FAQs

What is the difference between podiatry and chiropody?

There is no difference between podiatry and chiropody. They are two different words describing the same profession. A podiatrist or chiropodist will assess and treat your feet in the same way.

Who benefits from podiatry?

Manchester Podiatry see people of all ages with different conditions. There is a common misconception that it is only elderly people that need treatment for their feet. In fact, we see a vast range of people from children with ingrown toenails to athletes with sports injuries.

What conditions can podiatrists treat?

Podiatrists can help with most problems that concern the foot and lower limb. This can range from simple nail cutting to minor surgery for ingrown toenails. 'Flat feet' can be a cause of back, hip, knee and ankle pain. Podiatry can resolve these problems by correcting your foot posture with orthotics.

What can I expect when I receive podiatry treatment?

Each appointment with Manchester Podiatry involves a thorough assessment, diagnosis, treatment and management plan for you. Clear explanations regarding conditions will be given and thorough advice will be provided, this gives chance for discussion and for you to ask questions. Most treatment is painless and often instant relief is felt, particularly for superficial skin conditions.

How many podiatry treatments will I need?

This depends on many factors, including the type of problem and the individual person. Routine care of superficial foot conditions often requires regular care. We strongly encourage preventative foot care and give you advice on how to avoid certain problems from returning. An indication of treatment frequency and duration will be discussed during the initial assessment.

Will I be expected to do anything between podiatry treatments?

Wearing suitable footwear every day plays an important role in keeping feet healthy. It strongly depends on whether your problem is biomechanical or superficial as to what you may or may not be expected to do. For example, if you have a sports injury you may need to alter your training regime, or, if you have nail surgery, you may be expected to dress your toe. Any care that is required to be carried out by yourself will be fully explained by your podiatrist.

What is a biomechanical assessment?

If you have pain in your feet when walking or running then it is likely that you will require a biomechanical assessment. This involves the podiatrist looking at the positioning of your hips, knees, ankles and feet during walking. If there is a problem with the positioning of the lower limbs then it affects the biomechanics of walking or running and this is what causes the pain. This can often be resolved with orthotics.

What are orthotics and why do I need them?

Orthotics are a type of insole that sit inside your shoes. They are used to resolve certain structural abnormalities in the foot. Pain may be felt in the feet or legs when walking, or during sport, or sometimes even all the time. We assess how you walk/run and note any problems (gait analysis) and can prescribe either a 'ready made' orthotic or one which is custom made for your foot. Many conditions can be treated successfully with orthotics allowing normal activity to be resumed. Back pain, knee pain, shin splints, and ankle pain are some common conditions that orthotics can help.

What is nail surgery?

If an in-grown toe nail does not respond to conservative treatment then nail surgery can be required. This involves the surgical removal of the nail. You would need an assessment appointment where the podiatrist will check if you are suitable for nail surgery. The podiatrist will also contact your GP to make sure there are no reasons why you should not have nail surgery. The nail surgery can then take place during a second appointment. It is minor surgery which requires a local anaesthetic and will take no longer than an hour.

I have diabetes, why do I need to take extra care of my feet?

Diabetes can adversely affect the nerves and the blood supply to the feet. You may not be able to feel things as well as you used to and sores may not heal as quickly. As a result, simple steps can help avoid complications of diabetes; avoiding open toed shoes, getting into hot baths without checking the temperature, having regular checkups with your podiatrist, and not walking around barefoot, are just some of the recommendations we make to avoid diabetic related foot problems.