Initial Consultation

What to Expect at Your Initial Podiatry Assessment

Your first podiatry appointment is an opportunity for us to understand your concerns, assess your feet and lower limbs, and discuss how we can best support you.

All new patients, and patients who have not been seen for more than 12 months, will require an initial assessment before any treatment can be considered. This helps us understand your current foot health, identify any relevant medical factors, and recommend the most appropriate treatment or management plan for you.

Full Medical History Review

We will begin by taking a full medical history.

This includes discussing:

• Your general health
• Existing medical conditions
• Previous operations or injuries
• Relevant family or lifestyle history
• Any previous foot or lower-limb problems
• Your current medications

Please let us know about any regular or prescribed medicines you are taking, as these can be important when assessing your overall foot health and planning your care.

Understanding your wider health helps us provide treatment that is safe, appropriate and tailored to your individual circumstances.

Thorough Foot and Lower-Limb Assessment

We will then carry out a detailed assessment of your feet and lower limbs.

Depending on your individual concerns, this may include:

• Examination of your skin and nails
• Assessment of joint movement
• Muscle strength and flexibility
• Foot structure and alignment
• Areas of pain or tenderness
• How your feet function when standing and walking
• Any visible changes or concerns requiring further assessment

The aim is to build a clear picture of your overall foot health rather than focusing only on one symptom or problem.

Vascular Assessment

As part of your initial assessment, we will check the circulation and blood supply to your feet.

Good circulation is important for maintaining healthy skin and tissues and supporting healing. A vascular assessment can help us identify any concerns that may need additional monitoring, advice, or further medical investigation.

Neurological Assessment

We will also assess sensation and nerve function in your feet.

This is particularly important for patients with certain medical conditions, including diabetes, or anyone experiencing symptoms such as numbness, tingling, altered sensation, or reduced feeling in the feet.

Together, the vascular and neurological assessments help us develop a more complete understanding of your foot health.

Walking Pattern and Footwear Assessment

Where appropriate, we may assess your walking pattern and footwear.

The way you walk, stand and distribute pressure through your feet can sometimes contribute to pain or ongoing problems. Your footwear can also have a significant effect on comfort, pressure and foot function.

We may therefore ask you to walk during your assessment and review the shoes you regularly wear, particularly if your symptoms are related to walking, standing, activity or exercise.

Your Findings and Treatment Options

Once your assessment is complete, we will explain our findings clearly and give you the opportunity to ask any questions.

We will then discuss the most appropriate treatment and management options for you.

Depending on your individual needs, this may include:

• Podiatry treatment
• Exercises
• Footwear advice
• Activity modification
• Ongoing foot-care advice
• Insoles or orthotics where appropriate
• Further assessment or referral where required

Our aim is to make sure you understand your condition, the available options, and the recommended next steps before proceeding with treatment.

How to Prepare for Your Appointment

There is no need to do anything special before your initial consultation.

To help us carry out the most useful assessment, we recommend:

• Wearing comfortable clothing
• Bringing the shoes you regularly wear, especially if your concern relates to pain or walking
• Bringing a list of your current medications, or having this information available
• Making a note of any symptoms, concerns, or questions you would like to discuss

Please feel comfortable discussing your medical history, medications and any concerns you may have. Your assessment is designed around you, and we will make sure you understand our findings and the recommended next steps.

Who Needs an Initial Assessment?

An initial assessment is required for:

• All new patients
• Patients who have not been seen for more than 12 months
• Patients with a new or unexplained foot problem
• Patients experiencing pain or changes in mobility
• Patients requiring a review of an ongoing condition
• Anyone who would like a professional assessment of their foot health

What Happens Next?

After your assessment, we will discuss whether treatment can be provided during the appointment or whether a separate treatment or follow-up appointment is more appropriate.

Your care will always be based on your individual findings, medical history, symptoms and personal needs.

At The Dene Podiatry, the aim is to provide clear, personalised and professional care so that you feel informed and confident about your foot health and treatment options.