NHS Islington...

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Podiatry (foot health)

What is the Podiatry Service?

The Podiatry Service treats foot problems. Podiatrists specialise in assessing and treating problems of the lower limb particularly of the foot and ankle. Our service aims to maintain and promote good foot health within the population of Islington, in order to help sustain mobility, independence and reduce pain.

We can assess your foot problem and provide you with treatment and self care advice as appropriate to your individual needs. Our service strives to support patients to self-manage their foot problems in order improve and increase control over their foot health.

Who is the service for?

The Podiatry Service is available to Islington residents of all ages.

What does the service do?

Islington is a very diverse borough and we understand that different groups of people need different types of care. Our service therefore offers an extensive range of treatments including:

Treatment of foot pain

Podiatrists can help diagnose your foot pain by assessing your foot structure and the way you walk.

Your podiatrist can offer advice, exercises and/or orthotics (innersoles) to help conditions such as:

• Heel pain (plantar fasciitis)
• Arch pain
• Unstable ankles
• Bunions

Treatment of the high risk foot

Podiatrists play an important role in caring for patients that are at risk of foot problems due to:

• Diabetes
• Circulation problems
• Rheumatoid arthritis

These patients can be at risk of foot ulcers, infection and possible amputation therefore take priority over low-risk patients

Treatment of skin and nail conditions of the foot

The podiatrist can provide this care to eligible patients, based on a medical and clinical need, to facilitate mobility.This includes treatment of:

• Corns
• Callous and hard skin
• Verrucae
• Thickened or ingrown nails
• Fungal conditions of the feet and nails.

The Podiatry Service aims to educate patients in self-care in order to maintain independent living.

Toenail surgery

Some persistent nail conditions, e.g. ingrown toenails, can be permanently resolved through a minor surgical procedure carried out under local anaesthetic. Not all patients are suitable for this procedure therefore the podiatrist must perform a thorough medical assessment before nail surgery can be performed.

Radiosurgery

Some painful, longstanding veruccae and corns can be treated by a minor surgical procedure using radio waves under local anaesthetic. The podiatrist will carry out a full medical and biomechanical assessment to determine whether a patient is suitable for this procedure.

Injection therapy

Specially trained podiatrists can administer anti-inflammatory injections in the foot to resolve painful conditions where conventional treatments have failed. All patients referred to this service will have a thorough medical and biomechanical assessment to ensure this is the most suitable treatment option.

How are patients referred to the service?

The Podiatry Service is only available to Islington residents. Patients can be referred by their GP or other health care professional; or patients can self-refer.

Self-referrals to this service arell be managed through the central Administrative Referral Team Islington.

Tel: 020 3316 1111
Fax referrals: 0844 774 6419
Email: arti.centralbooking@nhs.net

Download Podiatry self referral form

Where is treatment carried out?

Treatment is carried out in 8 community clinics. Your appointment letter will contain the full clinic address where you will be treated. Assisted transport clinics are held for patients who are unable to attend routine clinics due to very poor mobility. Domiciliary treatment is available for patients who are completely housebound.

Clinic locations

For further details of how to get to the clinics, please call the Podiatry central booking office or health centre reception on the numbers given below. All clinical podiatry sites are in buildings which are DDA compliant for access.

• Bingfield Primary Care Centre
• Finsbury Health Centre
• Highbury Grange Health Centre
• Holloway Community Health Centre
• Hornsey Rise Health Centre
• Killick Street Health Centre
• River Place Health Centre
• City Road Medical Centre, Unit 1-3, Ground Floor, City House, 190-196 City Road, London, EC1V 2QH  -  Map

Top tips

• Don’t ignore pain. Painful feet are not normal.
• Wash feet daily with a mild soap, but do not soak.
• Inspect your feet regularly, particularly if you have Diabetes.
• Do not treat corns yourself without advice. Some over the counter preparations contain acid and can damage healthy skin if used incorrectly.
• If your skin is dry, use a little moisturising cream daily, but never between the toes!
• Do not cut nails too short! Cut straight across, not down the sides or in a ‘v’ shape.
• Buy your shoes in the afternoon. You will get a better fit as most people’s feet and ankles swell a little during the day.
• If you are concerned about your feet, consult a Podiatrist for advice.
  

Downloads

• Podiatry service leaflet
• Foot care for people with diabetes
• Podiatry self referral form

Useful Websites

http://www.feetforlife.org/ - The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists Website
Health Professional's Council - check that your health professional is registered
http://www.diabetes.org.uk/ - get up to date Diabetes information
http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/