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Close‑up of feet on a smooth floor, with visible cracked skin on the heels. Close‑up of feet on a smooth floor, with visible cracked skin on the heels.

Podiatry

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We support people with foot and lower limb problems that affect comfort, movement or everyday life. Often you’ll be able to manage a foot issue yourself, but in some cases there is a higher risk of making things worse – and that’s when you need our specialist input.

About the team

Our team helps with foot problems such as ingrown toenails – we can treat these and carry out nail surgery if needed. We provide wound care to support healing, and we look after high‑risk feet, including those affected by diabetes or circulation issues. We also help with muscle and joint (MSK) problems that affect how you stand or walk, and we offer advice to help you keep your feet healthy.

Our team includes foot and lower limb specialists, including specialist podiatrists who work with high-risk foot problems, podiatrists who support muscle and joint pain (called musculoskeletal, or MSK, podiatrists), registered podiatrists, podiatrists in training and foot health support workers.

When needed, we also work closely with other health professionals to make sure you get the right kind of care at the right time.

Good foot health is something we work on together with you, so even if you need to come into a clinic, we’ll also help you to feel safe and confident looking after your feet yourself.

Who this service is for

We can usually help if:

  • You have painful or urgent or foot problems, such as open sores (ulcers), infections or wounds
  • You have skin or nail conditions that need medical attention
  • You have an ingrown toenail that may need surgery
  • You have foot problems that affect walking or daily activities
  • You have a long-term health condition that increases foot risk, such as, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, poor circulation (peripheral vascular disease), or neurological conditions.

We may not be the right service if:

  • You need your nails cut and there is no medical risk
  • You’re looking for nail surgery for reasons that aren’t medical (e.g. there’s no health risk)
  • You’re looking for corn, callus or wart (verruca) treatment and there’s no medical complications
  • Your wounds are on or above the ankle
  • You’re looking for help with fingernail problems

Getting help from this service

Self-referral (digital)

Request help online.

Request help from this service

Questions and answers

How long is the waiting list?
Waiting times depend on how urgent your foot problem is. If you have a high-risk condition, you will be seen sooner. If your condition doesn’t need urgent treatment, you may need to wait a little longer. We understand waiting can be worrying, and we will always aim to see you as soon as we can. You can watch a video on how to wait well in our video library, in the get help section looking after your feet.
Can I bring someone with me?
Yes. You are very welcome to bring a friend, carer or family member for support. We know appointments can feel a little daunting, and having someone with you can really help. If a child needs nail surgery, a parent or guardian must attend to give consent.
What should I bring to my appointment?
To help us make the most of your appointment, please bring any orthotics or insoles you use and the shoes (or other footwear) you wear most often.
Do you provide routine nail cutting?
We only offer nail cutting if you have a medical need or there is a complexity that puts you at higher risk if you cut your own nails at home. Many people, though, are able to care for their own feet with the right guidance – and in this case we can offer you the advice and encouragement you need, whether you’re cutting your nails alone or you’re being assisted by a family member.
Do you see people at home?
We only see people at home in exceptional circumstances. In these cases our advice on ‘who this service is for’ will still apply – so check before referring yourself to us. Where possible, we encourage safe self-care, and we will always talk through the best option with you.
Do you see people in nursing or care homes?
Yes. Although many care homes will arrange routine foot care themselves, bringing in independent podiatrists or foot health practitioners. If specialist care is needed, we will make sure the right support is in place, but check our description of ‘who this service is for’ before referring yourself or someone you care for.
How we help you look after your feet?
We will look at your feet and talk with you about the problems you are having and we will decide with you what treatment you need. This may include treatment in clinic, advice, or surgery for things like an ingrown toenail, we will help you to walk comfortably and keep your feet healthy.

Locations

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Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Community Health
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