FAQs

Typically, patients will initially be scheduled in for an initial assessment to determine what the problem is and what treatment you require. This will include Foot Health assessments - neurological and vascular, which will check nerve and blood supply to the feet.

We will also discuss some of your medical history and any previous foot problems you may have had and give any advice or recommendations. In addition, a full chiropody/podiatry treatment - 'a one-stop shop', dealing with any pain in the feet from troublesome nails, corns, hard skin, cracked heels, verrucas and fungal infections. We will then finish with a relaxing foot massage.

This appointment will be sure to reassure, reduce pain, improve mobility and comfort.

In most cases, no. The majority of treatments are non-invasive and painless for most people. While the instruments we use are sharp, we are always careful and delicate to not cause any pain to the patient when taking care of your feet. If you are feeling worried, get in contact. We can reassure you that we will do everything possible to ensure your comfort and happiness.

The time between treatments is varied depending on what sort of treatment you have had. We will discuss and give you all the information regarding what treatment you require at our initial assessment. Most patients book another appointment if they start to feel any more discomfort or even if they would just like a second opinion.

A lot of patients have minor surgeries while under a local anaesthetic as this is considered the safest form of anaesthesia, however a general anaesthetic is available if necessary.

Typically, most patients comment on how little pain they have after their operation. This is especially true for the day of the surgery as we use a long-lasting local anaesthetic so the area will be numb for the majority of the day.

Absolutely not! At The Foot Lab we aim to make everyone feel as comfortable as possible. We’re trained and enjoy working with feet and have seen all manor off feet in all different shapes and sizes. Yours will be nothing that we haven’t seen before!

In most cases, thick and discoloured toenails are caused by a nail fungus, the same fungus that creates athletes foot. Other times, this problem could be caused by receiving trauma to the nails. Fear not; the treatment for a fungal nail infection is relatively easy and pain-free. If you think you may have a problem with your feet, don't hesitate to contact a podiatrist and seek help from a professional.

A bunion is a deformity on the foot, usually occurring around the big toe that can often be painful. In a lot of cases, it's believed bunions are caused by people wearing poorly fitting shoes, but they can also be caused by a mechanical breakdown in the foot which causes some of the bones in your foot to move out of place. The only permanent solution for a bunion is surgery; however, they can be managed using correctly fitting shoes. Custom orthotics can often help to reduce the reoccurrence of a bunion after surgery.

A podiatrist is a healthcare professional trained in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of conditions affecting the feet, ankles and lower limbs. Podiatrists help with pain, mobility, skin and nail problems, injuries, gait issues and long-term foot health.

At The Foot Lab, our clinicians have extensive training in podiatric medicine and lower limb care. All podiatrists are HCPC regulated and Royal College of Podiatry (RCOP) registered, giving you confidence that you are receiving safe, evidence-based care from qualified professionals.

There is no major difference in modern practice. Chiropodist is the traditional term, while podiatrist is the more modern title now widely used within healthcare. Both refer to professionals trained in foot and lower limb care.

This depends on your needs. Some patients attend for one-off treatment, while others benefit from regular visits every 6–12 weeks for ongoing nail care, callus reduction, diabetic foot care or chronic conditions.

Anyone experiencing foot, ankle or lower limb problems can benefit. This includes children, runners, busy professionals, older adults, diabetic patients and anyone with pain, mobility issues or persistent skin and nail concerns.

No. You can book directly with us without a GP referral. Many patients come to us first for fast access to expert assessment and treatment.

You can book online 24/7 through our website, call the clinic directly, or send us a message and our team will be happy to help.

Where availability allows, we aim to accommodate urgent foot pain, ingrown toenails, infections and acute injuries as quickly as possible. Please contact us directly for urgent requests.

Your first appointment includes a detailed consultation, clinical assessment and discussion of your symptoms, goals and treatment options. Where appropriate, treatment can often begin on the same day.

Please bring any relevant medical information, a list of medications, referral letters if applicable, and footwear you wear regularly if attending for gait, biomechanics or sports injury concerns.

We treat a wide range of foot and lower limb issues including:

• Heel pain / plantar fasciitis
• Ingrown toenails
• Verrucas
• Corns and callus
• Fungal nails
• Foot pain when walking or running
• Sports injuries
• Biomechanical issues
• Diabetic foot concerns
• General nail and skin care

Yes. We specialise in lower limb biomechanics and can assess the way you walk, run and load through your feet. This can help with pain, injury prevention and performance.

Yes. We offer bespoke orthotics tailored to your feet, footwear and lifestyle needs, including sports and everyday use.

Many treatments involve little to no discomfort. If a procedure may be uncomfortable, we will always explain this fully beforehand and make you as comfortable as possible.

Some insurers may cover podiatry or specialist lower limb care. Please check with your provider and contact us if you need invoices or supporting documentation.

Yes. There is convenient parking available nearby. Either outside the clinic or Tescos car park offers free parking up to 2 hours. If you need assistance before attending, please contact our team and we will be happy to guide you.

Yes. We aim to make the clinic accessible and welcoming for all patients. Please let us know your requirements when booking so we can best assist you.

No. We don't because we want to give the best treatment we can, which often requires the use of some of our specialised tools, in a sterile medical environment.

We kindly ask for as much notice as possible if you need to cancel or rearrange your appointment. Late cancellations or missed appointments may incur a fee.

This depends on the condition being treated. Some issues can be resolved in one visit, while others may require a treatment plan over several appointments.

We combine expert clinical care, advanced technology, evidence-based treatment and a friendly patient-first approach. Our goal is simple: to get you out of pain and back to doing what you love.