Foot Care

GO DIRECT: Podiatry specialise in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of a wide of conditions affecting the feet.

Podiatry Services can help to address foot pain and injuries or managing infections and structural issues.

NHS Lothian Podiatry Services

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person having their feet examined by a podiatrist
Podiatry - information

If you have a condition listed in the emergency or urgent section you will receive a phone call or letter with an appointment.

If your referral is routine we will let you know you have been added to the waiting list.

Emergency: we aim to see you within 2 days

If you have exposed tissue or complications due to diabetes it is important you get help as soon as possible.

We will be able to issue an appointment if you suffer from the following:

Ulceration on your foot - this is when the tissue is exposed. Call 999 if you showing signs of a fever or sepsis.

Charcot Foot - This is a serious complication of diabetes that develops if you have nerve damage and may have:

  • A red, hot, swollen toe or foot
  • A new break of wound in the skin
  • New redness or discolouration of your toe or foot
  • New or unexplained pain in your foot.

Urgent Conditions: we will aim to see you within 8 weeks

If your condition is having a serious impact on your day to day activities we will try to see you as quickly as possible.

  • Have ingrown nails (please let us know if you are taking medication for this)
  • Have curved nails with infection
  • Have Diabetes and have a foot risk category of moderate, high risk or in remission 
  • Are in the armed forces or a veteran
  • Are unable to carry out your day to day responsibilities at work or study or as a carer due to a prior condition. 

Non-urgent Conditions: we will aim to see you within 12 weeks

If your condition is causing you pain or discomfort but isn’t stopping you doing your day to day activities we will book you in for a routine appointment.

We will provide an assessment for routine foot care such as a painful nail, corn or callous if you have a medical diagnosis of:

  • Peripheral arterial disease
  • Neuropathy
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Neurological disorders (e.g. Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Stroke)
  • Cancer – and are undergoing chemotherapy
  • Foot/ leg amputation
  • Chronic Kidney Disease stage 4 or 5
  • A condition that suppresses your immune system
  • Diabetes, if you have a risk category of moderate/high risk/in remission we will aim to see you within 8 weeks. 

Further advice and support regarding foot care