Podiatry (Community)
Podiatrists diagnose treat and manage conditions/diseases of the feet and legs.
There is no difference between a chiropodist and podiatrist. ‘Podiatrist’ is the term used for chiropodists in other English speaking countries. The team is qualified to treat people with diabetes, arthritis, sports injuries and ingrowing toenails. Our service aims to provide a high quality and timely service. Those at risk of developing serious foot problems are prioritised.
Patients are seen at home if they are bedbound. Children are also seen with leg, foot and ankle pain associated with growth.
The podiatry service provides the following foot health services:
- Painful or infected ingrowing toenails that need surgery
- Painful skin conditions e.g. corns and callus (hard skin)
- Painful foot conditions
- Foot problems with poor circulation and or loss of feeling
- Biomechanical gait issues
- Diabetic foot care for those with problems
- Care for people with rheumatoid arthritis
- Wound (ulcer) management
- Wound prevention
- Falls prevention
- Patient education e.g. footwear advice
- Paediatric foot problems
- Rheumatology and peripheral arterial disease.
The community-based podiatry service does not cover:
- Toenail cutting and skin care for those without any problems
- Foot surgery (The team works closely with the Podiatry Surgical Team based at Walsall Manor Hospital)
- Verruca and wart treatments.
The service operates Monday to Friday 9am until 5pm.
- Bentley Medical Centre
- Darlaston Health Centre
- Brace Street Health Centre
- Pinfold Health Centre
- Brownhills Medical Centre
- Sai Medical Centre
Service lead
Margaret Kennedy
1st Floor Podiatry, Bentley Medical Centre, Churchill Road, Bentley, Walsall, WS2 0AW
Email: feet.walsall@nhs.net
01922 270380
For any new patient wishing to access the service, a referral can either come from a doctor or medical professional who will create a referral, or a patient can self-refer. You can self – refer to podiatry by completing our referral form via this link:
When received, one of the service’s senior podiatrists will triage the referral and determine if it meets the service criteria before issuing an appointment through the post.
For any existing patient who has been seen within the last twelve months but who has not been discharged, they can get in contact when they are due to be seen again or when they are experiencing problems with their feet. They should call 01922 270380, 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays).