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Podiatry

NHS Orkney Podiatry carries out the assessment, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases and musculoskeletal problems affecting the feet and lower limbs.

NHS Orkney does not provide a toenail cutting service, this is classed as personal foot care.

How we can help you 

Once we’ve received your referral, it will be assessed for eligibility.  If accepted, you’ll receive an invitation for an initial assessment.

At your appointment we’ll carry out some basic tests regarding your circulation and sensation, and ask about your symptoms.  Once a diagnosis is reached the Podiatrist may offer some self care advice, however, if necessary you may need to return for further Podiatric specialist input.

Systemic disease management and prevention

If you have a systemic or chronic medical condition which has compromised the health of your lower limb and foot, the Podiatry team will help you manage it.  This may involve a combination of self care and Podiatric input, or may require onward referral to another specialist within our multidisciplinary team.

Conditions most commonly associated with this are Diabetes, Rheumatology, Peripheral Vascular Disease, Neurological disease, Immunocompromised and Chronic Kidney Disease.  These commonly affect the blood supply, tissue integrity and sensation.  Depending on the level of severity of your condition, will determine your risk category.

Wound management and prevention

It is important that active foot disease (wounds/ulcers) is treated by the Podiatry service in order to prevent infection and to have the best chance of healing.  We may require onward referral in order to achieve this as part of a multidisciplinary network.  Once the wound is healed the service will continue to monitor and reassess your condition regularly in order to prevent any further tissue breakdown.

If you think you have an active wound or ulcer, please self refer to our department as soon as possible, or contact your local GP practice.

Musculoskeletal (MSK) and Biomechanics

If you find yourself with any structural changes, or pain in your joints or soft tissues, you may need a biomechanical or musculoskeletal assessment.  This is in order to identify any anomalies in the posture and movement of the foot and lower limb.

We may issue you with strengthening exercises, stretches, strapping and possibly insoles (orthotics) in order to rehabilitate you.  Where necessary, you may be referred onwards to another of our multidisciplinary specialists for further investigation and treatment.

Minor Surgery

Our service offers minor surgery using local anaesthetic for the treatment of those with inflamed or infected in growing toenails, or verrucae that have not responded to conservative treatments.

If you feel you require minor surgery for any of the above, please complete a self referral form.

Useful resources:

Diabetes Leaflets:

Useful Websites:

Accessing Our Service:

Contact Information:

Podiatry Department

Outpatients A

The Balfour

Foreland Road

Kirkwall

KW15 1BH

The podiatry service is available to all ages. However, please note we are unable to offer a simple nail cutting or basic footcare service in line with the 2013 Personal Footcare guidance launched by the Scottish Government, which states this can no longer be provided by NHS Podiatry services except in a small number of cases, where eligible patients meet specific criteria.

 

For more information:

Getting in touch

We shall be delighted to hear from you, so here are the various ways of contacting us:

The Balfour

By telephone to:
01856 888100
(during office hours)

01856 888000
(out of hours)

By e-mail to:
ORK.feedback@nhs.scot

By letter to the address below:

Foreland Road
Kirkwall
Orkney
KW15 1NZ