About
I graduated from Southampton University with a BSc (Hons) in Podiatry after three years of full-time training. I then went on to work with the NHS podiatry team for 18th years. Then last October I was offered this opportunity to take over Exmoor Podiatry and from there, I am pleased to say I have not looked back.
Since than I have refreshed my skills in reflexology and am qualified MAR.
I am a fully registered with the Health and Care Professions Council, Registered podiatrist (HCPC Reg no: CH26185). I have taken over what was Exmoor Podiatry and now I have left Somerset Foundation Trust as a Senior Podiatrist. I have experience in treating all types of patients, and foot conditions. I was involved in many service innovations to meet the demands of an ever-increasing patient caseload.
In February 2023 I completed The Royal College of Podiatry New Vascular Module and Diabetic Foot Module which is aims at postgraduate. Just before COVID I started a rotation in the Acute Specialist Podiatry Service in Musgrove, which enabled me to develop further skills in communication with patients, relatives, carers, colleagues, to overcome communication barriers, to deliver seamless patient care.
I work holistically, as all patients have different needs, from medical complications which may need urgent action, or changes in conditions, medications, social needs, which may need me to inform GP and/ or involving multidisciplinary team.
Meet the Podiatrist
Podiatry
There is no difference between a chiropodist and a podiatrist. The term chiropody has been traditionally used in the UK, but the term podiatry is recognised and used more internationally.
Podiatrist is a medical specialists who help with problems that affect the feet or lower legs. I can treat injuries as well as complications from ongoing health issues like diabetes.
As a podiatrist I will work holistically, to build up a picture, therefore take a medical history, ask the patient for information on there medication, assess the foot, and do further tests. From this an diagnosis and differential diagnosis will be made. A treatment plan will be discussed with the patient to formalise a package of care or appropriate treatment.
Training
All podiatrist undergo 3 years of training and are required to be registered with the General Health Care Professions Council. Training includes physiology, anatomy, pathology, pharmacology, podiatric medicine , podiatric orthopedics, surgery and orthopedics, and the at risk foot.
The training enables podiatrist to make a diagnosis of the presenting condition and construct an appropriate course of treatment. The number of treatments varies depending on the need and this will also dictate the time in between treatments.
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What to expect
Podiatry is a patient-centred, healthcare. A first appointment generally lasts about 45 minutes to an hour to allow the podiatrist adequate time to:
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Listen and ask questions about your problem, your general health, other medical care you are receiving or medication you are taking, and it will be recorded in your case notes. The information you provide will be confidential.
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Examination of your feet and assessment of the problem
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Further tests on your circulation and sensation of the feet.
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As a podiatrist I will also check for signs of serious conditions which I cannot treat and you may be advised to see your GP or go to hospital. A letter will be send or emailed to your Gp to explain the concern.
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Diagnosis and treatment
Podiatrist specialises in the diagnosis, management, treatment and prevention of foot related disorders.
I will give you a clear explanation of what I have found (diagnosis) and discuss a treatment plan which is suitable for your needs. I will explain the benefits and any risks of the treatment which I have recommended. It is important to understand and agree with the treatment plan, and time in between treatment if required or if I need to refer you to another colleague or specialised .
I will always asked for your permission (consent) to treat you. You can ask any questions at any time if you are unsure what you have been told or if you have any concerns.
Self-help measures and advice on your feet may be offered to assist, prevent or recurrence or worsening of symptoms.
Healthcare cover
Podiatrist are covered by the Royal College of Podiatry
Help to treat:
Pain in foot or feet
Diabetic foot care
General nail care
General foot healthcare and advice
Fungal nails
Discoloured toenails
Thickened nails
Involuted nails
managing in growing toenails
cracks or cuts in the skin,
Scaling
Peeling on the soles
Athletes foot
Fissures
Corns
Callous
Bunions
Plantar fasciitis
growths such as warts
Verruca
Chilblains
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Biomechanics
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Plantar fasciitis
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Metatarsalgia
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Limb length discrepancies
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Over pronation of the foot
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Flat feet
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Posterior tibial tendonitis
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​REFLEXOLOGY
History
There is evidence of reflexology, working the hands and feet to improve health dating back to BC times in Indian, Chinese and Egyptian.
It is exciting that now we have theories on how reflexology works, and the effectiveness lies probably in aspects of all of them. In recent years there has been several small research studies which have shown promising results. The scientific world is starting to sit up and take notice, one hopes further funding will come forward so more robust and extensive research.
What might be the benefits for you having a reflexology:
Deep relaxation, improve circulation, improve lymphatics, enhance immune function, better quality of sleep, help to relieve stress and anxiety and tension, reduce pain, improve diet digestion, increase energy levels, elevate mood
Who can have reflexology?
Anyone, at any age, can enjoy reflexology, from a newborn through to an elderly person.
However, there are certain conditions which may make you unsuitable for the treatment- but these will be investigate at consultation
What to expect from a reflexology treatment?
1. consultation assessment
2. consent to treatment
3. remove your socks and shoes and sit on a reclining chair.
4. I will be examining the feet
5. I will start massage, before using the different reflexes and pressure on different areas.
6. It is usual some tenderness in areas, and this is body's way of drawing attention to the areas of congestion or imbalance. The discomfort is mild and will past.
7. Generally, reflexology deeply relaxing and comforting
After treatment
I will ask about what the treatment felt like, and we will discuss a plan to improve health and wellbeing.
You may feel relaxed, sleepy, mild headaches, to go to the toilet more, tired or emotional. These affects should pass within 48 hours.
Reflexologists believe these reactions are part of the healing process and are a good sign that the treatment is helping the body to cleanse and rebalance itself.
Drink plenty of water will assist with detoxication
Reflexologist do not diagnose or give medical advice, and reflexology should not be used as an alternative to seeking medical treatment.