Frequently Asked Questions ​

If you are unable to find the answers to your
foot care questions please contact us

You do not need a referral to book an appointment. You can book a treatment at a time that suits you. Some private insurance providers will however require a referral from the GP.

Our initial assessments last up to 45 minutes, during which any required follow up treatment options will be detailed. This is a longer appointment than many other Podiatrist practices, however we feel that this offers the best results.

We’re trained to work with feet and enjoy working with feet that need our help. We’ve dealt with feet that have all manner of problems, shapes and sizes. There is no need to be embarrassed, we are here to help.
A common concern. Conditions such as in growing toenails may be sensitive to treat, however great relief is typically experienced following the treatment of the painful area. In some cases anaesthetic may be used to make your treatment more comfortable.
Our team of degree qualified and HCPC registered Podiatrists use aseptic techniques. Our equipment goes through a three tiered sterilisation process in the same way that dentists equipment is cleansed. These techniques, coupled with our clean clinical environment prevent the spread of infection. We are regulated by both the HCPC and the College of Podiatry and adhere to their high standards.

Our team of degree qualified and HCPC registered Podiatrists use aseptic techniques. Our equipment goes through a three tiered sterilisation process in the same way that dentists equipment is cleansed. These techniques, coupled with our clean clinical environment help to prevent the spread of infection. We use the most up-to-date clinical equipment to ensure that you keep walking in comfort. We also undertake regular screening in order to detect and treat potential problems before they become and issue.

MFM staff are some of the most up to date and knowledgeable in the industry, and being an ethical company our practitioners can suggest how we may treat your conditions, and will be very happy to discuss NHS treatment alternatives where appropriate (MFM does not offer NHS treatment, but can try to help facilitate this for you via your GP).

At MyFootMedic we take diabetes seriously, because Diabetes is the leading cause of ulceration and amputation. Poorly controlled diabetes can lead to:

  • Peripheral neuropathy – damage to the nerves supplying the feet and legs.
  • Peripheral arterial disease – damage to the blood vessels supplying the feet and legs.
  • Weakened Immune system – reduced ability for the body to fight off infections.
  • Retinopathy – impaired eyesight
  • Nephropathy – impaired kidney function

These factors mean that you may not notice an injury due to nerve damage or poor eyesight. Reaching your feet may become difficult due to swelling caused by kidney damage, and wounds may be slow to heal due to poor blood supply. Your body may not be able to fight off an infection effectively. Regular treatment by a Podiatrist can drastically reduce your risks of suffering from diabetic foot complications.

Similar to a dental check-up or your car’s M.O.T, a Foot Health Check aims to highlight any problems that may be present or developing. During this appointment your Podiatrist will assess your; nails, skin, nerves, blood supply and joints. We assess for peripheral neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease, as well as for nail complications, infections and joint disease.

A Foot Health Check can detect early signs of complications from both your heart and your nerves; e.g. atrial fibrillation and deep vein thrombosis. It is advised that you undertake an annual assessment in order to achieve an early diagnosis and treatment for any complications that may be uncovered. If a substantial complication is uncovered, we may ask your permission to contact and update your GP with our findings.

No, we do not offer free NHS treatment. To see if you are eligible for NHS treatment, contact your local GP or podiatry clinic. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends that footcare services related to longer term, high-risk conditions such as diabetes, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and rheumatoid arthritis should be available on the NHS. If your condition is not significantly impacting your health or mobility, you may be unlikely to receive treatment via the NHS.

No. We do not offer home visits because we want to give the best treatment we can, which often requires the use of some of our specialised tools, in a sterile medical environment.

A Chiropodist/Podiatrist is a medical professional that specialises in the diagnosis, prevention, management and treatment of the lower limb (generally regarded as specialists in foot and ankle conditions). To become a Chiropodist/Podiatrist you will need to undertake a three/four year full-time degree in Podiatric Medicine and complete 1000 hours of supervised clinical practice. Podiatrists are regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council.
None, Chiropodist and Podiatrist are interchangeable titles. Podiatrist is the more internationally used term. In the UK both are protected titles by the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council). Chiropody is an old term being phased out of practice.
These are all interchangeable terms used to describe a medical device that can be inserted into a shoe to adjust: force, joint-function, pressure and the posture of a patient. These devices can be prefabricated or custom built depending on the requirement needs of the individual. To make sure you receive the correct device you will require a biomechanical assessment by a Podiatrist.

A biomechanical assessment is a series of examinations undertaken to diagnose the causative factors relating to your foot/ankle/knee/hip or back pain. This is achieved by assessing the way in which you walk (Gait Analysis), muscle/tendon function and the range of motion at specific joints. It is also crucial to assess your footwear and any life style factors that may be contributing to your symptoms.

The outcome of a biomechanical assessment will impact your treatment, which may include: stretching/strengthening prescription, joint mobilisation/manipulation, orthotic prescription, footwear changes, lifestyle modification, steroid injection, shockwave therapy or referral for further treatment i.e. surgical consultation.

We are registered with all major health insurers and are able to treat patients whom have private health insurance in the majority of cases. To make sure your treatment will be covered it is best to call your provider for clarification. Some insurance companies will require a referral from your Doctor in order to make a claim and others will only require a receipt from ourselves. If we are not a provider for your current insurance company please contact us.

Following booking your appointment, we firstly require a medical history form to be completed. This can be completed prior to the appointment, though if you have any questions do save them for the practitioner.

Much like visiting the dentist, your consultation will be with a practitioner where you will sit in a podiatrists chair. The Podiatrist will ask questions prior to any treatment being given, and if applicable, discuss the treatment options available. Treatment will not be undertaken until you have given consent.

Dependent on your individual needs, a variety of different pieces of diagnostic equipment and tests may be used.

Treatment can often commence during your initial assessment, however, this depends on the problem at hand and is not always the case.

If you have not already completed the secure, online medical history form, please bring a full list of any medication you are currently taking. If you are wearing nail varnish please remove it prior to your appointment. If you are arriving with an injury or for sporting purposes, please bring 2-3 pairs of regularly worn shoes. If you wear insoles or orthotics, please also bring these with you to your appointment.
We are GDPR compliant. Consultations are confidential; anything that is said during an appointment cannot be shared with anyone else unless non disclosure may risk your own or someone else’s health. Information can be shared with other professionals with your consent. See our privacy policy.

No problem, please review, book and cancel appointments online through our booking portal. Alternatively, you can call us or email at manager@myfootmedic.com.

Remember to give 24 hours’ notice to receive a full refund, as per any booking confirmation email and our Terms and Conditions.

We are keen to get your feedback so we can continue to improve our services. Please email feedback to info@myfootmedic.com.