Get fast access to private podiatry treatment, delivered by experts
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 effect on our ability to go about day-to-day activities. If left untreated, foot problems can get worse, potentially reaching a point where invasive treatment is needed.
At The Ridgeway Hospital, we are proud to work with a wide network of consultant podiatrists in Swindon 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 medical field focused on the care of your foot, ankle, and lower section of the leg. Podiatrists are healthcare professionals specialised in diagnosing and treating conditions of the foot, ankle, and lower leg to help improve patients’ mobility and quality of life. This includes conditions such as corns and calluses, ingrown toenails, 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. They 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 so they can become qualified to use and prescribe medication in the treatment and management of podiatric concerns. Some podiatrists also train as podiatric surgeons and go on to train in more complex foot and ankle surgery.
Podiatry and chiropody are both terms for the same branch of medicine focused on the feet and ankle.
Podiatry is the modern term, replacing the older term, chiropody. The term chiropody fell out of favour around the mid 20th century, as the field gradually became a recognised branch of modern medical care, and also to avoid confusion with chiropractors.
Some of the most common symptoms people visit our podiatrists about include:
Common foot conditions our podiatrists treat include:
Some of the most common treatments we offer via our podiatric services include:
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 your specialist and custom made for you. Orthotics include specially made footwear, shoe insoles, braces, and supports.
Your podiatrists are trained to help you find the right orthotics for you and your needs.
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.
Verrucae are warts caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) virus that infects the cells that produce new skin. It is contagious through direct person-to-person contact.
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 are done under a local anaesthetic.
Plantar fasciitis causes pain across the bottom of your foot, usually towards your heel. it happens when the plantar fascia (a thick band of connective tissue that runs across the bottom of each foot) becomes damaged, perhaps from stress injuries or overuse.
Simple supports in the shoe can offload some of the pressure and weight on the tissue and allow it to heal. In severe cases, various injections can be done reduce pain and promote healing. These are typically given under a local anaesthetic.
Sprays or special lotions may help to control hyperhidrosis. However, in cases where these fail, it is possible to 'relax' the sweat glands. This can involve treatments such as tablets, injections or, in some cases, surgery.
If you have lost or damaged a nail, your podiatrist can work to restore the appearance of your affected nail.
Treatment typically involves building a new artificial nail using specialised, flexible gel or similar medical grade materials to sculpt and match the natural nail. The gel is applied in layers and hardened with UV light.
Whilst many foot problems respond to non-surgical treatment, some are best treated by surgery. This is particularly effective for persistently painful conditions or where the foot is being affected by a deformity.
Surgery on your foot and other surrounding structures is typically carried out by a podiatric surgeon. Podiatric surgeons should be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and hold Fellowships or similar advanced qualifications, such as Fellows of the Surgical Faculty of the College of Podiatrists.
Podiatric surgeons are different to orthopaedic surgeons, as they are exclusively trained in the surgical and non-surgical treatment of the foot. Orthopaedic surgeons are trained on diagnosing and treating bone and joint conditions that affect the whole body. Some orthopaedic surgeons move on to have specialist training in the foot and ankle. Podiatric Surgeons and Orthopaedic Surgeons do carry out similar foot operations, and in some instances work as part of the same team.
Some of the common symptoms that can take you to a podiatric surgeon include:
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:
During your initial consultation, one of our expert podiatrists will discuss with you what symptoms you have been experiencing, your medical history, any relevant family history, and any existing conditions that may be contributing to your issue. If necessary, your podiatrist will do a physical examination of the affected area to thoroughly assess what may be troubling you.
Once your podiatrist has determined what may be causing concern, they will either send you through for further tests or recommend treatment options to help elevate your symptoms.
The first step to access private podiatric treatment with us is to arrange an appointment with one of our specialists. They will be able to assess and diagnose your condition and talk you through your available treatment options. Together, you will decide on the best treatment route for you and your individual needs.
To book your initial consultation with one of our podiatrists near you, use our online booking system, or give us a call and one of our dedicated advisors will help you find an appointment time that suits you.
The cost of your podiatry care will depend on your individual circumstances. At the time of your appointment, your consultant will discuss all options with you and ensure all your questions are answered.
Our flexible payment options help you spread the cost of your payment across a time period that suits you.
Podiatry treatment is often covered by private health insurance, but not always. Speak to your insurance provider directly to enquire what is included in your policy.
When you choose to go private with Circle Health Group, you can expect:
If you would like to learn more about our podiatric treatments, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly.
Reception: 01793 814848
Hospital: 8am-8pm
Pharmacy: Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm
Phlebotomy: Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm
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