Take Charge of Your Foot Health

You can manage your foot problems with the right information and support. The NHS encourages you to take control of your health by learning about your condition and using easy, effective methods to feel better. By doing this, you can reduce pain, avoid further issues, and improve your life. Remember, you know your body best, and with the right tools, you can manage your foot health confidently.

The NHS provides online guidance on managing the following issues:

Issues affecting the skin and nails
Advice on Nail Cutting

We promise to give you reliable and up-to-date information.

If you have foot pain, our podiatry service suggests you start by following the advice here.

Use the links below to find information and exercises for different parts of your foot. Most exercises can be done at home without any equipment. Wear comfortable clothes while exercising. For exercises that use a wall, make sure the wall is smooth and clear of objects. If you’re unsure about your fitness for these exercises, talk to your healthcare professional.

If the exercises make your pain much worse or if you don’t see any improvement after 6 to 12 weeks, please contact the podiatry service.

Big toe pain

Ball of foot and toe pain

Heel pain

Disclaimer

The information and videos are not a substitute for an assessment, diagnosis, or treatment for a medical condition and any exercises shown are not specific to your medical condition.

Please remember if there is any doubt about your fitness for doing these exercises then discuss this with your healthcare professional.

  • diabetic foot problems, including infection and ulceration
  • ingrown toenails (nail surgery)
  • mechanical foot and lower limb problems (refer to information in 'Managing my Musculoskeletal (MSK) foot pain') 
  • assessment of lower limb circulation
  • skin and nail conditions requiring specialist podiatric treatment

Links to useful information

At your first appointment we’ll discuss your medical history and any concerns you have. We’ll examine your feet and if needed, we’ll also carry out some basic tests.

Once we’ve assessed your needs, we’ll chat through your treatment options and decide on the best course of action. For minor problems you may not need treatment and we’ll give you advice on how to manage your symptoms at home.

Some conditions can be treated at your 1st appointment and you’ll be discharged from the service straight away. For more complex conditions, you may need a course of treatment, in which case we’ll arrange further appointments with you as needed.

If you’re unable to leave your home due to your health, we may be able to treat you at home.

Click here for more infromation about the Podiatry service.

Refer yourself to the podiatry service.

Podiatrist

Podiatrists are specialists in the foot, ankle and lower leg. We are trained to assess, diagnose treat and manage foot and lower limb disorders. Podiatrists have a wide and varied scope of practice from management and prevention of diabetic foot ulcers to assessment of walking and orthotic prescription.

Podiatry assistant

Podiatry assistants work alongside podiatrists to provide treatment for patients. They undertake some foot care treatments independently, as well as assisting in nail surgery, assisting in wound care and giving foot care and footwear advice.

NHS Careers in NCIC Podiatry 

https://rcpod.org.uk/become-a-podiatrist/what-is-a-podiatrist

https://www.visitcumbria.com/car/

We are a large progressive department with four main sites at Penrith, Carlisle, Workington and Whitehaven, with numerous peripheral clinics.

We provide treatment grounded in evidence based practice. Offering a varied caseload including high risk preventative treatments, foot ulcer management, biomechanical assessment and prescribing orthotics to improve foot function or reduce pain and nail surgery. We offer a programme of learning based on nationally recognised competencies to support career progression, including rotations in the Multidisciplinary Diabetic Foot Clinic and Biomechanics Clinic.

We work closely with the research and Design Department, participating in research and encouraging clinicians to develop research ideas. We audit both locally to support service improvements and nationally. Opportunities for collaborative working with Universities

Training Routes

Traditional Approved BSc Degree course 

  • Full time course 3-yr course
  • Podiatry with Foundation 4-yrs
  • Theory based learning with variety of rations available

Entry requirements

  • Five GCSEs (grades A-C) including language, maths and science
  • Three A levels, including a biological science or equivalent

BSc Apprenticeship

  • Full time 3 years
  • Work based programme 
  • Allocates specific times to work under direct supervision

Entry requirements

  • Three GCSEs (minimum grade C mathematics, English and a science subject)
  • Evidence of Level 3 qualification
  • Satisfactory Enhanced DBS (check or equivalent)

Scope of Practice 

Foot health advice for new patients, walking assessments and treatments, sports injuries, gait analysis, Diabetes, Rheumatology, rehabilitation, maintaining mobility, nail surgery and skin conditions.

Springpod

Careers engagement 

Work experience 

Cumbria something - more details from Grace 

Flatt Walks Health Centre
3 Castle Meadows
Whitehaven
CA28 7QE

01946 68635

podiatry.requests@ncic.nhs.uk

North Carlisle Medical Centre
Eden Street
Carlisle
CA3 9JZ

01228 608020

carlislepodiatry@ncic.nhs.uk

Penrith Health Centre
Bridge Lane
Penrith
CA11 8HX

01768 245628
penrithpodiatry@ncic.nhs.uk

Workington Community Hospital
Park Lane
Workington
CA14 2RW

01900 705120

podiatry.requests@ncic.nhs.uk