
Severn Foot Care can treat many common foot complaints, including:
Corns
Callus
Dry, cracked heels
Verruca
Athlete's foot
Fungal nails
Ingrowing nails
Biomechanical problems
Musculoskeletal problems
Painful feet/heels
Diabetic foot care
Routine foot care
Fingernail care
Heel pain
Skin conditions
....and many more!
We are also trained to pick up on vascular and venous problems, neurological and dermatological disorders, such as heart conditions and skin cancers.
At your initial consultation, we will go through your medical history with you, including any medications you are currently taking, and will then perform a neurovascular assessment to assess your current foot health, and your pulses will be checked. We will then discuss any problems that you would like us to treat, and the different options available, followed by the treatment.
All appointments are finished with a foot rub and luxurious moisturising cream, if you would like.
Your initial consultation will take approximately an hour, but please allow up to 90 minutes. Subsequent appointments will take approximately 30 minutes, but may take longer depending on the treatment required.
Frequency of treatment depends on the problem, but for routine foot care it is usually advised that you're seen every 6 - 8 weeks.
Yes, if you would like us to cut and file your finger nails, this is available for a small extra charge. Podiatrists are also insured to treat a variety of conditions affecting the hands.
We accept all major credit and debit cards, and payment by card is preferred.
We also accept contactless card payments, mobile payments, or remote payment via secure link sent directly to your phone via SMS.
We also accept BACS, cash or cheque if you are unable to pay by card.
If you are unable to keep your appointment, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can make your appointment available to another patient. A minimum of 48 hours notice is required. If less than 48 hours notice is given, then your appointment may be charged in full.
Of course! The same as any good medical professionals, all our instruments are thoroughly scrubbed and cleaned, and then sterilised using an autoclave, which also seals the sterile instruments into pouches. A clean, sealed set of instruments is used for every patient, and opened in front of them.
Your medical history is required as many health conditions and medications can affect the health of your feet, and also the treatment options available to you.
A neurovascular assessment is a diagnostic test used to assess sense of touch and blood flow of the foot. It consists of some questions relating to your health, listening to pulses using a doppler, and a painless sensation test using a monofilament.
Your health and well being is our utmost priority, and therefore we take infection control very seriously.
During treatments, the practitioner will wear a disposable apron, gloves and a face mask if required. A fresh, sealed set of sterilised instruments is used for each patient. The practitioner will thoroughly clean down all equipment used, using an antibacterial and antiviral wipe, which is also effective against coronavirus. All equipment will be disinfected between patients, and hands disinfected prior to entry of your home.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we will be taking extra precautions for the protection of both our patients and practitioners, on top of our usual, stringent infection control policy.
All patients will be triaged over the phone before their appointment, and a risk assessment carried out.
Upon arrival at your home, the practitioner will be wearing a face shield and mask at all times, and we will be asking our patients to wear a mask as well. This will be provided, or alternatively you may wear your own. We will also be leaving more time between patients so that we are able to thoroughly disinfect all our equipment, bags, etcetera.
We would ask that if you are showing any symptoms of COVID-19 (a new, persistant cough, high temperature, or a loss or change in your sense of smell or taste) that you please let us know as soon as possible, and we will rearrange your appointment.
Yes, if you would like to purchase any of the moisturising foot creams that we use, please let us know. We are also able to provide socks, insoles and orthotics if you require them.
Holly Taylor (Bsc (Hons) Pod; MSSCh MBChA) obtained her degree in Podiatry at Queen Margaret University, and holds the additional annotations POM-A and POM-S which enable her to administer and sell/supply prescription only medicines (POMs) such as anaesthetics and antibiotics.
Holly originally trained at The SMAE Institute where she obtained a Level 4 Diploma as a Foot Health Practitioner.
Holly is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) (Registration: CH037168) and also holds a medical emergency procedures certificate, an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) certificate, and is fully insured.
In the UK, there are several professionals specialising in diagnosing, treating, and preventing foot conditions. However, the terms "podiatrist," "chiropodist," and "foot health practitioner" are often used interchangeably, leading to confusion among patients.
Podiatrists/Chiropodists: Podiatrists and Chiropodists are one and the same, but Podiatrist is the modern term. The name was changed from Chiropodist to fall in line with terminology in the majority of the world, and to avoid confusing Chiropodists with Chiropractors. Both are highly trained Allied Health Professionals, specialising in diagnosing, treating, and preventing foot disorders. They undergo extensive education and training, typically completing a 3 or 4 year BSc Podiatry degree, and will be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Podiatrists are skilled in treating a wide range of foot and ankle conditions, including corns, calluses, ingrown toenails, plantar fasciitis, and diabetic foot care.
In addition to clinical practice, podiatrists may also perform minor surgical procedures, supply medication, and provide custom orthotics to address biomechanical issues. They work closely with patients to develop tailored treatment plans, focusing on both conservative and surgical approaches when necessary.
Foot Health Practitioners: Foot health practitioners (FHPs) are unregulated foot care professionals who provide basic foot care services. While their limited scope of practice may overlap with that of podiatrists and chiropodists, FHPs do not hold advanced degrees or qualifications. Instead, they receive basic training focused on foot care techniques, such as nail trimming, callus removal, and basic foot assessments. FHPs are unable to register with the HCPC.
FHPs play an important role in promoting foot health and preventing minor foot problems from escalating. They often work in collaboration with podiatrists or chiropodists, referring patients for specialised care when necessary.
In conclusion, podiatrists, chiropodists, and foot health practitioners all play vital roles in promoting foot health and treating foot conditions in the UK. While there are similarities in the services they provide, there are also differences in their training, qualifications, and scope of practice.