The Podiatry service is responsible for assessment, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases affecting the feet and lower limbs in children and adults across Staffordshire. If you are referred to our podiatry service you will receive a letter inviting you to attend a new patient assessment appointment, where we will review your medical history and assess your foot health status. During the assessment the podiatrist will ask to examine your feet so please wear comfortable shoes which are easy to remove and loose clothing so that we can observe your lower limbs.
The podiatrist will identify your foot health care needs and agree a care plan with you. If no further care deemed necessary, you may be discharged with self-care education and support. You may be referred to other services such as the orthotist, or physiotherapist for example if required. We offer the following services, broadly grouped:
- Nail surgery
- Musculoskeletal (MSK) and Biomechanics Podiatry
- Advanced Diabetes Podiatry
- Community Podiatry
- Rheumatology Podiatry
- Children's Podiatry service
- Student training
Further information about each service is detailed below.. We operate from three broad geographical areas: North, East and South Staffordshire, centred in Stoke on Trent, Burton On Trent and Stafford respectively..
We perform nail surgery on ingrowing toe nails that are either too painful and infected to treat in clinic, or are a recurring problem that needs a permanent solution.
The procedure involves either a partial or total nail avulsion (removing the nail) with the use of a local anaesthetic and the chemical phenol to destroy the cells that produce the nail with a success rate of 97% cases that do not regrow.
The toe takes 2 to 3 months to heal, avoiding sports for the duration, and resting for the first week.
We assess the suitability criteria taking into consideration the patient's general health and circulation.
Approximately 700 procedures are carried out annually and we currently have a 4 to 6 week waiting list after the first assessment with the podiatrist.
This service is available in the North Staffordshire Podiatry division only. However, Podiatrists are able to offer treatments in other divisions that can help alleviate foot and muscle pain.
This is a specialist clinic dealing with any musculoskeletal issues from the hip down, with a view to the patient receiving a bespoke treatment plan.
We assess patients of any age, ranging from early walkers through to the frail elderly. Patients may present with sports and occupation related lower limb problems, neuropathic and vascular complications, and associated long term pathologies.
Patients attending these clinics will undergo a range of assessments looking at their gait, stance position, range and quality of movement, neurological and vascular supply. This may include the use of specialist equipment to record kinetic and kinematic data associated with walking and postural stability.
Interventions offered include:
- stretching and strength-building exercise programmes
- simple gait rehabilitation
- strapping techniques
- foot and ankle mobilisation
- in-shoe orthoses
- foot and ankle steroid injections
We work collaboratively and regularly conduct Multidisciplinary Team discussions with the Tissue Viability Nurses, Orthotics Services, Diabetes, Orthopaedic, Vascular, Interventional Radiology and Microbiology Consultants.
We provide holistic assessment, use advanced treatment skills, and collaborative care planning in the management of patients with complex diabetic foot ulceration.
We deliver health education to Allied Health Professionals and Medical staff, and as clinical leads we act as a specialist knowledge resource for those needing clinical guidance with their patients.
We're actively involved in service development, clinical audit and research.
We provide treatments for all foot problems via referral from GPs and other Allied Health Practitioners in your local community setting.
We receive referrals for nail, skin, neurological, and musculoskeletal problems.
This service is available in the North Staffordshire Podiatry division. In other areas, Podiatrists will still be able to see Rheumatology patients and offer appropriate treatment.
This is a specialist clinic, based at the Haywood Hospital, dealing with patients who suffer from a rheumatic condition such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Gout and Ankylosing Spondylitis, etc... with a view to the patient receiving a bespoke treatment plan.
We assess patients of any age, ranging from early walkers through to the frail elderly. Patients may present with related lower limb problems, neuropathic and vascular complications, and associated long term pathologies relating to their rheumatic condition.
Patients attending these clinics will undergo a range of assessments looking at their gait, stance position, range and quality of movement, neurological and vascular supply.
Interventions offered include:
- stretching and strength building exercise programmes
- simple gait rehabilitation
- in-shoe orthoses
- foot and ankle steroid injections
We work very closely with the Rheumatology Team at the Haywood Hospital in developing collaborative care planning in the management of patients with rheumatic conditions.
Health education is delivered to Allied Health Professionals and Medical staff, and we act as a specialist knowledge resource for those needing clinical guidance with the patient.
Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is a teaching trust and the Podiatry department regularly takes student podiatrists for their clinical placement from the University of Salford, University of Huddersfield, and University of Wolverhampton.
The students receive hands-on experience of working within a NHS environment in the Podiatry clinics both within the community and out on domiciliary visits. They are also able to gain valuable insight and experience at our nail surgery clinics, Rheumatology clinic within the Haywood Hospital, the Biomechanics clinic based at Hanley Health Centre, and with the Advance Diabetes Podiatrists at Royal Stoke University Hospital. Some of the past placement students have come back to work for us.
The Podiatry department also trains their Podiatry Assistants 'in-house' where they complete the Royal College of Podiatry Assistant Practitioners training course. A number of our Podiatry Assistants have then gone on to do their Podiatry Degree and all have returned to work for the Podiatry team.
We also welcome students on a work experience placement with us where they are able to see what exactly is involved in the role of a Podiatrist or Podiatry Assistant within the NHS.
Here are various information links to websites that will benefit your health:
List of various leaflets to download or print
- Your guide to general footcare leaflet
- Choosing the right shoes for you
- Low risk diabetes leaflet
- Moderate risk diabetes leaflet
- High risk diabetes leaflet
- Charcot foot diabetes leaflet
- Looking after your diabetic foot ulcer
- Looking after your feet when in remission
- Footwear advice to reduce the risk of amputation
- Rheumatoid Arthritis leaflet
- Rheumatoid arthritis and insoles
- Leg cramps and pain
- Foot survey
- Rheumatoid arthritis and plantar heel pain
- Rheumatoid arthritis and nail surgery
- Rheumatoid arthritis and wound care
- Do your shoes fit?
- Stop smoking leaflet
What should I bring to my appointment?
- Your appointment letter or card
- A pair of shorts for assessment if attending the biomechanics assessment clinic in Hanley
- A list of medication you are taking
- Shoes you normally wear
Can my child attend alone?
Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
What does the Podiatrist need to know?
Details of any medical conditions and any medication you are taking as well as the details of your foot problem
What happens at my first appointment?
- On your arrival please report to the reception desk
- You will then be assessed by a podiatrist.
- A treatment plan will be discussed and agreed with you.
- The initial visit may take 40 - 60 minutes
How will my follow up appointment be arranged?
If you need an appointment within 6 weeks this will be arranged by the reception team before you leave the clinic.
If your review appointment is longer than 6 weeks away, you may be asked to call to book closer to the agreed return time.
What do I do if I cannot attend my appointment?
If you are unable to attend for your appointment, you must contact the podiatry clinic you attend as soon as possible to cancel your appointment.
What happens if I do not attend my appointment?
If you fail to attend without advising us you may be discharged.
How long will my treatment session last?
Patients will have a treatment time of approximately 40 minutes but this does vary depending on the type of treatment required.
Please arrive on time. If you arrive late, it may not be possible for you to be seen as other patients will have been booked in.
How many treatment sessions will I need?
This varies from patient to patient and depends on your condition. Some patients may only need to attend once. If you are not making progress with treatment, further options will be discussed and you may be referred back to your GP or Consultant. A letter is sent to your GP or consultant when your treatment is complete.
Do you do home visits?
Yes, if the patient is housebound