What is a Podiatrist and who will I meet at Greensteps Podiatry?
Podiatrists (also called Chiropodists) are experts in all aspects of foot ankle and leg care. They differ from Foot Health Practitioners (FHPs) in that all podiatrists have qualified with a three year university degree in Podiatry. Legally, podiatrists must maintain their registration with the Health & Care Professions Council and keep their skills and knowledge up to date with continuing professional development.
You can check if your Podiatrist is registered by clicking here.
Podiatrists use a wide range of skills and equipment to keep feet in good order, including all aspects of general podiatry. They perform the surgical removal of ingrown toenails, can offer SWIFT verruca treatments and supply some medicines which would otherwise only be available on prescription. Some Podiatrists are also members of the Royal College of Podiatry which gives them access to further professional training and support. They have knowledge of gait and lower limb biomechanics. This is useful for those who have foot pain or injury and for people who live with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease, Charcot-Marie-Tooth and Cerebral Palsy.
A Foot Health Practitioner carries out general duties to keep feet healthy and in good working order. Although qualifications vary, some have a Diploma and work to the standards of their training body. They trim nails, remove callus, corns and may treat verrucas. At Greensteps Podiatry, our FHPs work with appropriate professional insurance and have access to a qualified podiatrist when required.
About Greensteps Podiatry
A passion for reducing single-use paper and plastics and a focus on sustainability led to the concept of Greensteps Podiatry. Healthcare is well known for its use of disposables. Since the pandemic, increased use of PPE and enhanced cleaning protocols have increased this many times over.
Greensteps started out with a commitment to consider each aspect of the business in the light of reducing waste, reusing and recycling where possible. Our aim is to promote healthier and more sustainable approaches to the essential practices and equipment we need in podiatry whilst maintaining the highest standards of clinical practice.
So far, we have committed to printing on recycled paper, reusing freestanding kitchen units and fittings for our clinic and investing in reuseable sterilisable instruments and some reusable steriliser pouches. We cut down on our disposable paper towels by using washable cloths and we refill cleaning products at the station at our local health store Mother Nature. Watch this space for more progress. Please check out our socials and join the debate.
Greensteps started out with a commitment to consider each aspect of the business in the light of reducing waste, reusing and recycling where possible. Our aim is to promote healthier and more sustainable approaches to the essential practices and equipment we need in podiatry whilst maintaining the highest standards of clinical practice.
So far, we have committed to printing on recycled paper, reusing freestanding kitchen units and fittings for our clinic and investing in reuseable sterilisable instruments and some reusable steriliser pouches. We cut down on our disposable paper towels by using washable cloths and we refill cleaning products at the station at our local health store Mother Nature. Watch this space for more progress. Please check out our socials and join the debate.
Meet Lara Cartwright, Principal Podiatrist, BSc (Hons) MRCPod
Originally from a family farm on the Lincolnshire Wolds, Lara minds deeply about her carbon footprint and tries to minimise this where possible. A passion for reducing single-use plastics led to the concept of Greensteps Podiatry whilst she was studying at university.
Lara has several years of experience of working in the NHS in Leicestershire and South Warwickshire and in private clinics in Warwickshire and Cambridgeshire. As a Member of the Royal College of Podiatry, Lara believes in ensuring the highest standards of care.
Lara graduated with a first-class honours degree from the University of Northampton and the prize for the highest mark in the Clinical Studies (practical) examination.
She has a special interest in helping people to stay healthy and age well from middle years into older age. She recently volunteered her podiatry services at the 2019 Virgin Money London Marathon and for Crisis at Christmas 2020 (homeless charity).
Lara has several years of experience of working in the NHS in Leicestershire and South Warwickshire and in private clinics in Warwickshire and Cambridgeshire. As a Member of the Royal College of Podiatry, Lara believes in ensuring the highest standards of care.
Lara graduated with a first-class honours degree from the University of Northampton and the prize for the highest mark in the Clinical Studies (practical) examination.
She has a special interest in helping people to stay healthy and age well from middle years into older age. She recently volunteered her podiatry services at the 2019 Virgin Money London Marathon and for Crisis at Christmas 2020 (homeless charity).
Meet Elle Richardson, Foot Health Practitioner, SAC Dip RFHP
Born in Salisbury and raised in Lincolnshire since the age of three, Elle now lives in Sleaford with her husband and two children.
Elle has spent many years working with adults with learning disabilities and autism supporting them to live a fulfilled life and empowering them to achieve their goals.
Since qualifying as a registered Foot Health Practitioner at the Stonebridge Institute, Elle’s passion has been to ensure every client is happy, comfortable and feeling confident with their feet.
With a particular enjoyment in ridding clients of painful corns, Elle can help to make your feet flourish by removing callused skin, trimming and filing nails, reducing thickened nails and treating verrucas. Elle is a firm believer in all aspects of Reduce Reuse Recycle.
Elle has spent many years working with adults with learning disabilities and autism supporting them to live a fulfilled life and empowering them to achieve their goals.
Since qualifying as a registered Foot Health Practitioner at the Stonebridge Institute, Elle’s passion has been to ensure every client is happy, comfortable and feeling confident with their feet.
With a particular enjoyment in ridding clients of painful corns, Elle can help to make your feet flourish by removing callused skin, trimming and filing nails, reducing thickened nails and treating verrucas. Elle is a firm believer in all aspects of Reduce Reuse Recycle.