Q. Can I have my chiropody treatment f.o.c. from an NHS chiropodist?

There are restrictions as to who is eligible for ‘free’ chiropody treatment, depending upon certain qualifying medical conditions.  Such conditions are in general, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and peripheral vascular disease (narrowing of the blood vessels).  If you belive you may be eligible for chiropody treatment under the NHS it is worth approaching your GP who will refer you to an NHS chiropodist/podiatrist, if you qualify.  Otherwise chiropody is available from private practitioners (such as ourselves) only.

Q. Will the treatment hurt?

Treatment is generally painless though some treatments may cause slight momentary discomfort.  If a corn or callus is present and requires removal this is achieved using a small blade which is gently scraped over the area in question.  This generally is painless as is it dead skin that is being removed so such treatment is no more painful that would be the trimming of nails or hair.  If a patient attends with a painful and possibly infected ingrown nail, this may in itself be too painful for the patient, for it to be worked upon until the infection is reduced and the chiropodist may recommend the patient visit their GP to request a prescription for antibiotics.  After about a week the patient may return to have the nail looked at again, by which time it may be possible to trim the painful nail in such as way as to remove the offending corner.

Most patients do actually enjoy their chiropody treatment!

Q. What conditions does a Chiropodist/Podiatrist treat?

Many conditions considered ‘routine’ include treating hard skin and nail care.   There are also those people who simply can not easily reach their feet and need  help caring for them.  Problems can arise in the structure of the feet which require more in-depth analysis and treatment.

Those with diabetes need to find a little time each day to inspect their feet.   This is because although not inevitable, diabetes may cause patchy loss of sensation in the feet with the result that an injury may have occurred, which the person is unaware of.  A break in the skin can lead to infection which may have serious repercussions.  In our surgery, for our patients with diabetes, we offer regular diabetic foot screening to help maximise foot health.  In line with ‘best practice’, our diabetic foot screening is carried out at least once a year or subject to NICE guidance and patient need.

Q. What is the difference between a ‘Chiropodist’ and a ‘Podiatrist’?

The title ‘Chiropodist’ is the better known in the UK and is therefore the one frequently used in order that the public knows the services on offer.  Yet, the term “Podiatrist” does require a University degree and is common throughout Europe and the USA.  Health Profession Registration, i.e. registration with the official UK governing body, at present and for the foreseeable future, registers such practitioners as ‘Chiropodists/Podiatrists’.

On a personal note, the reason why we named the surgery to include the title ‘chiropody’ was as this is the title the public knows best – at this time.  This may well change over the coming years.

Q. Who is behind ‘Blandford Chiropody Surgery’?

The surgery is owned by Dr Michelle Spruce.  Michelle is an internationally recognised academic and currently Head of Department of Allied Health Sciences at London South Bank University.  In addition to holding a first class honours degree in Podiatry and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from the University of Southamption, Michelle has recently been admitted to the Faculty of Podiatric Medicine and Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, Glasgow.