HealthWorks Practitioner: Sue Wood

What is a Chiropodist?

A podiatrist/chiropodist is a health professional who is responsible for the diagnosis and management of a wide range of diseases and disorders of the lower limb, in particular of the feet. This can range from advice about basic foot hygiene, the treatment of ailments such as corns and callouses to the diagnosis and management of structural and functional disorders of the lower limb.

What training is involved?

Training takes three years and involves a combination of theoretical and practical tuition covering a wide range of medical topics. These include anatomy and physiology; pathology; orthopaedics; bacteriology; pharmacology and physiotherapy. You do not require a referral from your G.P. to see a Chiropodist, therefore Chiropodists are taught to distinguish between problems local to the foot and those caused by general medical conditions such as diabetes.

What happens during treatment?

On your first visit a detailed medical history will be taken, and a discussion of your specific lower limb problem will take place in order to establish diagnosis and treatment plan. Your foot problem will then be treated along with the removal of any callous or trimming of nails if required. At the end of the treatment a written treatment plan and any advice will be given if required. Most chiropody treatments are painless and will last around 30 - 45 minutes. The first appointment may be slightly longer.

What services are offered?

Routine Chiropody

In general a routine appointment will include the removal of corns and callous plus the trimming of nails. However, it may also include the diagnosis and treatment of fungal and bacterial infections such as athlete’s foot or verrucae. Further diagnosis and management of ingrown toenails by either regular treatment or surgery may also be indicated. Advice and treatment can also be provided for a variety of other conditions including metatarsalgia, acute and chronic flat foot, nail conditions, ill fitting footwear. Simple orthotic devices can be made. In most cases clients will be given advice about suitable short and long term treatments for their condition.

Management of symptoms caused by systemic/general disease

The foot is a highly complex structure,which, if not taken care of can develop problems. As it is a continuation of the leg,it can be affected by many general medical and surgical conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease and many more. The emphasis of treatment will be to maintain mobility and ensure that the skin does not become vulnerable to ulceration.

Professional organisations

The British Chiropody and Podiatry Association
The New Hall
Bath Road
Maidenhead
Berkshire SL6 4LA

HealthWorks Practitioner

Sue Wood is HPC registered and is a fellow of the School of Surgical Chiropody as well as a member of the British Chiropody and Podiatry Association.

Sue runs two other surgeries; in Elgin and in Lossiemouth.

For further information or to make an appointment

Please telephone: 01343 842268 or 07890 558822

email sue.wood2@tesco.net