When you come for your first appointment at our clinic in Burgess Hill, you may be wondering wha to expect. Maybe you’ve never been to see a podiatrist before or your first visit to our clinic, either way you are most welcome and we are looking forward to seeing you.

Initial Assessment

Most people start with a standard appointment. This allows us to look at your concern in detail and discuss possible treatment options. In some cases, treatment can begin during this first appointment, while in others, a follow-up may be needed. We will ask questions about your symptoms, how long you have had the issue, and what you hope to achieve from treatment, so that our approach is focused on what matters most to you.

Medical History

We always take a full medical history at the beginning of the appointment. You might wonder what this has to do with your feet, but it is very important. Many medical conditions, medications, or previous surgeries can affect foot health. Knowing about these helps us provide a safe, effective treatment plan and ensures that any underlying issues are taken into account.

Checking Circulation

Next, we will check the blood flow to your feet. We do this by feeling pulses and using a Doppler, a small ultrasound device, to listen to the blood moving through the arteries. Good circulation is essential for foot health, and the Doppler can also reveal the rhythm of the pulse. Occasionally, irregular heartbeats are picked up during routine podiatry assessments, and if this happens, we will let your GP know so they can follow up.

Assessing Sensation

We will also check the sensation in your feet. We do this by asking if you have experienced any altered sensation. We may also use a small flexible wire, called a 10g monofilament on certain points of your foot to check the protective sensation. We do this understand if you would notice an injury or pressure, this is especially important if you have a medical condition that may affect the your nerves.

Treatment and Next Steps

Finally, we will provide you with treatment options and many times are able to start treating your problem there and then. We may recommend a follow up appointment and give you a guide as to when that should be and if you need a referral on to another healthcare professional.

Booking Your Appointment

If you are thinking of booking your first appointment, we would be delighted to welcome you to our clinic. You can book online at www.parksidepodiatry.co.uk or call our reception team on 01444 849873.