Podiatry

Podiatry services operate from local health centres, community clinics and community hospitals across Kent, as well as from prison sites in Sheppey. You can find information about podiatric surgery and orthotics.

Ashford area

Canterbury and coastal area

North Kent area (children only)

Medway area

Balmoral Gardens Clinic – Balmoral Road, Gillingham, Kent ME7 4PN
Keystone Centre – Gun Lane Strood Kent ME2 4UL
Lordswood Healthy Living Centre – Sultan Road Chatham Kent ME5 8TJ
Parkwood Health Centre – Long Catlis Road Rainham Kent ME8 9PR
Rochester Healthy Living Centre – Delce Road, Rochester Kent ME1 2EL
Walter Brice Day Centre – Tilley Close, Hoo Kent ME3 9AE

South Kent Coast area

Thanet area

West Kent area

Abbey Court Diabetes Centre – 7-15 St Johns Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 9TE
Churchill Centre - E Park Road, Royal British Legion Village, Preston Hall, Aylesford, Kent ME20 7NP
Coxheath Centre – Heath Road, Coxheath Kent ME17 4AH
Edenbridge Hospital – Mill Hill, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 5DA
Maidstone Hospital Diabetes Centre – Hermitage Lane, Maidstone, Kent ME16 9QQ
Tonbridge Cottage Hospital / OPD – Vauxhall Lane, Tonbridge, Kent TN11 0NE
Sevenoaks Hospital – Hospital Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 3PG

Contact us

0300 123 6756

Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm.

For referrals please complete our Podiatry self referral form, or download our paper-based Podiatry self-referral form and email to kentchft.podiatryreferrals@nhs.net.

Should you wish to cancel your appointment please phone 0300 123 6756 or email kentchft.podiatrycancellations@nhs.net.

Who we are

We are a team of podiatrists, podiatric surgeons, podiatry assistants, orthotic technicians and clerical staff. We specialise in all aspects of foot health, from common foot problems to more complicated conditions needing surgical correction. We assess, diagnose and treat disorders of the foot and problems with gait.

Our podiatric surgeons perform a variety of surgical procedures, including corrective surgery for bunions and toe deformities. Read more information about podiatric surgery. We are also linked to the Orthotics Service and Toe Nail Cutting Service.

What we do

We aim to maintain mobility, alleviate pain and reduce the risk of infection, ulceration and amputation in patients with high-risk medical complaints or complex foot problems.

We can help people suffering with, nail problems, such as in-growing nails and nail deformities, corns and callus. We also help with foot and toe deformities, such as bunions and hammer toes, biomechanical problems and heel pain.

We treat people suffering from the complications of diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and all forms of arthritis.

How do you use this service?

The service can only accept referrals for adults and children with podiatric problems who have complex medical conditions which put the lower limb at higher risk of complications.

Patients need to meet the following criteria:

ulceration and or acute infection of the foot
high risk patients with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, neurological conditions and/or circulatory problems who are at risk of developing ulceration
minor surgery for ingrowing toe nails and electrosurgery
lower limb musculoskeletal conditions for example plantar fasciitis, heel pain, tendonopathies.

Referrals are accepted from a healthcare professional or GP. Individuals can self-refer if they are registered with a GP.

Dartford, Gravesham, Swanley and Swale paediatric podiatry (children only)

In Dartford, Gravesham, Swanley and Swale, our children’s podiatry service provides:

surgical management of ingrowing toe nails
biomechanics assessment and management for children with conditions which affect functional ability with walking and painful lower limb conditions, for example hypermobility, juvenile idiopathic arthropathies, and flexible flat feet and haemophilia sufferers.

Appointment frequency

Corns and callus and/or pathological nails – for patients with high risk medical conditions such as diabetes, with compromised circulation and/or loss of sensation in the feet, appointments can be expected every four 4 months (three appointments per year).

High risk maintenance – for patients with high risk medical conditions and healed foot ulcerations, appointments will be arrange depending on clinical need to prevent foot ulceration.

If you need a toenail cutting service, please see our Toenail Cutting Service or your local Age UK may be able to support you. You can also find a list of registered podiatrists on the Health Profession Council website or by phoning 0845 300 6184.

Please note we do not provide treatment for verruca.

Glossary of terms

What does a Podiatrist do?

The role of a podiatrist (also known as a chiropodist) is to help prevent or correct deformity and maintain mobility and foot function. Podiatrists help with the pain and problems people may have in the lower leg and feet. They identify any medical or surgical condition that may need further referral and management.

Podiatrists can treat skin problems like corns and callus (hard skin), diagnose some skin infections, treat in-growing toe nails and see people who have foot ulcers. Podiatrists work with other members of the health care team. Podiatrist will also give expert advice on footwear.

Foot part	Description
Ankle	The ankle is where the leg bones meet the foot. There are similar bones in the ankle and this includes the bony areas which are prominent (ankle) on each side of the foot.
Arch	The sole part of the foot, between the big toe joint and the heel. Sometimes people have flat feet where the arch touches the ground.
Athletes’ foot	An itchy skin complaint caused by a fungus. It commonly affects between the toes, especially the little toe and the one next to it. Athletes’ foot is most common in the summer when the feet get hot and sweaty.
Ball of foot	The area that stretches across the sole from the big toe to the little toe. It has a fatty pad to protect the bones.
Blisters	Fluid filled sacs on the skin which are caused by rubbing, most likely shoes which do not fit well. Blisters should not be popped as they protect the skin.
Bones	There are 26 bones in each foot. Bones give the foot and body shape. Muscles are attached to bones to help us move. Bones are made of calcium and minerals and are soft in babies but hard in adults.
Bunion	A bony bump on the big toe as a result of the big toe moving inwards.
Cartilage	Firm, rubbery tissue that cushions bones at joints. A more flexible kind of cartilage connects muscles with bones and makes up other parts of the body, such as the larynx and outside parts of the ears.
Corns	Often painful. Corns occur with hard skin and both are yellow in colour. Caused by pressure and ill-fitting footwear.
Fastening	Part of the shoe which holds the foot and stops it slipping e.g. lace, strap, t-bar.
Feet	The plural word for foot.
Foot	At the end of each leg. Stops us from falling over and helps us to walk and run.
Footwear	Shoes made from leather or other materials which people put on their feet. Protects the feet.
Germs	Germs are very small organisms. Different types of germs can make you feel ill. Washing with soap and water gets rid of many germs on the skin.
Heal	When there is a cut or wound to the skin, the body protects you by a process called healing.
Heel bone	Formally called the calcaneus. A more or less rectangular bone at the back of the foot. The word “calcaneus” and “calcium” come from the same source.
Hygiene	Means keeping clean. This applies to our bodies (and feet) to keep them healthy.
Length	A measured space. Sometimes something can be very long ( like some feet are longer than others).
Ligaments	Like a band that is very strong. Ligaments connect bones to other bones.
Muscles	Muscles are attached to bones and help us move.
Nail	Found normally on the end of all fingers and toes. Nails are dead (they do not have blood vessels or nerves in them). Nails are made of a protein called Keratin.
Skin	The largest organ of the body made up of cells. It covers us to protect from germs, keep control of our body temperature and helps us feel.
Sole	The area which is underneath each foot. The sole is the part which touches the ground when we walk barefoot.
Tendon	Stretchy elasticated bands attaching muscles to bones. Tendons help us to move.
Sweat glands	Small pits in the skin which produce sweat to cool us down when we get hot.
Width	How wide an area is. Some feet can be very wide. The opposite to wide is narrow.

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97%

Friends and Family test (FFT) question - percentage of positive responses

(Survey feedback from July to September 2024)

You said, we did

Why do referrals to the service need to be done by a GP?
- November 2024
A process for self-referral has been introduced and is available on the service’s webpage. An electronic form or a paper version download can be completed for people to self-refer.

There was some misunderstanding over treatment provided, as some patients thought all their issues would be addressed during one appointment.
- June 2024
As the service can only address one issue per referral, to help expectations being met at appointments, the self-referral form was updated to advise patients with multiple issues to request treatment for the one thing that affects them the most.

Clinicians do not apply cream to patient’s feet following the removal of callus/hard skin and some people have difficulties bending down to do this themselves at home.
- June 2024
Clinicians now apply emollient to feet during appointments and continue to ask patients to apply themselves at home, to reduce the risk of wounds. If patients express they have difficulties bending down to apply themselves, clinicians suggest ways to help them use the cream.

When triaged, the next appointment was made with the incorrect clinician.
- February 2024
The staff undertaking triage now have access to a team’s chat group, so they gain instant advice from each other, if needed, to ensure patients are placed on the correct pathway and booked in to see the right clinician.

Your comments

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December 2024
Margate

The nurse was very kind, explained what to expect and was clear with my treatment plan. She was very gentle with her examination.

November 2024
Herne Bay

I felt that the podiatrist understood, cared about me and was keen to help. They explained my condition to me and the best course of action to achieve relief.

October 2024
Margate

Nurse was extremely good and very friendly. They dealt with my problem in a very professional and caring manner.

August 2024
Coxheath

Great building, easy to find and access in a wheelchair. Clinician was friendly, professional and understanding. They listened to me and treated me with respect and care. They clearly explained the options and details of the treatment I need and gave me clear and understandable written information to take home.

July 2024
Margate

Very fast and efficient. Very kind and professional people. I felt relaxed and at ease throughout the whole procedure.

June 2024
Dover

The three staff we saw were amazing with my autistic son, who I thought would not tolerate them treating him. However they did manage to, as they were so reassuring and patient.

May 2024
Canterbury

Efficient, skilled practitioner, with a thoroughly professional manner. I felt comfortable and reassured by her knowledge and skill.

April 2024
Sevenoaks

Was seen on time by lovely lady. She was very gentle and treated my feet with care. Gave good advice about footwear. All the time I was in her room she never stopped smiling. Such a pleasant time.

March 2024
Canterbury

Podiatrist was very kind and considerate and explained everything that was happening. Gave lots of information on care.

February 2024
Rochester

Seen on time. The nurse spoke directly to my daughter and gave her the paperwork which she really liked. The nurse was extremely professional and knowledgable and made my daughter feel that she was in the best hands.

January 2024
Deal

They gave up her lunch break to fill me in as my toe injury needed checking and I have Diabetes type 2. Very kind and thoughtful amazing service.

May 2023
Gravesham Community hospital

Both the doctor and nurse were very welcoming, reassuring and friendly.

May 2023
Ashford

Very friendly kind, considerate and professional.

May 2023
Dover

Everyone that saw me today were fantastic. Took me through the procedure step by step, felt very calm and the process was nice and quick.

May 2023
Sevenoaks

Everything was explained clearly. both of the Podiatrists were very friendly and professional.

May 2023
Folkestone

Mandy was excellent. She was so gentle but thorough with all my nail cuttings.

May 2023
Canterbury

The ladies carrying out the procedure were clear in what they were going to do and made me feel relaxed in their company.

May 2023
Rainham

Becky and Luigi have been brilliant. Without them my wound wouldn't have healed and I wouldn't be having the operation on my foot.

May 2023
Ramsgate

The Podiatrist was very calming and very informative and made me feel comfortable and explained the healing process.

May 2023
Tonbridge

Very good indeed. Friendly helpful and kind. Very chatty and made me feel very relaxed.

May 2023
Lordswood

Kind, caring and talkative, made me relaxed.

May 2023
Margate

Professional and calm experience. I was explained the procedure and what they were doing.

May 2023
Coxheath

Chantelle was very kind and caring, explained what she was doing and reassured me throughout.

April 2023
Rochester

Listened to me and made me feel at ease.

April 2023
Dover

Kind, caring staff. Was very nervous but Mandy and Elizabeth put me at ease throughout the procedure.

April 2023
Coxheath

Good location, outstanding and professional staff, well informed, availability of appointments, reassuring and outstanding care.

April 2023
Folkestone

The podiatrists were lovely and caring. They explained the procedure to me and took good care of me also. They made me feel very comfortable.

April 2023
Tonbridge

Professional service given in a friendly manner.

April 2023
Maidstone

Podiatrist polite and professional, good personality and helpful, clinic near home and appointment at suitable time.

April 2023
Ashford

Amazing team, very friendly and any questions or issues addressed quickly.

April 2023
Rainham

Really listened to. Felt like the exact treatment was given which has given me a good outcome.

April 2023
Margate

Talked me through procedure and reassured me throughout, thank you.

April 2023
Canterbury

Wonderful staff, so kind and friendly. The best!

April 2023
HMP Rochester

Good treatment. Feel comfortable.

March 2023
Ashford

Ade and Kim were very good, nice and professional and chatty. They were great made me feel at ease.

March 2023
Margate

Think it's brilliant, always helps when needed. Always responds to queries and calls. Best service out of all care patient received.

March 2023
Coxheath

The podiatrist was very friendly and explained what she was doing and why, very clearly.

March 2023
Herne Bay

Could not ask for better care from the Podiatry nurses, always very informative and friendly.

March 2023
Sevenoaks

Nice friendly, calm professional staff. Made me feel very comfortable and at ease during the procedure.

March 2023
Canterbury

Staff were very nice and helped to keep me distracted from procedure. Lovely ladies to chat with.

January 2023
Sevenoaks

Sevenoaks podiatry is a shining example of the NHS, everything is perfect and the staff are wonderful.

January 2023
Abbey Court, Tunbridge Wells

Always welcoming - treated with dignity and respect.

January 2023
Folkestone

Lovely members of the team, very talkative and put you at ease. Very nice experience. Thank you.

January 2023
Coxheath

Staff were amazing, very calm, explained things well. Lovely staff.

January 2023
Rochester

Very quick. Very helpful. Good advice.

January 2023
Gravesham community hospital

Very approachable. Friendly. Made it less daunting for my son's appointment.

January 2023
Herne Bay

Polite and treated in personal manner, kindness and respect at all times.

January 2023
Canterbury

The staff were calm and efficient which created a good atmosphere for me.

January 2023
Margate

Very understanding of my anxiety and mental health. Very lovely and caring. Thank you.

January 2023
Ashford

The podiatrists were really welcoming and friendly. The service was good.

January 2023
Dover

Very calm and welcoming. Explained everything and made me feel at ease.

December 2022
Rainham

You explained the problem. Gave me a thorough check up.

December 2022
Rochester

Fantastic. Very kind, treated me like a human.

December 2022
Margate

Very lovely people, very quick and felt fully informed.

December 2022
Lordswood

Polite, friendly and very professional care with excellent advice.

December 2022
Tonbridge

Fantastic look after me cheerful helpful.

December 2022
Dover

Staff explaining what was happening and putting me at ease by being friendly and approachable.

December 2022
Sevenoaks

Very kind service and nice podiatrist throughout the appointment. Felt comfortable and re-assured as I have anxiety.

December 2022
Folkestone

Staff are very knowledgeable in their duties, friendly and patient. The care service they provide is excellent.

December 2022
Canterbury

Podiatrists so kind and gentle. Really lovely people. I didn't feel rushed or pressured.

June 2022
Folkestone

The staff were incredibly kind and personable and made me feel calm. They explained everything as we were going and answered any queries I had.

June 2022
Dover

Whole procedure carried out effectively. Good monitoring of how I was feeling. Excellent care, deIivered with a smile.

June 2022
Ashford

Alan and Caroline were very thorough, informative and took their time to make sure I was OK. I went into my appointment anxious but was quickly put at ease.

May 2022
Maidstone

Podiatrists are always really knowledgeable. They explain what they are doing and why and are always happy to answer questions.

May 2022
Canterbury

Staff were amazing. Gave good clear information before and after the procedure.

May 2022
New Romney

Painless procedure, very efficient treatment.

May 2022
Margate

I was put at ease straight away and the whole procedure was explained to me. Very pleased with the treatment I received.

May 2022
Folkestone

Very professional staff giving my daughter full information and care before and during procedure.

May 2022
Ashford

Talked me through the procedure. Reassured throughout. Kept me calm and I did not feel a thing. Very relieved and satisfied. Thank you very much for your professionalism.

May 2022
Dover

Amazing communication throughout and obviously competent care team.

April 2022
Canterbury

Quite quick, nice staff, good communication.

April 2022
Hythe

Efficient, effective and carried out with care.

April 2022
Ashford

The doctor and nurse really looked after me.

April 2022
Margate

I was put at ease straight way and the whole procedure was explained to me. Very pleased with the treatment I received.

March 2022
Herne Bay

Excellent staff and very caring and professional.

March 2022
Folkestone

Treatment by Elizabeth has been exceptional.

March 2022
Ashford

Fitted me in quickly when I called. I was reassured throughout procedure, staff very friendly.

March 2022
Tonbridge

A warm welcome. Initial inspection. Great care by the Podiatrist Tanya.

March 2022
Margate

Couldn't of asked for better people to complete my op. Made me as comfortable as possible and was very friendly.

February 2022
Deal

Professional care with kindness.

February 2022
Folkestone

Staff were extremely helpful, explained the procedure clearly.

February 2022
Ashford

Staff were professional and friendly, giving reassurance throughout and also very informative.

February 2022
Canterbury

The staff were friendly and welcoming and very informative about the treatment.

January 2022
Maidstone

Lovely Kirstie, very knowledgable and lots of advice.

January 2022
Ashford

Allen and the nurse were very calming and made me feel that I was in safe hands. I felt I could trust them both very much.

January 2022
Dover

Really made me feel comfortable and were really friendly and explained everything to me.

January 2022
Gillingham

Treated politely and with respect and quickly and efficiently.

January 2022
Lordswood

Kind staff, made me feel at ease.

November 2022
Strood

Everything was explained clearly. Concerns were answered.

November 2022
Tenterden

Polite, friendly and very sympathetic.

November 2022
Rainham

So friendly and efficient. Putting me at ease.

November 2022
Rochester

Everything was explained properly. Very thorough. Right information. On time.

November 2022
Dover

Staff are kind and talkative. Nail was removed quickly and with no issues.

November 2022
Lordswood

The nurses and staff were amazing, thank you.

November 2022
Ashford

The team taking care of me were excellent, they had time and patience for me thank you.

November 2022
Canterbury

Talked through everything. Made to feel comfortable.

October 2022
Hoo

Caring staff, positive, often long period of care. I have no complaints.

October 2022
Whitstable

Very thorough and friendly.

October 2022
Coxheath

All members of staff were very caring and put me at ease throughout the procedure (a big thank you).

October 2022
Tunbridge Wells

I have had no problems. Sarah is a very good podiatrist and will always see me. I know my feet are in good hands.

October 2022
Sevenoaks

Sarah and Lisa were kind and caring and very reassuring, even had a bit of banter.

October 2022
Folkestone

Luke and Liz were fantastic at putting me at ease, they have made my life so much better. Only visited yesterday with my sister then had me in the next day for nail surgery.

October 2022
Dover

Very understanding and kind and knowledgeable staff.

October 2022
Margate

Adam and Kelly were excellent. No pain at al,l they were very reassuring. Excellent service. Thank you.

October 2022
Ashford

Very friendly caring staff, reassuring throughout. Made you feel at ease. Thank you.

September 2022
Hythe

Excellent, very friendly and thorough - excellent service.

September 2022
Folkestone

Clinician was timely, pleasant, knowledgeable, friendly, humorous and very active in the care they gave to my feet.

September 2022
Margate

Best care I've ever experienced. Nice, smiley people.

September 2022
Herne Bay

We have been very impressed with the service we have received. The care of putting a new dressing on the wound has been brilliant.

August 2022
Ashford

Nice staff friendly and welcoming, everything explained clearly.

August 2022
Deal

Prompt friendly and expert treatment. Found time to accommodate at short notice for minor emergency.

August 2022
New Romney

Any questions were answered clearly, good appointment times, friendly and helpful.

August 2022
Canterbury

Very attentive podiatrist and very patient.

July 2022
Margate

The people were very nice and reassuring. The procedure went very well. They explained it well.

August 2022
Maidstone

Vesna was extremely helpful, thorough. She certainly knows her job and told me how to continue.

July 2022
Folkestone

Staff on both occasions have been great, very caring and informative.

July 2022
Dover

They talked everything through with me, very efficient and treatment completed.

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