Frequently Asked Questions

Fairford (By Appointment Only)

Tues : 09:30 – 16:00
Home Visiting (am) | Clinic (pm)

Faringdon (By Appointment Only)

Wed : 09:30 – 16:00
Home Visiting Only

Thur : 09:30 – 16:00
Home Visiting Only

To ensure appointments run smoothly and time is managed fairly for all patients and clients, The Considerate Practice operates a clear cancellation and rescheduling policy.

Full details — including notice periods and any applicable charges — can be found by visiting the CANCELLATION POLICY

Patients often choose to see a Foot Health Practitioner for routine foot care when experiencing common concerns such as corns, calluses (hard skin), athlete’s foot, warts, or verrucae.
At The Considerate Practice, the practitioner also supports patients with toenail issues including non-surgical ingrown nails, fungal nail infections, and thickened nails — all managed within a routine foot health appointment.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

History

For new patients, the practitioner will take a full medical, medication, and lifestyle history. Returning patients will have their details reviewed and updated as needed.
All information is collected privately and stored securely to ensure confidentiality and peace of mind.

Assessment

Before any treatment begins, the practitioner will carry out a visual — and when appropriate, a hands-on — assessment to understand the cause of the concern and determine the most effective treatment plan.

Treatment

Once the treatment plan has been agreed, care is provided in a clean, calm environment using sterile instruments and up-to-date foot health techniques.
The aim is always to deliver safe, evidence-informed care that helps patients move more comfortably and feel well supported.

We offer two key specialist treatments for stubborn skin and nail conditions:

Fungal Nails – Lacuna Method

This technique creates tiny micro-holes in the nail plate so antifungal medication can reach the nail bed, where the infection sits. It’s ideal for mild–moderate fungal infections and works best alongside a consistent home-care routine. Results take time as the nail grows out.

Verrucae – Verrutop

After gently removing the hard skin, Verrutop is applied directly to the verruca. Treatments are usually every two weeks, with most people needing around three sessions. It’s a gentle, targeted option with a strong success rate.

Simple conditions such as corns and calluses (hard skin) and minor nail complaints are treated in one session. Recurring conditions and those that need a treatment  plan such as verrucae, fungal infections etc. often need regular treatment. The treatment regime is determined by your practitioner who will discuss this with you.

Most people benefit from regular routine foot care appointments. At each visit, the practitioner not only treats the immediate concern but also reviews overall foot, lower-limb, and general wellbeing.

Just as routine dental and eye examinations help maintain long-term health, ongoing foot care plays an essential role in keeping patients mobile, comfortable, and well.

Foot Health Practitioners and Podiatrists both support people with their foot health. When the title “Chiropodist” and “Podiatrist” became protected in 2005/6, the Foot Health Practitioner role was introduced.

Foot Health Practitioners are diploma-trained and focus on routine care such as nail trimming, corns, calluses, fungal issues, verrucae, and support for well-controlled diabetics. Some complete extra training or later move into podiatry.

Belinda is a Foot Health Practitioner who qualified back in 2004 and therefore has a wealth of knowledge and experience under her belt. 

Podiatrists are degree-trained, can work privately or in the NHS, and treat higher-risk patients. They can perform minor surgery, specialise in certain areas, and provide routine care. Many are registered with the HCPC.