Footcare appointments can otherwise be seen as chiropody appointments, although you can be reassured that at Keep On Your Feet, you will be getting a level of care far greater than that which is offered by a 'chiropodist'.
What actually happens during an initial podiatry (or chiropody) appointment?
The first 10-15 minutes are as follows:
A medical history is taken. This allows the podiatrist to have an overview of your general health and to make sure that when you are telling them about the problem you have, they can also listen out for any red flag issues.
You will be asked about the problem(s) that brought you to the clinic that day. You will be asked how they affect you, when they affect you and whether there is anything that you stopped doing because of them.
You will be asked if you have any Ideas, Concerns or Expectations. This is because, in today's age of Google, I respect that you might have done some research and have come across things that have worried you or set your expectations for the appointment. Rather than falling short of what you expected, I would much rather make sure you're satisfied with the appointment and settle any fears you might have
Neurovascular examination of the feet: This is to determine how good your blood supply is and whether you have any issues with the sensation of your feet. These are key parts of any diabetic foot check, however we do it for all of our patients just to be thorough, as there are findings which may mean your podiatrist has to be extra careful during treatment. (As a general rule of thumb, I do not differentiate patients as I find my patients appreciate it when I'm extra careful!).
Physical examination then follows, with a discussion about diagnostic tests that might be needed,
Treatment planning may often follow. This is a discussion about the treatment options for your problems where any risks or benefits may occur. This is then followed by an informed discussion and then consent is gained for any treatment that will be done that day.
Treatments That Happen During Footcare (chiropody/podiatry) Appointments
Once the problem has been identified and treatment options discussed and consented to, the podiatrist will go ahead with treatment at that first appointment. This typically includes:
Cutting and filing of nails.
Resection (cutting out) of any ingrown edges.
Thinning down any thick nails with an electric file.
Removing callus with a scalpel, including callus over corns or verrucas.
Removing corns, with minimal discomfort to you.
Filing and smoothing any remaining areas of light callus or rough skin, particularly on the heels which can be prone to cracking.
Cream may also be applied.
If you have limited mobility, then I am also happy to help put your socks on.
At the end of your appointment
If any complications arose from the treatment that require aftercare, then these will be discussed with you.
If there is anything that has been identified as worth doing to look after your feet, this will be discussed with you.
You will be given the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
Settling up of the account.
What happens at follow-up footcare appointments?
Follow up footcare appointments tend to be made up of everything within the 'Treatments That Happen During Footcare (chiropody/podiatry) Appointments' section.
That said, if a significant amount of time has passed since your last appointment, the podiatrist will:
Check that the medical history we have for you is up-to-date.
Re-check your neurovascular status.
Confirm that the treatment you had last time is what you are wanting this time around
Is it ok to discuss current lower limb pain and injuries at a footcare appointments?
As a general rule, it is better to separate the appointments as time has to be allocated for the admin that is generated with giving advice, however, I would much rather you raised an issue that you are having as there may be quick fixes available to you.
Likewise, I do not usually object to having a chat about any foot pain that you might have and giving some generic advice. However, for you to get the best care possible, it is always recommended that you book for a foot pain appointment.