FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I come to The Exeter Clinic for my footcare?

Your foot, ankle and leg problems are our priority.
Solving your current issue(s) and preventing a return or the development of new problems is achieved with access to a world class service through our team of dedicated experts.

From first contact we have the right people in place to help you reach your goal.

Combining friendly, helpful expert knowledge and extensive experience with tried and tested systems and processes means that we can use the facilities and cutting edge technology that is available under one roof to provide you with effective solutions.

In 2025 our team will include 5 Podiatrists, 2 receptionists, 1 practice manager and 1 clinical director.

Of those, members of the team have; mentored University Podiatry degree programmes with over 30 years of clinical experience through to those with 7 to 15 years of clinical experience. We also have more recent graduates with the latest thinking and training within the field of Podiatry as well as having other specialisms including sport and exercise science that compliment the services available to patients.

The team have “areas of interest” where they focus on specific areas including ingrown toenails and surgery, biomechanics, orthoses, rehabilitation, fungal infections and laser therapy.

When you place your trust in The Exeter Clinic we believe that you should have access to the knowledge and experience of the whole team and as such, may make recommendations accordingly so you can get the most from your time with us. We look forward to seeing you soon.

As a private clinic we do not provide care via the NHS. We can however make referrals into the NHS and many patients access our initial appointments and opt for a referral.
Yes, car parking is available:
Complete and current details are provided automatically when you book your appointment, in your appointment confirmation email.
Yes, Complete and current details are provided automatically when you book your appointment, in your appointment confirmation email.

Initial appointments and all online bookings require a payment at the time of booking.

Existing patients who pay in the clinic can do so using a credit or debit card. We are unable to accept cash, cheques or American Express.

Yes, follow these 4 easy steps:
Yes, If you have not visited the clinic in the preceding 12 months.
Yes, If you have not visited the clinic in the preceding 12 months.
Yes. They are very welcome to join you in the waiting room and clinical rooms. There are complimentary refreshments available if they are waiting for you.
We love our furry friends (check out our bio’s) but encourage patients to make alternative arrangements for the well being of their pet and to respect and avoid disruption to other users of the clinic. Service animals are welcome in clinic rooms. By prior arrangement, well behaved dogs can be accommodated in the waiting room – please contact the clinic in advance to avoid disruption / disappointment.

Completed forms mean we can prepare ahead of your visit to provide you with the best service and advice.

This also avoids the need to use some of your valuable, allotted appointment time, to complete the required form(s).

Some treatments can be uncomfortable or painful. We will always advise you in writing and verbally ahead of any treatment if this is a possibility. You can of course choose to stop a treatment at any point in time, for any reason.

This will depend upon what you present with, and what you are asking us to do.

We will provide you with written and verbal information and advice on the options available to help you achieve your goals.

The options provided to you will cover different treatment modalities / durations / success rates / costs.

We will provide you with this information in advance of your chosen treatments commencing and it is important to understand that being provided with options does not mean that you have to have any treatment carried out.

Food and drink may be consumed in the waiting area.

For safety, food and drink cannot be consumed in the treatment rooms.

We will always try to provide you with appointments that meet your requirements. Appointments are however subject to availability.
Yes

Yes

“Minor” issues are covered in standard or initial appointments.

There is no reduced rate for “simple” or “basic” services as we put your health first and only provide comprehensive, gold standard care rather than a reduced, ‘cheap’ service. As they say, you get what you pay for. Quality treatment still requires that we carry out appropriate checks, instrument sterilisation, staffing and book the facilities for your use.

Yes – our team of Podiatrists provide a wide range of services. For more information on the terms Chiropodist and Podiatrist please refer to the next item “What’s the difference between a Chiropodist and a Podiatrist?”

Chiropodist: From the Greek words “cheir” (hand) and “pous” (foot), originally referring to the care of both hands and feet, though now it’s primarily used for foot care.

Podiatrist: From Greek pous, pod- ‘foot’ + iatros ‘physician’.

“Chiropody” was the original term used in the UK to describe the profession of foot care, while “podiatry” is the more internationally recognised term, especially in the USA.

In the UK, the profession transitioned from being called “chiropody” to “podiatry” in the early 1990s, aligning with international usage.

Both chiropodists and podiatrists are healthcare professionals who specialise in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions affecting the feet and lower limbs. They both address a wide range of foot problems, including common issues like ingrown toenails, bunions, and plantar fasciitis, as well as more complex conditions.

Podiatrist training involves a bachelor’s or master’s degree in podiatry and can be followed by further, specialised training.

Podiatrists and Chiropodists are expected to engage in ongoing learning and professional development to stay abreast of the latest advancements in their field.

To practice, both chiropodists and podiatrists must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) in the UK.

Orthoses can be broadly categorised as bespoke, semi-bespoke, modular, prefabricated, off the shelf or library devices based upon the process of design, manufacture and supply.
Bespoke orthoses typically provide the prescribing podiatrist with the greatest flexibility in terms of material and prescription choices available, in order to meet the exact design brief and needs of the patient.

Whilst other forms of orthoses can sacrifice the material and design choices available, they usually have the benefit of a lower cost and/or reduced wait time.

Whilst not always the case, the lifespan of bespoke orthoses is often greater than other methods of production.

The quality of the fit, up against the foot shape is usually superior with bespoke orthoses although some non-bespoke orthoses can be modified to provide a suitable fit.

With advances in digital technology, material science and production methods this is an ever evolving area of podiatry that continues to push the boundaries of what is possible, in order to alter timing and loading patterns during gait to bring comfort and health benefits to patients.

Further information on orthoses is freely available by contacting The Exeter Clinic (01392) 217333.

No, we believe the team perform at their best for you, if they get to enjoy some downtime as well.

Subject to availability, 0900 and 1630 for “standard appointments”. 0900 and 1615 for “Initial appointments”. We are closed between 1300 and 1400 for lunch. Other appointment types such as nail surgery may differ and information regarding this is available from reception on 01392 217333.

If you have any of the following items that are relevant, please bring them to your appointment to help us to help you:

Comfortable, loose fitting clothing. Please avoid compression hosiery and short skirts where possible. Patients attending a gait assessment should bring above knee shorts (lycra is best) and sports top / t-shirt to change into. If you are unsure please contact reception on 01392 217333 for further clarity.

Yes – this will provide us with a clear view of your nails (even if you aren’t attending with a nail related concern). It will avoid your appointment time being used to remove the polish, so you can get the most from your allotted appointment time.

No. Although you may be understandably nervous about experiencing pain, The Exeter Clinic team are very gentle and are here to help you get out of pain as quickly as possible. Letting us know where you experience, or fear having pain will enable us to avoid this happening and to help you.