well controlled, it can affect many parts of the body, especially the feet. Common complications include:
- Peripheral neuropathy – nerve damage causing reduced sensation in your feet and legs
- Peripheral arterial disease – reduced blood flow, which slows healing
- Weakened immune system – making it harder to fight infections
- Retinopathy – poor vision, making it harder to spot injuries
- Nephropathy – kidney issues that can lead to swelling and reduced mobility
These problems can mean you might not feel a cut, blister, or injury… and without noticing, a small issue can quickly become serious. Wounds may heal more slowly, and infections may spread faster than expected.
The good news? Regular foot checks with a podiatrist can help detect problems early, prevent complications, and keep your feet as healthy as possible.
At MyFootMedic, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Think of a Foot Health Check like a dental check-up or your car’s MOT. It’s all about spotting problems early, even before you notice symptoms.
During your annual assessment at MyFootMedic, your podiatrist will carefully examine your:
- Nails – checking for signs of fungal infections or ingrown nails
- Skin – looking for dryness, cracks, corns, calluses, or infections
- Circulation (blood supply) – screening for peripheral arterial disease
- Nerve function – assessing for peripheral neuropathy
- Joints and foot structure – identifying signs of arthritis or deformity
Your feet can tell us a lot about your overall health – let’s keep them in check.
No, MyFootMedic is a private clinic and we do not offer free NHS treatment.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify for NHS podiatry care, we recommend contacting your local GP or NHS podiatry service.
According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the NHS generally provides foot care for people with long-term or high-risk conditions, such as:
• Diabetes
• Peripheral arterial disease (PAD)
• Rheumatoid arthritis
If your foot condition isn’t significantly affecting your health or mobility, you may not meet the criteria for NHS treatment and may need to seek care privately.
We’re here to help if you’re looking for expert podiatry care without the long wait.
At MyFootMedic, we do not offer home visits.
This is because we want to provide you with the highest standard of care, and many of our treatments require specialist equipment and a sterile clinical environment, something that’s not always possible in a home setting.
By seeing you in our fully equipped clinic, we can ensure your treatment is safe, thorough, and tailored to your needs.
If getting to the clinic is difficult, feel free to contact us. We’ll do our best to offer advice or suggest suitable alternatives.
A chiropodist/podiatrist is a healthcare professional specialising in the diagnosis, prevention, management, and treatment of conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and lower limbs. In the UK, these terms are often used interchangeably. To qualify, practitioners complete a three to four-year full-time degree in podiatric medicine, including at least 1,000 hours of supervised clinical practice. Podiatrists are regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), ensuring they meet strict professional standards. They treat a wide range of issues, from routine foot care like nail cutting and corn removal to complex problems such as foot pain, injuries, mobility issues and diabetic foot complications.
Whether you need help with everyday foot care or more specialised treatment, a chiropodist/podiatrist is the trusted professional to support your foot health.
A biomechanical assessment is a comprehensive examination of how your body moves, with a focus on your lower limbs. It’s like a detective story for your feet and legs, where our expert podiatrists uncover the hidden causes of your pain or discomfort, and look at ways to optimise movement.
During this assessment, our podiatrists may analyse:
• Your bone structure and joint movements
• Muscle strength and flexibility
• Tendon and ligament function
• Your walking and running patterns (gait analysis)
• Injuries or painful areas
This detailed evaluation helps us understand why you might be experiencing pain in your feet, ankles, knees, hips, or lower back. It’s not just about treating symptoms – it’s about finding and addressing the root cause of your discomfort and optimising the way you move.
The findings from your assessment guide your personalised treatment plan, which may include:
• Stretching or strengthening exercises
• Joint mobilisation or manipulation
• Custom foot orthotics
• Footwear recommendations
• Lifestyle changes
• Advanced therapies like steroid injections, shockwave or laser therapy
• Referral for surgical consultation if necessary
A biomechanical assessment helps us get to the root of the problem, not just treat the symptom, so you can move better, with less pain.
Yes, MyFootMedic is recognised by most major private health insurance providers.
Before booking, we recommend that you:
• Contact your insurance provider to confirm what’s covered under your policy
• Check if a GP referral or pre-authorisation is required
Please note:
• We do not accept payment plans or direct billing to insurers
• All fees must be paid by you at the time of your appointment
• We’ll provide a detailed receipt so you can submit your claim directly to your insurer
If you’re using private health insurance, make sure your appointments are booked with one of our expert podiatrists, as this may be required for your claim to be valid.
If you’re unsure about anything, feel free to contact our team. We’re happy to help!
When you arrive at My Foot Medic, your podiatrist will start by discussing your concerns and any relevant health information to understand your needs. The consultation takes place in a comfortable podiatry chair, where your practitioner will carry out a personalised assessment.
Depending on your condition, a variety of diagnostic tools and tests may be used to identify the root of the problem. Your podiatrist will explain all suitable treatment options clearly and discuss them with you before beginning any care, nothing will be done without your consent.
In many cases, treatment can start during your first appointment, but this depends on your individual situation. Throughout your visit, we aim to ensure you feel comfortable, informed, and supported on your journey to better health.
To help us give you the best possible care, please bring the following to your first visit:
• Your current medication list, if you haven’t already completed our secure online medical history form
• Removal nail varnish, please remove any polish before your appointment so we can properly assess your nails
• 2–3 pairs of regularly worn shoes, especially if you’re coming in for a sports injury or pain assessment
• Any insoles or orthotics you currently use
These items help us understand your foot health and lifestyle, so we can tailor your treatment to suit you.
If you have any questions before your appointment, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
At MyFootMedic, your privacy is a top priority. We are fully GDPR compliant, and all personal and medical information is handled with the strictest confidentiality.
Everything discussed during your appointment is completely confidential. We will never share your information without your permission, unless there’s a risk to your health or someone else’s safety. With your consent, we may share relevant details with other healthcare professionals involved in your care.
You can read more about how we handle and protect your data in our Privacy Policy.
If you have any concerns or questions about your information, we’re happy to talk it through.
No problem! You can review, book, or cancel appointments anytime via your appointment confirmation email.
Prefer to speak to someone? Feel free to call us or email us at info@myfootmedic.com, we’re always happy to help.
Please remember: To receive a full refund if payment has been taken in advance, we kindly ask for at least 24 hours’ notice when cancelling or rescheduling, as outlined in your booking confirmation email and our Terms & Conditions.
We genuinely value your feedback, it helps us improve and continue providing the best possible care.
If you’d like to share your experience, suggestions, or concerns, please email us at info@myfootmedic.com.
Thank you for helping us grow and serve you better!