Questions and answers
Straight answers about booking, prices and each treatment. If your question isn't here, call or text and Ray will help.
Booking and visiting
Do I need a GP referral to see a podiatrist?
- No. Ray's Podiatry is a private clinic, so you can book directly by phone or email without a referral.
How much does it cost to see a podiatrist in Rochdale?
- At Ray's Podiatry your first appointment, an initial assessment with routine treatment included, is £47.50 and takes 45 minutes. After that, routine treatment is £39, diabetic nail care is £25, biomechanical and sports injury assessments are £65, and ingrown toenail surgery is £275 for one nail or £350 for two.
What happens at my first appointment?
- Ray takes your medical history, checks the circulation and sensation in your feet, and talks through what's bothering you. Routine treatment for nails, hard skin and corns is included, so you're treated the same day. It takes about 45 minutes.
How do I book an appointment?
- Call or text 07401 079746, email rayspodiatry@outlook.com, or send a request through the form on the contact page. Ray will get back to you to confirm a time.
Where is Ray's Podiatry?
- The clinic is at Castleton Health & Leisure Centre, Manchester Road, Castleton, Rochdale OL11 3AF, in Castleton on the south-west side of Rochdale.
Is there parking at the clinic?
- Yes. There's a car park beside the building on Manchester Road.
What should I bring to my appointment?
- A list of any medication you take and the shoes you wear most. For a biomechanical or sports injury assessment, bring shorts and your sports shoes too.
Is a podiatrist the same as a chiropodist?
- Yes. Podiatrist is the modern name for a chiropodist. Both treat the feet and lower legs, from routine nail care to nail surgery and sports injuries.
How often should I see a podiatrist?
- For routine nail and skin care, most people come every 6 to 8 weeks. For a specific problem such as heel pain, Ray will set out a plan with follow-up appointments as needed.
Routine foot care
Treatment details and priceHow often should I have routine foot care?
- Most people book every 6 to 8 weeks, which is about how long nails and hard skin take to build up again. Ray will suggest an interval that suits your feet.
Do I need an initial assessment first?
- Yes, if you're new to the clinic. The 45-minute initial assessment (£47.50) includes routine treatment, so you're treated at your first visit.
Does routine foot care hurt?
- It shouldn't. Hard skin and corns are dead tissue, and Ray works carefully around sensitive areas. Tell him if anything feels uncomfortable.
Ingrown toenail surgery
Treatment details and priceIs ingrown toenail surgery painful?
- The anaesthetic injection stings for a few seconds. After that the toe is numb, so you shouldn't feel pain during the procedure. Some soreness afterwards is normal and usually eases with everyday painkillers.
How long does recovery take?
- Most people are back in normal shoes within a week or two, though the toe can take a few weeks to heal completely. Ray will explain dressings and aftercare before you leave.
Will the nail grow back?
- When the nail bed is treated as part of the procedure, the removed section usually doesn't grow back. Ray will explain the approach for your nail before starting.
Can I drive home afterwards?
- It's best not to. Arrange a lift if you can, as the toe will still be numb.
Diabetic foot care
Treatment details and priceI already have NHS diabetic foot checks. Should I see a private podiatrist too?
- The two work together. Your annual NHS check grades your risk; regular nail and skin care between checks stops small problems building up. Tell Ray about any NHS podiatry you already have.
Is it safe to cut my own toenails if I have diabetes?
- Many people with diabetes can, carefully. If the feeling or circulation in your feet is reduced, your eyesight is poor or your nails are thick, it's safer to have a podiatrist cut them, because a small cut can turn into a serious wound.
How often should I come for diabetic nail care?
- Many diabetic patients come every 6 to 8 weeks. Ray will recommend an interval after your assessment.
Heel pain and plantar fasciitis
Treatment details and priceHow long does plantar fasciitis last?
- It often settles within several months with the right care, but it can last longer if the cause isn't dealt with. Starting treatment early usually shortens recovery.
Will insoles fix my heel pain?
- They can help when the way your foot moves is overloading the heel. Ray will assess whether orthotics are right for you, alongside stretching, strengthening and footwear changes.
Should I stop walking or exercising?
- Not usually. Cut back on what makes it worse, but gentle activity and daily stretching help it recover.
Biomechanical assessment and orthotics
Treatment details and priceDo I need orthotics?
- Not always. Many problems improve with footwear changes, stretching and strengthening. Ray only recommends orthotics when they're likely to help.
Are the orthotics included in the £65?
- The £65 covers the assessment and the orthotics prescription. Ask about the cost of the insoles themselves when you book.
Can foot problems cause knee or back pain?
- They can. The way your feet take your weight affects the joints above them, which is why the assessment looks at how you stand and walk, not only at your feet.
Fungal nail treatment
Treatment details and priceHow long does fungal nail treatment take to work?
- It takes patience. Toenails grow slowly, so it can take a year or more for a clear nail to replace the infected one. Keeping up treatment at home matters as much as the clinic visit.
Are fungal nails contagious?
- The infection can spread to other nails and to other people, often starting as athlete's foot. Don't share towels or nail clippers, and treat athlete's foot early.
When should I see a GP about a fungal nail?
- If the infection is severe or spreading, or you have diabetes or a weakened immune system, see your GP as well. Antifungal tablets are sometimes needed.
Corns and hard skin
Treatment details and priceWhat's the difference between a corn and a callus?
- A callus is a broad patch of hard skin, usually on the heel or ball of the foot. A corn is smaller and deeper, with a hard core that presses into the skin, which is why corns hurt.
Will my corn come back?
- It can, if the pressure that caused it carries on. Removing the corn eases the pain; changing footwear, padding or insoles deals with the cause. Regular routine treatment keeps them under control.
Should I use corn plasters?
- The NHS advises against medicated corn plasters if you have diabetes, circulation problems or fragile skin, because the acid in them can damage healthy skin. Ask Ray first.
Verruca treatment
Treatment details and priceAre verrucae contagious?
- Yes. They spread through direct contact and on wet surfaces such as changing room floors. Covering the verruca and not sharing towels or footwear helps.
Will one treatment clear my verruca?
- Usually not. Verrucae often need several treatments over weeks or months, and some clear on their own. Ray will tell you what to expect for yours.
Can I go swimming with a verruca?
- Yes. Cover it with a waterproof plaster or wear a verruca sock so it doesn't spread to others.
Sports injuries
Treatment details and priceDo I have to stop training?
- Not always. Many injuries respond to adjusting your training load rather than complete rest. Ray will tell you what's safe to keep doing.
Can you recommend running shoes?
- Yes. Footwear is part of the assessment, and you'll get guidance on what suits your feet and your sport.
Sensi Pedi
Treatment details and priceIs a Sensi Pedi the same as a salon pedicure?
- No. It's carried out by a podiatrist, so nails, corns and hard skin are treated clinically, with the soak, scrub and creams of a pedicure added.
Can I have a Sensi Pedi if I have diabetes?
- Talk to Ray first. He'll check whether a soak and scrub suit your skin and circulation, or recommend diabetic foot care instead.