A to Z of services

Podiatrists are Allied Health Professionals who assess, diagnose, treat, and aim to prevent abnormal conditions of the feet and lower limbs.

Many people may need to see a podiatrist for help with regular foot care, such as calluses, corns, and nail problems (Core Podiatry). However, not everyone will be eligible for this treatment under the NHS.

To access foot care (Core Podiatry) via Croydon NHS, you must meet our current eligibility criteria, which are based on medical need and detailed on the referral form.

If possible, please attach a photo or image of the foot problem when submitting the referral. This helps us assess your needs more accurately and promptly.

If you are not eligible for NHS Core Podiatry, details of independent or private practitioners can be found via the Royal College of Podiatry website where details on foot conditions or self-help can be found:  https://rcpod.org.uk/common-foot-problems 

Or for information on Diabetes and feet:

https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about-diabetes/looking-after-diabetes/complications/feet

Podiatry is Available at:

• Leander Road
• Croydon University Hospital Outpatients
• Sanderstead Clinic
• Shirley Clinic
• Purley War Memorial Hospital
• Waddon Clinic
• Woodside Health Centre
• Parkway Health Centre

Appointments: Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm

Our NHS Podiatry Services include:

Core Podiatry (Routine Care)
Help with painful corns, calluses, and pathological nail conditions in the presence of relevant medical conditions.
*Please note: We do not treat verrucae, fungal nails, or provide simple nail care/social care.*

Available at:
Leander Road, Croydon University Hospital Outpatients, Sanderstead Clinic, Shirley Clinic, Purley War Memorial Hospital, Waddon Clinic, Parkway Health Centre.

 

High-Risk / Wound Care Clinics

The High-Risk Podiatry Service is for people who have health problems that put their feet at risk. Care is delivered by an integrated team working with nursing, hospital teams, and GP practices. Patients are fully involved in their care plans.

What is ‘Active Foot Disease’?
If you have an ulcer on your foot, you have Active Foot Disease and will be referred urgently to the High-Risk Podiatry Wound Care Team.
Other conditions that fall under Active Foot Disease include:

• Suspected Charcot
• Infection
• Critical/Acute Limb Ischaemia

*Please note: Having diabetes does not automatically make you high-risk.*

Available at: Croydon University Hospital Outpatients and Wards, Leander Road, Purley War Memorial Hospital, Patient homes

Nail Surgery

Nail surgery is a minor procedure designed to provide a permanent solution for painful ingrown or thickened toenails. The procedure is carried out under local anaesthesia and involves chemical cauterisation using phenol to prevent regrowth.

This is a stand-alone treatment that removes all or part of the nail.

• This is not regular nail cutting for involuted nails.
• This is not a treatment for fungal toenail infections.

Available at: Leander Road

MSK / Biomechanics

MSK (Musculoskeletal) Biomechanics is the scientific study of movement and the forces acting on the body. Our podiatrists use this understanding to assess and treat pain and conditions affecting the lower limb and foot.

What can MSK Podiatry help with?

• Painful flat feet
• Foot pain (heel, midfoot, forefoot)
• Growing conditions during childhood
• Painful high-arched feet
• Joint pain or instability (hip, knee, ankle)
• Tendinopathy

We aim to reduce pain and improve mobility by helping you understand and manage your condition. Treatment may include:

• Customised foot orthoses
• Exercise and rehabilitation advice

*Please note: We DO NOT provide footwear, ankle-foot orthoses (AFO), splints, padding, or bunion spacers.*

Available at: Leander Road

What Podiatry Services Are NOT Available Locally on the NHS?

• Basic foot care such as simple toenail cutting
• Core Podiatry (routine corns and callus treatment) without significant medical risk or wound symptoms
• Core Podiatry for people receiving in-patient care at Bethlem & Maudsley Hospital
  (Please contact your SLAM referrer for their podiatry services)
• Routine monitoring and annual foot checks for people whose feet are at risk due to diabetes
• Verrucae treatment

How to Refer

• You can self-refer, or refer on behalf of a family member.
• Referrals made by a GP, consultant, or other health professional must still meet our eligibility criteria.
• Tip: If possible, attach a photo of the foot problem when submitting the referral.

What Happens After You Submit a Referral?

Once we receive your referral form, if you meet the eligibility criteria, you will be:

1. Offered an appointment for assessment, with follow-up treatment for your foot problem.
2. Offered an appointment for assessment, and discharged with foot health advice if your needs are below NHS eligibility levels.

If you are not eligible:
We aim to inform you within 2–4 weeks. Details of self-care and independent podiatrists can be found via the links above.