Podiatry

NHS podiatry services from the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

Podiatry is devoted to the treatment of conditions and disorders that affect the foot, its structures, and parts of the lower leg.

There are many medical conditions that afflict the feet. Some of these affect the feet alone – like gout, which leads to painful swelling. However, there are many other disorders such as diabetes that lead to foot conditions over time, as part of the wider effects on the body.

Podiatry services are included on the NHS and a therapist who treats these conditions is known as a podiatrist.

What do podiatrists do at Barnet Hospital and the Royal Free Hospital?

Our podiatry services are run from Barnet Hospital and the Royal Free Hospital in London.

Podiatrists at the Royal Free Hospital diagnose and treat patients’ foot conditions, including those that occur due to more serious disorders such as diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and peripheral neuropathy.

Podiatrists at Barnet Hospital specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders of the foot, working with the orthopaedic surgery team.

At both hospitals, our podiatrists work within teams that include therapists and medical specialists from other departments, like physiotherapy, so that our patients receive care and input from all relevant departments.

We believe this collaborative approach is the best way to treat the patients in our care.

What foot conditions are covered at the Royal Free London?

Patients should bear in mind that treatment is only available for people with acute foot diseases. Less serious foot conditions like ingrowing toenails and general foot care are not available and people requiring these services should be referred to their local community podiatry services by their GP. 

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