What makes Achilles Foot Clinic different?
Achilles Foot Clinic combines comprehensive routine podiatry with specialist expertise in foot and ankle pain, nail surgery, stubborn verrucae and difficult fungal nail infections.
We believe in identifying the underlying cause of your problem before recommending the most appropriate treatment, ensuring every patient receives personalised, evidence-based care. Whether you require routine foot care or treatment for a more complex condition, our aim is to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
What is the difference between a Podiatrist, Chiropodist, and Foot Health Practitioner (FHP)?
The titles Podiatrist and Chiropodist are legally protected and can only be used by professionals who have completed a rigorous three-year university degree. They must also be registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC), which ensures they meet strict clinical and ethical standards.
Podiatrist vs. Chiropodist: These terms are largely interchangeable. 'Chiropody' is a traditional term for skin and nail care. However, as the profession has evolved to include specialist areas like gait analysis, nail surgery, injection therapy, supply of prescription-only medicines, and diabetic foot management, the modern term 'Podiatry' has been adopted worldwide to reflect this broader medical scope.
Foot Health Practitioner (FHP): An FHP provides essential support for everyday foot maintenance and helps prevent minor issues from escalating. While they are a valuable part of the foot care community, they do not have the extensive medical training or the diagnostic remit of an HCPC-registered Podiatrist.
At Achilles Foot Clinic, our patients benefit from the highest level of care provided by fully qualified and HCPC-registered Podiatrists.
Are your Podiatrists registered with the Health & Care Professions Council?
Yes, absolutely. Every Podiatrist at our clinic is fully registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC). This registration is a legal requirement to practice and ensures that our clinicians meet the highest standards of professional training, clinical safety, and ethical conduct. You can verify our practitioners' status on the official HCPC register for complete peace of mind.
When should I see a podiatrist?
We recommend seeing a podiatrist if you notice any of the following:
Persistent Pain: Chronic discomfort in your feet, heels, or ankles.
Nail & Skin Issues: Such as fungal infections, corns, callus, or ingrown toenails.
Injuries: Strains, sprains, or recurring sports injuries.
Diabetes: Regular diabetic foot screenings are vital for preventing complications.
Seeking professional advice early can often prevent a minor issue from becoming a significant problem.
What common foot problems do your podiatrists treat at Achilles Foot Clinic?
At Achilles Foot Clinic, we treat a comprehensive range of conditions affecting the feet and lower limbs. These typically fall into four main categories:
Pain & Injuries: Plantar fasciitis, heel pain, Achilles tendinopathy, bunions, and sports-related injuries.
Skin & Nail Conditions: Ingrown toenails, verrucae, fungal infections of skin (Athlete’s foot) and nails, corns, and calluses.
Chronic Management: Diabetic foot care and circulatory assessments.
Biomechanical Issues: Gait irregularities and flat footedness requiring custom orthotics.
Whether you are dealing with a sudden injury or a long-term concern, our specialists are equipped to provide effective, personalised treatment.
Can a Podiatrist Treat My Hands?
Expert Care for Your Hands and Fingernails
It is a common misconception that podiatrists only work from the ankle down. In reality, our clinicians are fully trained, qualified, and insured to treat a wide range of conditions affecting the hands and fingers.
At Achilles Foot Clinic we apply the same advanced clinical standards to your hands as we do to your feet, offering successful treatments for:
Fungal Infections: Comprehensive management of fungal nail and skin infections to restore health and appearance.
Ingrown Fingernails: Expert care to resolve painful, ingrown nails through conservative treatment or minor surgery.
Can orthotics help knee, hip or back pain?
Yes. Poor foot function and abnormal walking patterns can sometimes contribute to pain in the knees, hips and lower back. By improving foot alignment and reducing excessive strain, custom orthotics may help relieve these symptoms in appropriate cases.
At Achilles Foot Clinic, we carry out a thorough biomechanical assessment to determine whether your foot mechanics could be contributing to your pain. If orthotic therapy is appropriate, we will explain your treatment options and recommend the most suitable solution for your individual needs.
How should I prepare for my first visit?
For all initial consultations, please bring a list of your current medications.
If your appointment is for a musculoskeletal assessment, please also bring:
Your most-worn shoes (including trainers or work shoes).
Comfortable clothing (like shorts or gym wear), so we can easily observe your movement and leg alignment.
What happens at my initial appointment?
We want your first experience with us to be seamless and informative. Here is what you can expect:
A Warm Welcome: Our team will greet you and assist with your registration.
Clinical Assessment: Your podiatrist will discuss your medical history and conduct a detailed examination of your feet.
Immediate Care: We aim to carry out any required treatments during this first session whenever possible.
Your Roadmap to Recovery: Before you leave, we will discuss a tailored treatment plan with you, ensuring you understand your diagnosis, what is causing it, and exactly how we will work together to resolve it.
Can a podiatrist help with sports injuries?
Absolutely. Our podiatrists at Achilles Foot Clinic are specialists in lower-limb biomechanics, making us uniquely qualified to treat sports injuries such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, ligament sprains, and shin splints. We take a holistic approach to your recovery, combining biomechanical assessment with clinical treatment and advice on training adjustments and performance enhancement to help you reach your goals safely and effectively.
Do you offer gait analysis and orthotics?
The foundation of your movement starts with your feet. We specialise in comprehensive gait analysis to identify the root cause of foot, knee, and hip pain. By precisely evaluating your walking or running patterns, we provide custom-fitted orthotics and high-performance insoles tailored to your unique biomechanics. Our goal is simple: to restore your natural alignment and get you back to moving comfortably and confidently.
Why is regular podiatry essential for diabetic patients?
Diabetes can affect the feet in two significant ways: by reducing blood circulation and causing nerve damage (neuropathy), which can lead to a loss of sensation. This means small injuries or blisters may go unnoticed and struggle to heal, increasing the risk of infection and serious complications. Regular visits to a podiatrist ensure that your foot health is professionally monitored, potential issues are identified early, and preventative care is in place to keep you mobile and safe.
What are the treatment options for ingrown toenails?
Ingrown toenails can be incredibly painful, often leaving the area prone to infection. At Achilles Foot Clinic, depending on the severity of your condition we offer both conservative and surgical solutions:
Conservative Care: For many patients, this provides immediate relief through gentle nail reshaping and the removal of the sharp nail edge.
Minor Surgery (Partial Nail Avulsion): For persistent or severe cases, this is the permanent solution. This minor procedure is performed under local anaesthetic and involves removing a small section of the nail and preventing that portion from regrowing, ensuring long-term comfort.
Our specialists in Brighton and Hove will assess your toe and recommend the most effective path to a pain-free recovery.
Is nail surgery painful?
This is one of the most common questions we are asked.
The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, so the toe or finger is completely numb during the treatment. Most patients find that the only uncomfortable part is the anaesthetic injection, which lasts just a few seconds.
After the procedure, it is normal to experience some discomfort once the anaesthetic wears off, but this is usually well controlled with simple pain relief. We also provide detailed aftercare advice and follow-up appointments to help ensure a smooth recovery.
Do you treat fungal nail infection?
We specialise in the advanced treatment of fungal nail infections, offering a comprehensive suite of clinical solutions. Our unique, proven methodology has successfully restored the health and appearance of nails for many patients who previously found no relief elsewhere, returning both their well-being and their confidence.
Can you fix a permanently damaged nail?
The best approach depends on the nature of the damage. While we do not perform surgical cosmetic procedures, we offer highly effective nail reconstruction. This specialised treatment significantly improves the appearance of the nail by creating a natural-looking aesthetic replacement. Please note that, as the natural nail grows, this reconstruction will require periodic renewal to maintain its appearance.
What is the difference between a corn and a verruca?
While they can look similar, their causes are very different. A corn is a build-up of hardened skin caused by localised pressure or friction. In contrast, a verruca is a viral infection (the HPV virus) that causes skin cells to multiply rapidly, forming a small lump.
Because their origins are different, they require distinct clinical approaches. We offer a comprehensive range of specialised treatments for both conditions to ensure effective removal and lasting relief.
Do you treat children’s foot conditions?
Yes, we frequently treat a variety of paediatric foot conditions, including growing pains, flat feet, general foot discomfort, verruca, and ingrown toenails. We strongly believe that early intervention is key; addressing these issues in childhood can often prevent more serious long-term complications and postural problems later in life.
Do you offer emergency appointments for urgent foot problems?
Absolutely. While our clinics generally operate by appointment only, we prioritise urgent cases such as infected ingrown toenails, acute infections, or severe foot pain. If you are in significant discomfort, we will do our utmost to fit you in as quickly as possible. Please call us directly so we can assess your needs immediately:
Woodingdean: 01273 670 983
Westdene: 01273 050 000
Do you offer home visits?
Yes, we provide home visits for patients in the areas surrounding our Brighton and Hove clinics who have limited mobility. However, we highly recommend visiting us at one of our clinics where possible.
Attending the clinic ensures you have access to our full range of specialist equipment and diagnostic tools, allowing us to provide a more comprehensive level of care. Additionally, clinic appointments are more cost-effective, as home visits incur a higher fee to cover travel and the additional time required. Please contact us to discuss which option best suits your needs.
Is parking available at your clinics?
Yes, free parking is available near both our Westdene and Woodingdean locations. Please note that while parking in Woodingdean is free, some nearby areas have a 4-hour time restriction. We recommend checking local signage upon arrival.
What payment methods do you accept?
We aim to make your visit as seamless as possible and accept several forms of payment, including:
Debit and Credit Cards: We accept most major cards, including Visa and Mastercard.
Cash and Cheques: We are happy to accept payment by cash or cheque at the time of your appointment.
Please note that we are unable to accept American Express (AMEX) at this time.
Can I claim the cost of my treatment through health insurance?
In many cases, yes. Most health insurance providers cover podiatry, but coverage varies significantly between policies. We recommend contacting your provider before your appointment to confirm exactly what your plan includes.
While we do not bill insurance companies directly, we will provide you with a detailed receipt or invoice after your treatment. You can then submit this to your insurer to claim back your costs.
Do I need a referral to book an appointment?
No, you do not need a GP referral to visit us. As a private clinic, we welcome all patients and you can book directly with us at any time. However, if you are planning to claim your treatment costs through private health insurance, we recommend checking with your provider first, as some insurers may require a referral to process your claim.
What is your cancellation policy?
We understand that plans can change. However, to ensure we can provide timely care to all our patients, we require the following notice for cancellations or rescheduling:
Routine Appointments: A minimum of 24 hours’ notice.
Surgical Procedures: Due to the extended time and specialist resources allocated, we require at least 48 hours’ notice.
Please be aware that if the required notice is not provided, or if an appointment is missed, the full appointment fee will be charged. To help you manage your schedule, we send email reminders in advance and always strive to offer flexible appointment times to suit your needs.