FAQs
You have questions, we have answers...
Do you take private health insurance patients?
Currently 4D Podiatry does not take private health insurance as payment but we're working on it.
When can I book in?
Emma currently works part time on Monday evenings at 4D Podiatry.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Emma takes a full medical history and will need to examine you from the pelvis down. To aid with this process please bring any names of medication you take, any footwear you frequently wear for daily activities such as work, sports and anything else you think may help with the assessment.  Please also bring any existing foot orthoses (insoles) with you and anything else you think may help with the assessment.
What should I wear for my appointment?
Emma will likely conduct a treadmill or over-ground gait analysis so shorts can be useful to wear for this. If you are not comfortable with showing your legs please let Emma know before hand so she can consider alternative assessment techniques.
Is there parking at the clinic?
Yes we have a private, off-road car park
How long will my initial appointment take?
You will be allocated an hour long slot and will be seen for about 50 minutes to allow for Emma to report her findings and write any GP letters necessary.
Will the assessment hurt?
Most people come to see Emma because of pain caused by walking, running or occupational tasks at work. To be sure of the nature of the problem she will undertake a number of quick tests that will sometimes aim to reproduce your pain. This is undertaken very carefully and you are in control at all times should you wish to stop the assessment.
Will I have to come back for follow up appointments?
This very much depends on your problem. If the condition is easy to manage with one appointment then we may only follow up by phone or leave you to return if you think you need to. If, however, you begin a care plan involving rehabilitation or other progressive therapy, you will be offered the number of appointments needed to see through the plan.
Why should I see a podiatrist?
Podiatrists undertake a three year degree in the assessment and management of foot and lower limb conditions across all systems (vascular, neurological, musculoskeletal, dermatological etc). All podiatrists in the UK must by law be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council, the Government's regulator for the Allied Health Professions. You can check if your pracitioner is registered at http://www.hpc-uk.org/check/. Emma's HCPC number is CH12701 and she has annotations to access and administer some prescription only medicines with her registration. Â
The HCPC audits the professions it regulates and ensures its registrants are safe to practice.
Is Emma insured for third part liability?
Yes. Emma is a member of the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists and is insured against third party liability. You should always check if private practitioners of any description are a) insured sufficiently and b) regulated, to be confident of the standard of care you can expect eg sterile instruments, up to date continuous professional development including basic life support etc. Be safe and check! Don't assume a fancy sign over the door means insured and safe to practice.
What qualifications does Emma have in musculoskeletal podiatry?
Emma began her training in musculoskeletal (MSK) podiatry in 1992 and graduated in 1995. In 2001 she started a part time MSc in Clinical Podiatric Biomechanics and graduated again in 2005. In 2011 Emma undertook a masters module in Injection therapy for health professionals (Corticosteroid) and she also has competency training (CPD short courses) in radial shockwave therapy, manual therapy and foot orthotic therapy. Emma patented a foot orthotic device which she used for her research into the effects of foot orthoses on strength and stiffness of the foot and ankle. She is currently in the final year of her PhD studying the Effects of Prolonged Running on the Biomechanics of the Foot and ankle.
Emma has published from her MSc and PhD research in international peer reviewed journals and disseminated her work at conferences nationally and internationally.
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