Medical & Higher-Risk Foot Conditions

 Diabetes can affect circulation, sensation and the body's ability to heal, making regular attention to foot health particularly important. A diabetic foot assessment can include checking circulation, sensation, skin, nails and other factors associated with foot complications. We can provide personalised foot-care advice and identify changes that may require further medical assessment or specialist referral. 

 Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that can cause sudden episodes of severe joint pain, swelling, heat and redness, commonly affecting the big toe joint. An acute attack can be extremely painful. If gout is suspected, medical assessment may be required for diagnosis and management. Podiatry can also help with footwear, pressure reduction and managing associated foot problems. 

 Different forms of arthritis can affect the many joints within the feet and ankles, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling or changes in mobility. The impact varies considerably between individuals. Podiatry management focuses on improving comfort and function and may include footwear advice, exercises, pressure reduction, orthoses and other treatments based on your symptoms and clinical findings. 

 Changes in circulation can affect the temperature, colour, healing and overall health of the feet. Symptoms such as persistently cold feet, changes in skin colour, wounds that are slow to heal or pain in the legs when walking should not be ignored. We can assess aspects of circulation within a podiatry appointment and, where findings raise concern, recommend appropriate medical investigation or referral. 

 Reduced sensation in the feet can occur for several reasons and may make it harder to notice pressure, injury, heat or damage to the skin. This can increase the risk of wounds and other complications. Assessment can help identify changes in sensation and allow us to provide personalised advice about footwear, daily foot checks and reducing avoidable risks. 

 A wound or ulcer on the foot requires careful assessment, particularly in people with diabetes, reduced circulation or loss of sensation. Some wounds require urgent or specialist medical care. We can assess the foot and advise on the most appropriate next step, including referral where necessary. If you have a new wound alongside spreading redness, significant swelling, discharge, fever or feel unwell, urgent medical advice should be sought. 

 Most changes to the skin and nails of the feet are harmless, but new or unusual lesions should not be ignored. Changes in colour, shape or size, persistent sores, unexplained bleeding or pigmentation beneath a nail may require further investigation. If we identify something concerning during a podiatry assessment, we will explain our findings and recommend appropriate medical assessment or referral. 

 Changes in balance can affect confidence when walking and may increase the risk of trips and falls. Balance is influenced by many different systems within the body, but foot sensation, strength, joint movement, pain and footwear can all play a role. A podiatry assessment can identify foot and lower-limb factors that may be contributing to instability and, where appropriate, include advice on footwear, strengthening, balance exercises and other strategies to support safer movement. Where symptoms suggest a cause outside the scope of podiatry, we will recommend appropriate medical or specialist assessment.