Therapies at Glencairn House
Chiropody and Podiatry – to get you back on your feet
Ease pain and raise energy levels
A Podiatrist/Chiropodist is a health professional who can assess, diagnose, treat and manage conditions of the feet and lower limbs. They have an extensive scope of practice including;
- Assessment and treatment of common foot complaints such as corns, other skin pathologies, and nail problems.
- Assessment of the structure, alignment and function of the feet and legs with appropriate treatment such as insoles, stretching and strengthening exercises to correct any abnormality. A referral may be made to a bio-mechanical specialist.
- Nail surgery using local anaesthetics.
- Management of patients at increased risk of foot problems such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and peripheral vascular disease. Annual diabetic foot checks can also be performed.
- Advice on prevention of foot problems and how to keep feet in good health.
- Advice on suitable footwear.
What is the difference between a Chiropodist and a Podiatrist?
There is no difference between a Chiropodist and a Podiatrist. The term Chiropodist has been traditionally used in the UK, whereas Podiatrist is recognised and used more internationally. Increasingly, Chiropodists in the UK are being referred to as Podiatrists and many people in the profession refer to themselves as both.
Both ‘Chiropodist’ and ‘Podiatrist’ are protected titles and can only be used by people registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC). The HCPC regulates the Chiropody and Podiatry profession and ensures that all of its members meet their standards for training, professional skills, behaviour and health.
Sarah Faithfull
BSc(Hons) M.Ch.S HCPC.reg
I started my first job with West Dorset Community NHS trust in 1993, having qualified from the University of Brighton.
I left this post in 1995, following the amalgamation into a Dorset-wide service, and have worked independently ever since.
In 2001, I was asked to join the Diabetes Specialist Footcare team at Dorset County Hospital, a post I held for 4 years. I have also worked for the Prison Service, providing foot care at Guy’s Marsh Prison, and also within the adult learning disability sector.
Outside of work, my interests include poultry keeping, Scouting and walking.
Michelle Crabb
D.Pod.M. HCPC.reg
I qualified from London Foot Hospital in 1990 and started working in the west Dorset Community NHS Trust. I continued working for the NHS in Dorset at various clinics around the country for the next 14 years, mainly based in GP surgeries. In 2004 funding policies changed, so I then divided my time between private practice and being sub contracted to the NHS. In 2014 I left the NHS completely and joined Glencairn Clinic.
In my spare time I enjoy karate, badminton, gardening and reading.
David Owens
BSc (Hons), MChS (Edwards Farm)
David is a podiatrist with over 15 years of experience and a keen interest in all aspects of foot health following a patient centred approach.
He qualified from Cardiff Metropolitan University and has since completed a Master’s degree in podiatry as well as post graduate qualifications in ultrasound, corticosteroid injection and skin surgery.
David is a member of the Royal College of Podiatry and registered with the Health and Care Professions Council. He looks forward to meeting you and helping you to resolve your foot related problem.
Julian Wilkinson
MSc MRCPod HCPC
I am able to treat a range of conditions including routine and specialist diabetic foot care, thickened nails, hard skin, corns, verrucae and ingrowing toenails. I have a special interest in nail surgery and perform all treatments mindfully and with care.
In my spare time I enjoy learning about all things science (I also have a PhD in Chemistry), cooking and bike rides on my tandem.
Podiatry services at Edwards Farm
Chiropody
Chiropody is an older term relating to the management of common ailments and social foot care such as cutting of nails and removal of corns and calluses. This service is often used by people who need regular assistance with their foot care such as those with mobility issues and people with diabetes. The appointment is 30 minutes and includes nail cutting, hard skin (callus) and corn removal. Advice can also be given on the best way to look after your feet such as moisturising and wearing the right type of footwear.
Podiatry
Podiatry is a more modern term relating to the diagnosis and treatment of common foot and ankle conditions such as ingrowing toenail, verrucae and heel pain. People of all ages including children as well as both active and sedentary people all experience foot problems from time to time and a podiatrist is able to diagnose your problem and help you to find a solution. Your initial appointment involves a thorough history of the foot problem followed by an assessment and a treatment plan.
Nail surgery
In-growing toenails are a very common source of pain and if not settling can be easily cured with a procedure called a partial nail ablation. This involves the podiatrist giving a local anaesthetic to the base of the toe to make it totally numb before they carefully remove the problem piece of nail followed by the application of phenol to stop the problem recurring. This is a safe procedure with a 95% success rate and David can advise if this may be suitable for you.
Verruca needling
Verrucae are a very common source of pain and embarrassment and if not resolving with self-treatments, may benefit from a procedure called Faulkner’s needling method. This involves the podiatrist giving a local anaesthetic to make the area totally numb before they carefully needle the verruca helping to break it down and create an inflammatory response. The effectiveness does vary person to person but is around 60% successfully. This is safe procedure and David can advise if needling may be appropriate for you.
Fungal toenail
Fungal toenails are a common source of embarrassment and can be challenging to treat with topical treatments. In stubborn cases David can take a sample of nail for a PCR test to confirm the infection before deciding on the best course of action. This may involve surgical removal of the problem nail under local anaesthetic and either allowing a new nail to grow back or permanently removing the nail. Alternatively David may request a course of anti-fungal tablets from your GP.