Podiatry foot protection
Located in Doncaster.
The community podiatry foot protection service has a dedicated team of podiatrists who offer many types of foot care to people in the local area. We focus most on people who are at the highest risk of serious foot problems, including possible limb loss.
How we can help
Podiatry is the modern name for chiropody. The new name reflects how the profession has grown. Podiatrists now do much more than basic foot care, they assess, diagnose and treat conditions affecting the whole lower limb.
All our podiatrists work with people who are at risk. This means they have a health condition that makes problems with their legs or feet more likely. This can include diabetes, rheumatology conditions, some disabilities, poor circulation, or reduced feeling in the feet.
We also provide podiatry care in other places when needed, such as social services establishments, day centres, people’s homes, and local hospitals.
Our podiatrists work with other health and social care staff as part of a wider team. They also help in specialist clinics, including the diabetes foot ulcer clinic at Doncaster Royal Infirmary.
The work of podiatrists covers many more things than most people realise, including:
Do
- nail surgery
- sport injuries and biomechanics
- musculoskeletal assessment
- foot wound care
- foot health education
Don't
- do not provide a filing or toenail cutting service
- do not provide minor foot problems such as toenail cutting, verruca or hard skin
Nail surgery
All our podiatrists are trained to give local anaesthetic and to carry out nail surgery, for example to treat ingrown toenails.
Verruca dry needling
Verrucae that cause a lot of pain and have not improved with over‑the‑counter treatments may be referred for an assessment for dry needling. This procedure is done under local anaesthetic.
This treatment is not suitable for everyone, and it can take up to a year to know if it has worked.
Sport injuries and biomechanics, musculoskeletal assessment
Podiatrists look at how the lower limb works by checking your bones, muscles and joints. This helps them understand how and why foot and leg problems develop.
Many musculoskeletal problems can improve with orthoses. These are special insoles that, along with strengthening and stretching exercises, can help your feet work better.
Foot wound care
A wound (also called an ulcer) is an area where the skin has broken down and the tissue underneath is exposed. A foot ulcer can become infected, and in some cases the infection can become serious and may even lead to amputation.
All our podiatrists are trained to treat foot wounds. They will create a treatment plan and carry it out with you. Regular podiatry care is essential to help your ulcer improve and heal.
Foot health education
New and existing patients are invited to a foot health assessment. At this appointment, the podiatrist will talk with you and your carer, relative or friend if needed about how you can work together to keep your feet healthy.
We have created patient leaflets and videos to help you understand your foot condition and learn how to manage it.
Podiatry assessments
Within Doncaster, we run several podiatry (foot care) clinics. We check your feet, look at your medical needs, and agree a treatment plan with you.
What happens next depends on your level of risk:
- low risk: you will get self-care advice and then be discharged.
- moderate risk: you may get advice, treatment, and either be discharged or given a short course of treatment
- high risk: you may need regular check-ups and ongoing care, you will also get self-care advice to help reduce the chance of serious foot problems
Our goal is to help you understand your foot condition, know how to look after your feet safely, and know when and who to contact if you need help.
Non-urgent advice: How to get help
You can be referred by your GP or other health professional, or you may refer yourself directly to the department by completing an application form for a podiatry assessment.
You can be referred to the podiatry service by your GP or another health professional. You can also refer yourself by filling in a podiatry assessment form.
Paper copies of the form are available from Cantley Health Centre or from your nearest health centre, clinic, or GP surgery. You can also ask for the form to be sent to you by email.
Please note, we can only provide care to people who are registered with a Doncaster GP and who meet our foot health criteria.
Contact the service
-
Address
Cantley Health Centre
Middleham Road
Cantley
Doncaster
South Yorkshire
DN4 6ED -
Phone
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Online
Using our online system also allows you to:
- contact our admin teams online and receive text or email responses
- cancel appointments (if you are cancelling with less than 24 hours’ notice, please call us instead)
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Page last reviewed: January 16, 2026
Next review due: January 16, 2027
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