Podiatry

If you're living with foot problems that are affecting your quality of life, it's time to speak to a specialist. Our feet are integral to our mobility and even the smallest irritation can have a significant affect on our ability to go about day-to-day activities. Left untreated, many foot problems simply get worse and worse, to the point where invasive treatment may be needed.

At Circle Health Group, we are proud to facilitate consultant podiatrists who can help you to understand and take control of your foot problems. We offer fast diagnosis and easy access to a wide range of effective treatments with no waiting lists. Your care will be carried out by our multidisciplinary team, comprising dedicated podiatry consultants, physiotherapists, nurses and more. Whether you have issues with your feet, nails, or toes, our team will strive to reduce your symptoms through effective treatment.

Call or book online today to find out how our experts can help you.

Podiatry is the modern term for the health-science of the feet. It replaces the older term chiropody.

General podiatry can address and treat medical issues of the foot and ankle including corny lesions, joint problems, nerve dysfunction, or soft tissue injuries from sports. Podiatrists are also experts in evaluating how you walk and stand - known as the science of biomechanics - and sometimes use computer or video aids for their assessments. If health problems are revealed (which can often be the cause of pain in ankles, knees, hips and your lower back) then exercises, footwear modification or discreet customised supports can be prescribed. These help to correct the underlying problem and reduce discomfort.

Some podiatrists undertake further training and become qualified to use and prescribe drugs and medicines in the treatment and management of podiatric concerns. Others train as podiatric surgeons, and may go on to train in more complex foot and ankle surgery, too.

Some of the most common symptoms people visit our podiatrists about include:

Painful feet
Thickened or discoloured toenails
Cracks or cuts in the skin
Growths such as warts and verrucas
Scaling or peeling on the soles of your feet
Any other foot-related problem

Common foot conditions our podiatrists treat include:

Ingrown toenails
Verrucas and warts
Plantar fasciitis
Hyperhidrosis
Foot arthritis
Growing pain
Bunions and hammertoes

Some of the most common treatments we offer via our podiatric services include:

Orthotics

Orthotics are medical devices that you wear to correct problems with your feet, legs, or back. They can be bought over the counter or prescribed by a specialist and custom-made for you. Orthotics include specially made footwear, shoe insoles, braces, and supports. Podiatrists are trained to help you find the right orthotics for you.

Ingrown toenail correction

If simple trimming or filing does not fix an ingrown toenail, then the ingrown side can be removed under a local anaesthetic. The podiatrist will destroy the root of your toenail with a caustic chemical (known as phenol).

A slightly deeper procedure called incisional nail surgery can physically remove the root tissue. This will require a couple of stitches to close the incision and leave a small thin scar.

Verruca treatment

Verrucae are warty lesions caused by a virus that infects the cells that produce new skin.

If painful or persistent, they can be frozen with a liquid nitrogen spray (cryosurgery), cauterised (burned) by electrosurgery, or repeatedly punctured with a sterile needle to attract the body's healing cells. Electrosurgery and needling is done under a local anaesthetic.

Plantar fasciitis treatment

Plantar fasciitis causes pain under the heel of your foot. The fibrous tissue under your foot can be damaged by stress injuries and cause pain from stretched nerve endings running through it.

Simple supports in the shoe can offload the tissue and allow it to heal. In severe cases, various injections can reduce pain and promote healing, which are given under a local anaesthetic.

Treatment for hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating of the feet)

Sprays or special lotions may help to control hyperhidrosis, but in cases where these fail, it is possible to 'relax' the sweat glands. This procedure is performed under a local anaesthetic.

Whilst many foot problems respond to non-surgical treatment, some are best treated by podiatric surgery. This is particularly effective for persistently painful conditions or where the foot is being affected by deformity.

Podiatric surgery is the surgical treatment of the foot and its associated structures. It is carried out by a podiatric surgeon, usually as a day case procedure and often, but not always, under local anaesthetic. Podiatric surgeons are Fellows of the College of Podiatric Surgeons or the Surgical Faculty of the College of Podiatrists, whose qualifications are registered under the Health Professions Council. Podiatric surgeons are different to orthopaedic surgeons (and foot surgeons, who are orthopaedic surgeons who specialise in surgery on the foot and ankle) though they may perform some of the same procedures.

Some of the common symptoms that can take you to a podiatric surgeon include:

Persistent joint pain
Inflammation indicated by joint swelling
Tenderness of the joints
Stiffness, redness, warmth
Joint deformity
Loss of range of motion or flexibility
Fatigue or weakness in the foot

These symptoms can be indicative of a wide range of different podiatric conditions. Some of the foot conditions our specialists treat with podiatric surgery include:

Bunion
Ingrown toenail
Plantar fasciitis
Hammer, mallet and claw toes
Foot arthritis
Plantar corns
Neuromas (enlarged nerves)
Autoimmune rheumatic disorders

The first step to access private podiatric treatment with us is usually to arrange an appointment with one of our specialists. They will be able to assess and diagnose your condition and talk you through the available treatment options, and together you'll decide on the best route for you.

To book your initial consultation, call our dedicated team of advisors, or take advantage of our easy online booking system.

You can get fast access to our specialists using private medical insurance or by paying for your own treatment.

Sometimes podiatry will be covered by your private health insurance, but not always. Speak to your provider directly to see what's included in your policy.

If you want to pay for your own treatment, you can either pay in full or take advantage of our flexible payment options, which allow you to spread the cost over a period of up to five years.

Our self-pay customers benefit from fixed-price packages, meaning you'll know exactly what you're going to pay before you book your surgery. Your initial consultation and early diagnostic tests won't be included, but the cost of your surgery and hospital fees are, and so is your aftercare programme. There are no hidden costs down the line.

When you choose to go private with Circle Health Group, you can expect:

Flexible appointment times and locations to fit your routine
The freedom to choose which hospital and specialist suit your needs
Personalised, specialist-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
Comfortable and safe private facilities maintained by expert multidisciplinary teams
Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care

If you would like to learn more about our podiatric treatments, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly.

Content reviewed by Circle in-house team in May 2023. Next review due May 2026.

Podiatrist, WebMD
What conditions does a podiatrist treat?, Advanced Foot & Ankle Medical Center
Podiatrist, NHS

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