Frequently Asked Questions

In the UK, podiatrist and chiropodist are protected professional titles for registered healthcare professionals who assess, diagnose and treat conditions affecting the feet and lower limbs.

Today, the term podiatrist is more commonly used, but both titles refer to the same regulated profession. Anyone using either title must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Happy Feet Hub provides a range of podiatry services, including:

• routine foot care;
• corn and callus treatment;
• nail care;
• ingrowing toenail treatment;
• fungal nail assessment and treatment;
• verruca treatment;
• diabetic foot assessments;
• wound and skin assessments where appropriate;
• medical pedicures;
• sports podiatry;
• biomechanical assessments;
• orthotic advice;
• nail surgery;
• foot-health advice and ongoing care.

Please see our Treatments & Prices page for the current full list of services.

Yes. We assess and treat ingrowing toenails using conservative treatment where appropriate.

If the problem is persistent, recurrent or unsuitable for conservative care, nail surgery may be discussed. A separate assessment is required before any surgical procedure is arranged.

Yes. We provide diabetic foot assessments for people living with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

An assessment may include checks of circulation, sensation, skin condition, nail health and areas of pressure, together with personalised advice on maintaining foot health and reducing the risk of complications.

Yes. We can review existing orthotics, assess whether they remain suitable and discuss any problems you may be experiencing with comfort, fit or function.

Where appropriate, we can also carry out a biomechanical assessment or advise whether further specialist assessment or onward referral is needed.

If your condition requires care outside the services we provide, your podiatrist will explain this and advise on the most appropriate next step.

This may include recommending assessment by your GP, a dermatologist, vascular service, orthopaedic team, imaging provider or another appropriate healthcare professional.

Yes. Home visits may be available for patients who are unable to attend one of our clinic locations because of mobility difficulties, illness, disability or other practical reasons.

Availability may depend on your location, the type of treatment required and appointment capacity.

Home-visit availability depends on location and travel distance.

Please contact Happy Feet Hub with your postcode and we will confirm whether we currently provide home appointments in your area.

Home appointments may be suitable for:

• older adults with reduced mobility;
• people living with a disability;
• patients recovering from illness or surgery;
• people who find travelling to a clinic difficult;
• patients who require routine foot care but are unable to attend in person.

Suitability will depend on the treatment required, as some procedures are more appropriately carried out in a clinic setting.

We will always try to accommodate urgent concerns where appointment availability allows.

If you have a new wound, spreading redness, significant swelling, signs of infection, sudden changes in skin colour, severe pain or another rapidly worsening problem, please contact us promptly.

Some urgent symptoms may require assessment by your GP, NHS 111, an urgent treatment centre or emergency services rather than a routine podiatry appointment.

Appointments can be booked online, by telephone, WhatsApp or email.

If you are unsure which service or clinic location is most appropriate, please contact us before booking and we will help you choose the right appointment.

Book an appointment online or contact Happy Feet Hub.

You usually do not need to do anything special before a routine podiatry appointment.

Where relevant, please bring:

• a list of your current medications;
• details of important medical conditions;
• information about previous foot treatment or surgery;
• any orthotics or insoles you currently use;
• footwear you regularly wear if attending for a biomechanical or sports assessment.

Please avoid applying nail varnish before a nail assessment where possible, particularly if you are attending because of changes in the appearance of the nail.

Yes. A relative, carer or another person can contact us to help arrange an appointment on your behalf.

We may still need to speak directly with the patient where appropriate, particularly when discussing medical information, consent, treatment decisions or personal data.

Our Manchester clinics are at Unit 20, Pollard Yard, 15 Pollard St East, Manchester M40 7QX, and Bromley Yard, 2 Peary St, Manchester M4 4LT.