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.
If you need advanced problem-solving or diagnostic skills to find out what is wrong with your feet, you will usually need a podiatrist rather than a foot health practitioner. If you have a health condition which may affect your feet, a podiatrist is a good choice as their training and knowledge will likely cover this in detail.
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. Their training covers practical skills and a basic knowledge of health conditions. They trim nails, remove callus, corns and may treat verrucas. Many work in the community although a few do have their own clinics.
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 (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 (homeless charity).
