Question 1

What is the difference between a podiatrist and a chiropodist?

Accepted Answer

There is no difference - the two terms describe exactly the same profession. 'Chiropodist' is the traditional UK term, while 'podiatrist' is the modern, internationally recognised title. All practising podiatrists and chiropodists must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). At Deal Podiatry every member of our team holds full HCPC registration.

Question 2

How much experience does the team at Deal Podiatry have?

Accepted Answer

Our team of five HCPC-registered podiatrists brings a combined total of over 80 years of clinical experience, the majority of which was gained within the NHS. Our podiatrists hold specialist expertise across musculoskeletal podiatry, diabetic foot care, paediatric podiatry, wound care, nail surgery, and orthotics. You can read more about each team member on our About page.

Question 3

Do I need a GP referral to book an appointment?

Accepted Answer

No referral is required. You are welcome to contact us and book directly. If you have a complex or high-risk condition - such as diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, or rheumatoid arthritis - your GP may also refer you, but this is not a prerequisite for being seen at our clinic.

Question 4

Is podiatry treatment available through the NHS?

Accepted Answer

NHS podiatry services are generally reserved for high-risk patients - for example those with diabetes or severe mobility impairment - and are accessed via a GP referral. Deal Podiatry is a private clinic. This means you can be seen promptly, without waiting lists, and receive a longer, more thorough appointment tailored to your individual needs.

Question 5

Do you open on bank holidays?

Accepted Answer

Our standard clinic hours do not include bank holidays. Please call us or check our contact page for the most up-to-date information around holiday periods. If you have an urgent concern on a day we are closed, we recommend contacting NHS 111 or your GP.

Question 6

Do you provide home visits?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer home visits for patients who have difficulty travelling to the clinic due to mobility issues, illness, or other circumstances. Home visits are available within a reasonable distance of Deal. Please call us to discuss your requirements and we will do our best to accommodate you. Additional fees apply - see our Pricing page for details.

Question 7

How do I book an appointment?

Accepted Answer

You can book by calling us on 01304 371 558, by using the contact form on this website, or by booking online. We offer a range of morning and afternoon appointments across the week to suit most schedules. We will always aim to offer you an appointment as soon as possible.

Question 8

What are your earliest and latest appointment times?

Accepted Answer

Our clinic is open Monday to Saturday with morning and afternoon slots available. Please contact us directly for current availability - appointment times can vary depending on the type of treatment required and the individual podiatrist's schedule.

Question 9

How long will my appointment take?

Accepted Answer

A standard routine appointment typically lasts around 30 minutes. Initial new patient consultations and more involved treatments - such as a biomechanical assessment, nail surgery, or a full diabetic foot review - may take up to 60 minutes. We will let you know the expected duration when you book.

Question 10

What do I need to bring to my appointment?

Accepted Answer

For your first visit, please bring a list of any current medications (or the medication packets themselves), details of any relevant medical conditions or recent diagnoses, and ideally a pair of the shoes you wear most regularly. If you have been referred by your GP or another clinician, please bring any referral letter or recent correspondence.

Question 11

What should I wear to my appointment?

Accepted Answer

Loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your feet, ankles, and lower legs is ideal. If a biomechanical assessment or gait analysis is planned, shorts or clothing that can be rolled up to the knee is helpful. Avoid tight jeans or compression socks if you can - though we can always accommodate whatever you arrive in.

Question 12

I already have a diagnosis from elsewhere - do I still need an initial consultation?

Accepted Answer

If you have a confirmed diagnosis and are seeking a specific treatment you have had before, it may be possible to proceed directly to treatment without a full consultation. Please tell us when booking so we can prepare appropriately. For new or complex presentations, a short assessment at the start of your appointment ensures we provide the safest, most effective care.

Question 13

Can I bring a friend, relative, or carer with me?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. You are very welcome to bring a support person to your appointment. This can be especially helpful for elderly patients, those with anxiety, or where a carer is involved in day-to-day foot care. Please let us know in advance if you plan to bring someone so we can ensure the room is suitably arranged.

Question 14

What conditions and treatments do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We treat a comprehensive range of foot and lower limb conditions, including heel pain and plantar fasciitis, corns, calluses and hard skin, ingrown toenails, fungal nail infections, verrucae, bunions, flat feet, and musculoskeletal problems affecting the feet, knees, and hips. We also offer nail surgery, diabetic foot assessments, biomechanical gait analysis, and custom orthotics. If you are not sure whether we can help with your specific condition, please give us a call.

Question 15

Can I book just to have my nails trimmed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Routine nail cutting is one of our most popular treatments and is particularly valuable for patients who find it difficult or uncomfortable to manage their own nails - including elderly patients, those with diabetes, and anyone with thick or difficult nails. A standard nail-cutting appointment also allows us to identify and address any other foot health concerns.

Question 16

Do you treat the diabetic foot?

Accepted Answer

Yes - diabetic foot care is one of our core specialisms. Diabetes can impair circulation and reduce sensation in the feet, significantly increasing the risk of complications. We provide annual diabetic foot reviews, routine preventative care, and management of the high-risk diabetic foot in line with national NICE guidelines. Several of our podiatrists hold specialist experience in this area from their NHS careers.

Question 17

What are orthotics, and what is the advantage of custom orthotics over off-the-shelf insoles?

Accepted Answer

Orthotics are specially designed insoles or devices placed inside footwear to support, realign, or offload areas of the foot and lower limb. Off-the-shelf (prefabricated) insoles can provide useful generic support and may suit some patients well. Custom orthotics are individually fabricated from a detailed assessment of your foot shape, gait, and biomechanics - meaning they address your specific needs precisely. For complex or persistent conditions, custom orthotics typically deliver significantly better and longer-lasting results.

Question 18

Do you treat children?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we see patients of all ages including infants, children, and teenagers. Common childhood presentations include flat feet, in-toeing, out-toeing, growing pains, and verrucae. Early intervention can be particularly effective in preventing problems that may otherwise cause difficulties in adulthood. Our team is experienced in creating a calm, reassuring environment for younger patients.

Question 19

Will treatment be painful?

Accepted Answer

Most podiatry treatments are pain-free or cause only minor, brief discomfort. Routine treatments such as nail cutting, callus reduction, and corn removal are typically very comfortable. For procedures such as nail surgery or needling, a local anaesthetic is used to ensure you feel nothing during the treatment. We will always explain what to expect before we begin, and you can stop us at any point if you are uncomfortable.

Question 20

Should I wait for my pain to settle before booking?

Accepted Answer

No - in most cases it is better to be seen sooner rather than later. Pain is your body's way of communicating that something needs attention. Waiting can allow conditions to worsen and may make treatment more involved. If you are in significant discomfort, please call us and we will do our best to see you promptly.

Question 21

Do I need to remove nail polish before my appointment?

Accepted Answer

It is helpful to remove nail varnish from the nails being treated before your appointment, as it allows the podiatrist to properly assess the condition of the nail plate - particularly important when fungal infection, nail surgery, or a diabetic foot review is involved. If you are unable to remove it beforehand, please let us know and we can advise.

Question 22

How can I pay for my treatment?

Accepted Answer

We accept cash, debit cards, credit cards, and cheques. There is no surcharge for card payments. Payment is requested at the time of treatment. Please see our Pricing page for a full breakdown of our current fees.

Question 23

Can I claim for treatment through my private health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Most major private health insurers cover podiatry treatment, though the level of cover varies between policies and providers. We recommend checking with your insurer before your appointment to confirm you are covered and to obtain any authorisation number they require. We are happy to provide itemised receipts and, where needed, clinical reports to support insurance claims.

Question 24

Where are you located, and is parking available?

Accepted Answer

Deal Podiatry is located at 87 Blenheim Road, Deal, Kent, CT14 7DE. On-street parking is available on and around Blenheim Road. Deal town centre with its additional car parks is a short distance away. If you have any difficulty locating us, please call ahead and we will be happy to help.

Question 25

Is the clinic accessible for patients with limited mobility?

Accepted Answer

We aim to make every patient's visit as comfortable as possible. If you have mobility difficulties, use a wheelchair, or require any specific adjustment to access our clinic or treatment room, please let us know when booking so we can make the appropriate arrangements in advance.

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