FAQ

Podiatry Explained

Got a question about Betafeet Podiatry? 
We hope our frequently asked questions will shed some 
light for you. Call us on 01442 249 080

What is the difference between chiropody and podiatry?

Basically none. Chiropody is being phased out as the name for healthcare professionals who deal with the foot and lower limb and is being replaced with the globally recognised term of Podiatry. Currently, new podiatrists are required to have a university degree in order to practice; however, some existing practitioners do not have a degree, having had their previous work experience and diplomas assessed as equivalent. All podiatry practitioners are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and most are members of the College of Podiatrists, so all treatments meet a high standard of
care. All Betafeet Podiatry practitioners have university BSc Hons degrees.

I’m confused – so what is a foot health professional?

Foot health professionals are not podiatrists or chiropodists 
(the latter being subject to regulation) but are accredited 
by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and 
Social Care (PSA). Training by foot health professionals 
has largely been done through distance learning.

Can anyone be treated by a Podiatrist?

Yes. Foot problems can occur at any age, not just when you are older. We even had a nine-month old infant in the clinic recently whose parents were concerned about how his toes were curling in and wanted advice on how to cut his nails. People attend the Podiatrist for many different reasons. It may be that they are having difficulty managing their toenails on their own or that they are experiencing pain in their feet. At Betafeet Podiatry we are able to deal with a wide variety of foot issues.

Can I get podiatry on the NHS?

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence 
(NICE) recommends that footcare services related to long 
term, high-risk conditions such as diabetes, peripheral 
arterial disease (PAD) and rheumatoid arthritis should be 
available on the NHS. If you want NHS treatment, 
contact your GP or local podiatry clinic to see if you qualify. 
Chances are, if your condition is not affecting your health 
or mobility, for services such as nail cutting, verrucae and 
corns, you are unlikely to be eligible for NHS podiatry.

How much are your treatments?

It really is dependent on what sort of treatment you require – our treatments range from regular nail cutting service to nail surgery. We are unable to diagnose your problem over the phone; the podiatrist is the expert here, and as such is in the best position to advise on treatment during your consultation . Whether you are a new patient or a regular, you will be advised of our prices and no treatment will be undertaken without your prior consent.

How long is an appointment?

Appointments are generally 30 minutes in duration. 
Assessments such as biomechanical, diabetic, or vascular 
vary between 30 to 45 minutes, and nail surgery around 
45 minutes to an hour.

What do I need to bring with me to my treatment?

Podiatry is a medical profession and therefore podiatrists have to ask you questions about your health, and so a medical record will be created for you and updated on every visit. Many things can affect your lower limbs; for example, diabetes, arthritis, heart and lung problems, as well as medications. We appreciate you bringing a list of your current medications to your appointment. We ask that you try to arrive 10 minutes ahead of your first appointment to fill out our consent to treatment and Patient Contact Details and Medical History Questionnaire. 

What does general podiatry involve?

New patient appointment: Is an assessment appointment 
which is individual to each person. It may include 
examination, some treatment, advice and recommendations, 
a treatment plan, and any necessary referrals. It will usually 
take from 25-40 minutes and cost £75.00. 
This may incur extra charges depending on recommended 
treatments.  

Follow-Up Appointment: Routine care, for existing patients 
who have visited us before. This appointment is 
approximately 25 minutes and is £55.00. However, please 
note that if you haven't been to us for 2 years+ then you 
will need to be re-assessed and will be charged £75.

How do you treat a verruca?

A verruca is of viral origin, which the body should resolve on its own. If a patient continues to have problems with a longstanding verruca, then we must ask why – are there stresses? Dietary deficiencies? General health or well-being issues? At Betafeet Podiatry we can offer verruca treatment through cryosurgery, Faulkner's Needling, Swift Microwave Therapy available and salcylic acid. If necessary we will also focus on deeper issues that may make a verruca unresponsive to treatment. Patients often come to us when over-the-counter solutions haven’t worked.



What treatment do you use for fungal nails?

A fungal nail infection occurs when a fungus attacks a 
fingernail, toenail, or the skin under the nail, called the nail 
bed. Fungal nail infections are not usually painful at first, 
but if left untreated, the infection may spread and cause 
complications, such as cellulitis skin infection. A fungal nail 
infection could lead to more serious problems if you have 
diabetes or a weakened immune system. Athlete’s Foot often contributes to fungal nails, so treating Athlete’s Foot is 
advisable. If your toenails have become thick, discoloured 
and uncomfortable, a visit to the podiatrist is strongly 
advised. The nail(s) can be thinned, which reduces 
thickness and pressure, the nail can also be removed or 
Laser therapy is available at our Hemel branch. 
Alternatively, a sufferer could purchase over-the-counter 
fungal treatments or see the GP for prescribed medication.
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