Question 1

What’s the difference Chiropodist and Podiatrist?

Accepted Answer

Really there is no or very little difference, everything a chiropodist can do can also be exercised by a Podiatrist. The international term for a foot care professional is ‘Podiatrist’ which the UK has now adopted. Chiropody is no longer taught, all graduating Podiatrist undergo a three year bachelors science degree and must be registered with the HCPC to license them to work. What has changed in the past 20 years especially is now Podiatrist have the power to administer local anaesthetic and supply certain medications under the POMs (prescription only medicines) annotation.

Question 2

Do you provide home visits?

Accepted Answer

Yes we do provide home visits under our domiciliary branch. We mostly serve Bradford however can at times venture out to surrounding areas. Please call or message for further details.

Question 3

Will you treat me during the first appointment?

Accepted Answer

Yes of course we do. If you are having nail or hard skin troubles we like to first identify the cause in order to focus on long term management, before the session is complete you will receive treatment. If however you are booked for a biomechanics session the attending Podiatrist will provide you with tailored advice and discuss further options such as bespoke insoles.

Question 4

Does nail surgery hurt?

Accepted Answer

We get asked this a lot. To put simply and honestly it is a ‘yes’ and a ‘no’ answer. Whilst you are being administered local anaesthetic in order to ‘numb’ your digit you may feel a sharp scratch as with getting any needles. This can last up for 10-20 seconds and we encouraged you to be relaxed by concentrating on your breathing. After administration and the digit is confirmed to be numb (we do the relevant test), the procedure itself is pain free. At most you feel only touch or pressure but no pain. Should you require more local anaesthetic or a ‘top up’ it generally does not hurt second time round.

Question 5

I don’t like to show my feet, what if I’m shy?"

Accepted Answer

Do not worry if you are shy whether this is due to the amount of pain you experience or if generally you do not feel confident with exposing your feet. At Open Podiatry we are professionals, the consultation is without any prejudice and we do not share your clinical notes with anyone else. As Podiatrists we come across a whole variety of foot related problems, it is what we do and we enjoy our work. If you are nervous or shy we like to make you feel at ease.

Question 6

Will my corns come back?

Accepted Answer

Without attending to the cause (aetiology), corns and calluses can reoccur. We encourage you to benefit from the initial consultation with an assessment where we can identify the cause of any hard skin lesions. We do treat the areas during the consultation, and also leave you with advice focusing on prevention. Sometimes it may require you need insoles or specific types of footwear.

Question 7

My doctor said I have a verruca but it’s not going away?

Accepted Answer

Without an adequate assessment verruca and corns can be misled for each other, at times they can look very similar. As foot care specialist we can distinguish between the both (verrucae and corns). The cause (aetiology) and treatment for both these conditions are different, so for example if you revert to treating corns with verruca medicaments it will actually make it worse in the long run. At Open Podiatry we can provide tailored advice to help you ease out of pain and overcome these lesions.

Question 8

Can you do late appointments?

Accepted Answer

At times we can offer late appointments however these are pre-arranged in advance or subject to availability.

Question 9

Can you see children?

Accepted Answer

Yes we can assess children whether it is foot pains, verrucas, or if you are concerned about their growing up and require some reassurance. Children though are a younger version of an adult, their growth and component of their biological 'make-up' such as bones, connective tissuse, etc. is very much different.

Question 10

I’ve got flat feet should I be worried?

Accepted Answer

Flat feet or also known medically as ‘pes planus’ can be with or without pain. If you are in pain this can be a contributing factor and at Open Podiatry we will conduct a biomechanical assessment to establish how your feet are behaving. If you think you may have flat feet and are worried, we can still offer you an assessment and even possibly prevent problems for the future such as knee or lower back pain.

Question 11

What are your prices and does it cost for consultations?

Accepted Answer

All packages are chargable. You can now also book through our website for the first contact appointment - click here Alternatvely please call the clinic on 01274 296092 or submit an enquiry and we will get back to you. For bookings we take a minimum 50% deposit upfront. Website bookings we take the full payment upfront

Question 12

I have a corn, which package shall I book?"

Accepted Answer

We would advise the essential package because this will allow to identify the lesion, isolate the cause and provide you with the relevant treatment and plan   Alternatively, you can book the basic package which includes treatment.   For an indepth analysis the complete package provide both you and the practitioner with plenty of information and answers.    Click here to see our services.

Question 13

Will my verruca go away with Swift?

Accepted Answer

Swift is highly effective in treating verrucae, we have a high success rate.  No treatment guarantees 100% removal of a verruca as they are unique to each individual. For further information please contact us

Question 14

When can you fit us in for a home visit?

Accepted Answer

We provide home visits through our domiciliary branch. Visits are provided on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 10am to 12:30am (approximately). Unfortunately we do not provide an exact time due to travel and traffic situations, sometimes appointments can take longer than expected. We are currently planning on providing more availability for home visits, for now if you have  any questions please contact us

Question 15

How can insoles help me?

Accepted Answer

Insoles (orthotics) are advised by your podiatrist should you require them. The purpose is to realign your feet, encourage proper motion, and to take load off injured area so you can heal or walk without difficulty. Each device is unique and custom, the prescription applied by the poditrist depends on findings from your assessment.    To learn more click here

Question 16

I have a verruca, what shall I do?"

Accepted Answer

First all lets diagnose your lesion to confirm you have a verruca or verrucae (multiple verruca lesions). If you have a verruca we can start by debridement which is scalpel removal or commence with Swift To learn more about Swift click here We recommend booking in for the essential package Click here to book online

Question 17

I have pain in my foot (feet), what do I do?

Accepted Answer

Pain is information, its telling us something is wrong. Pain can be the result of injury, strain, over-use, underlying biomechanical problem, footwear, and more. We would need to isolate the tissue under strain, this can be bone or any of your soft tissue structures such as muscles/tendons/ligaments/fascia. We have 3 options: 1. We highly recommend PODOSmart gait analysis, this tool allows us to create a 3D analysis of your movement with focus on your kinetic chain.  2. Alternatively you may consider a biomechanical assessment where we observe your foot posture, and watch the feet both weight-bearing and non-weight bearing to arrive at answers. 3. You may also decide to opt for the Complete Package, this entails a detailed comprehensive assessment including vascular checks.    Each option helps arrive at an answer to help us both formulate a management plan, however depending on the detailed outcomes and values you may want to consider PODOSmart gait analysis or the Complete Package.

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