Getting ready for a podiatry or foot-care appointment

A useful appointment starts with a clear account of what has changed and how it affects ordinary life. You do not need medical vocabulary. A few dates, the footwear you normally use and a list of medicines can give the podiatrist a more complete picture.

Read your appointment letter or message first because services differ. Its instructions take priority over a general checklist.

Confirm the practical details

Check the date, time and location, including which building or clinic entrance you need. Find out how long the journey takes and whether you need to arrange transport, parking or help getting from the entrance.

If the service has asked for photographs, forms or a telephone consultation first, follow those instructions. Contact the clinic if you need the information in large print, an interpreter, communication support or a reasonable adjustment.

If you cannot attend, tell the service as early as possible. Do not assume the appointment has been changed until the clinic confirms it.

Write down the change in ordinary words

Make a short note covering:

• where the concern is;
• what you can see or feel;
• when you first noticed it;
• whether it is changing;
• what seems to bring it on or ease it; and
• which ordinary activity it affects, such as walking to the shops or wearing a usual shoe.

“A sore patch beneath my right forefoot for two weeks, worse in my walking shoes” is enough to begin a conversation. Do not worry about identifying the condition yourself.

If the problem comes and goes, note when it appears. A photograph may help you remember a visible change, but only send one if the service gives you a secure method and asks you to do so.

Bring the footwear that tells the story

East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust advises bringing regular footwear, including work shoes, boots or slippers where relevant. Shropshire Community Health similarly asks new patients to bring an example of the footwear they normally use.

Choose the pair associated with the concern and, if practical, one pair that feels comfortable for comparison. Bring the socks normally worn with them. If you use an insole, orthosis or walking aid, take it unless the clinic tells you otherwise.

Do not clean away a worn sole or alter an insole to make it look better. Ordinary wear may be useful information. Place footwear in a bag so it is manageable on the journey.

Prepare medicines and relevant information

Guy’s and St Thomas’ asks patients to bring details of medicines and relevant medical history. An up-to-date repeat-prescription list or the medicines themselves in their labelled packaging may be useful, depending on the clinic’s instructions.

Include allergies and the contact details of the person or service that referred you if the appointment information asks for them. There is no need to bring your entire medical record unless requested.

Keep the appointment letter, medicine list and your short foot note together. A simple folder is easier to handle than loose pieces of paper.

Decide whether another person would help

You may wish to bring a family member, friend or carer for practical or communication support if the clinic permits it. Agree their role before the appointment: taking notes, carrying footwear, helping you remember dates or simply being present.

They should not answer every question for you when you can and want to answer it yourself. Ask them to add something after you have spoken or to remind you of a point you wanted to raise.

If you need professional communication support, ask the service rather than relying on a relative to interpret clinical information.

Wear clothes that make the assessment manageable

Choose clothing that allows the feet and lower legs to be seen without a struggle, while keeping you comfortable and warm. Wear footwear that can be removed and put back on while seated.

Follow any specific hygiene or product instructions in the appointment letter. Different services may ask for different preparation, so do not adopt instructions from another clinic without checking.

Take a short list of questions

Three useful questions are often enough:

1. What do you think the next step is?
2. What can I safely continue doing at home?
3. What change would mean I should seek advice sooner?

You might also ask who to contact, how long to try an agreed measure and whether a follow-up is expected. If a term is unfamiliar, ask for it to be explained in ordinary language.

The appointment is a conversation. It is reasonable to ask about options, what each involves and how the plan fits the activities that matter to you.

During the appointment, describe function as well as discomfort

Explain what the issue stops or changes. That may be difficulty reaching the foot, a shoe you can no longer wear, a shorter walk, interrupted sleep or relying on another person for a task you previously managed.

These details show the practical effect without exaggeration. Mention a recent or rapid change clearly rather than leaving it until the end.

If examination or treatment is proposed, ask what will happen before it begins. You can ask for a pause or explanation and should be involved in decisions about your care.

Leave with the next step written down

Before leaving, check that you know:

• what was agreed;
• what you should do at home;
• whether anything should be avoided;
• when and how follow-up will happen; and
• who to contact if the problem changes.

Write it down or ask the person with you to take notes. Keep the information with any appointment letter so it can be found later.

Check professional registration when arranging private care

“Podiatrist” and “chiropodist” are protected titles. The Health and Care Professions Council states that anyone using either title must be registered. Its online register can be used to check a named professional.

NHS access and referral criteria vary locally. A GP practice or local podiatry service can explain the route in your area; this publication does not recommend a private provider.

If you are still deciding whether a change needs advice, return to the weekly foot-care routine and its clear boundary between ordinary care, a little help and professional support.

The guide to checking feet that are hard to see or reach may help you make a short factual note before the visit. More related guidance is grouped under sore or tired feet.