Service : Podiatry Service

We provide care for painful, high-risk foot issues (below the ankle) that may be causing mobility and independence issues for you, such as:

• foot wounds or infections
• minor nail surgery for nail pathologies, like ingrown toenails
• podiatric Musculoskeletal care, also known as Biomechanics
• foot pain associated with foot function, or structural abnormalities for common foot and ankle conditions including insoles/orthotics

Symptoms

There are symptoms to look out for if you think you might need podiatry support, including:

• your foot feels hotter than usual
• there are new areas of discolouration, inflammation, or swelling
• there is any discharge or bleeding coming from your foot
• you have any flu-like symptoms with a foot wound
• you notice a new foot wound

Referral criteria

We specialise in complex foot health issues.

We can only accept your referral if your foot health issue relates to certain types of issues, including:

• severe problems including ulceration (open wound) infection, like cellulitis
• acute or chronic painful lesions, like infected in growing toenails
• poor circulation (peripheral arterial disease), nerve damage in the foot caused by diabetes (diabetic neuropathy) associated with foot wounds, ulcerations and undiagnosed lesions
• biomechanical problems/ structural foot problems or walking (gait) dysfunction

Non-eligible criteria

We don’t provide routine foot care, but we can guide you to a nail cutting service.

Unfortunately, we can’t offer a referral if your condition relates to other types of foot health issues, such as:

• ulceration or wound on the ankle or above
• continued care for a foot health issue that isn’t a priority foot condition
• normal nail difficulties
• fungal nail infections
• conditions or routine nail care that you, your carer, or alternative private provider are able to maintain with basic foot and nail care
• minor hard skin which is pain free
• problems that are caused or aggravated by inappropriate footwear
• verrucae

Referral

Please check our referral criteria to see how we can help you.

You can be referred by a healthcare professional, such as your GP. If you have an urgent foot condition such as an open wound, infection or ingrowing toenail you can use the self-refer form or contact us. 

• Use podiatry self-referral form
• Contact us
• Visit NHS 111

Sepsis

If you have a wound or break in the skin on your foot and you have suddenly developed symptoms associated with Sepsis, please do not complete our referral form as you may require urgent medical assistance.

Please contact 111, attend urgent care service, or book an urgent appointment with your GP.

Try to arrive in plenty of time for your appointment. If you’re late we may not be able to see you. If you cannot attend, please give us 24 hours’ notice.

Your appointment will last for approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour, and you’re welcome to bring a carer or relative to the appointment with you.

Our podiatrist will examine your feet and talk about different treatment options open to you and if we can treat there and then.

As we’ll be looking at your feet and legs, we suggest wearing loose fitting trousers and your everyday shoes.

Please wash your feet, but do not apply cream, talcum powder, or nail polish as this may prevent you from being treated.

Remember to bring a list of medication with you.

During your appointment, we’ll talk with you about your general health and concerns you have about your foot health.

Clinics, or home visit

Our teams are based in clinics across Berkshire.

We’ll try to offer you an appointment in one of our community clinics close to where you live.

Some of our specialist services are only performed at specific clinics, so you will need to travel for your treatment appointment.

We may offer home visits, however these appointments are limited for bedbound people

Self-care guides

If you’re able to do so safely, or you have someone in your household who can help you, file your nails to help prevent any damage from long or thick nails.

You can use our document guides, or visit our Health Information Video Library.

We have videos covering different areas of foot health, including:

• splints and footwear
• postural management
• flat feet
• toe walking (childrens)
• calf muscles
• diabetic foot complications
• pressure ulcers
• and more

• Visit our Health Information Video Library