Richmond & Kensington, London
Diabetic Foot Care in
Richmond & Kensington
Specialist diabetic foot screenings, biomechanical assessment and preventative care by HCPC-registered podiatrists. Helping you protect your feet and avoid serious complications.
HCPC Registered
Gait & Biomechanical Assessment
Custom Orthotics Available
No Referral Needed
Diabetes is a chronic condition affecting how the body processes blood sugar (glucose). When blood glucose is poorly controlled over time, it can cause progressive damage to nerves and blood vessels throughout the body — and the feet are particularly vulnerable.
In the UK, diabetes affects over 5 million people and is one of the leading causes of lower limb amputation. The good news is that with the right preventative care and regular podiatry monitoring, the vast majority of diabetic foot complications are avoidable. Regular diabetic foot screenings are a critical part of staying healthy and mobile.
Type 1
Type 1 Diabetes
~10%
of people with diabetes
An autoimmune condition where the body's immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, resulting in no insulin production at all. Blood glucose rises rapidly without insulin injections. Type 1 is not related to diet or lifestyle and is typically diagnosed in childhood or early adulthood.
Type 2
Type 2 Diabetes
~90%
of people with diabetes
The body either doesn't produce enough insulin, or the insulin it produces doesn't work effectively (insulin resistance). Blood glucose rises gradually over time. Type 2 is influenced by a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors. Up to 58% of cases can be delayed or prevented through a healthy lifestyle — but once diagnosed, it requires careful management.
Diabetes can damage the small blood vessels that supply the skin and the nerves responsible for sensation — a process known as peripheral neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease. When both sensation and circulation are impaired, even minor injuries to the foot can go unnoticed and deteriorate rapidly into serious complications.
This is why diabetic foot care is not routine maintenance — it is genuinely preventative medicine that can be the difference between a minor foot issue and a life-changing amputation.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Nerve damage causing reduced or absent sensation — injuries go unnoticed and worsen undetected.
Poor Circulation
Reduced blood flow impairs the delivery of oxygen and nutrients needed for healing.
Increased Infection Risk
High blood glucose creates an environment where bacteria thrive, and the immune response is weakened.
Poor Wound Healing
Even small cuts, blisters or pressure areas can take weeks to heal or fail to heal altogether.
Foot Ulceration
Open wounds that fail to heal, often on pressure points. A leading cause of hospitalisation in people with diabetes.
Risk of Amputation
Untreated ulcers can lead to tissue death and infection requiring partial or full amputation. Up to 80% of amputations are preventable with regular podiatry care.
At The Functional Podiatrist, we provide comprehensive diabetic foot screenings and ongoing preventative care at our Richmond and Kensington clinics. Our goal is to identify problems early, reduce your risk, and give you the tools and knowledge to protect your feet between appointments.
01
Comprehensive Diabetic Foot Screening
A thorough assessment of your foot health including vascular assessment (circulation), neurological testing (sensation), skin and nail inspection, and a review of your footwear. We use this to classify your risk level and determine the appropriate frequency of future appointments.
02
Gait & Biomechanical Assessment
Using our treadmill with Onform joint tracking software, we assess how you walk and identify areas of abnormal pressure or loading. In people with diabetes, these high-pressure areas carry a significantly elevated risk of developing ulcers. We use line drawing and visual overlays to show you exactly what is happening so you understand your own risk areas clearly.
03
Custom Orthotics & Offloading
Using our gait assessment findings, our podiatrists can prescribe custom orthotic devices designed specifically to redistribute pressure away from high-risk areas of your foot. This is one of the most effective preventative strategies for reducing ulceration risk in people with diabetic neuropathy.
04
Routine Foot Care
Safe nail cutting, corn and callus removal, and skin care carried out with the additional precautions necessary for diabetic patients — including sterile instruments and careful wound avoidance. Routine foot care is especially important when sensation is reduced and self-care becomes riskier.
05
Footwear Assessment & Advice
Poorly fitting footwear is one of the most common causes of diabetic foot problems. We assess your current footwear and advise on appropriate features — such as depth, width, toe box shape and cushioning — to minimise pressure and risk.
06
Clinical Care Plan & Education
We provide a personalised clinical care plan documenting your risk level, findings and recommended management. Patient education is central to what we do — we ensure you leave understanding how to check your feet, what to look out for, and when to seek urgent care.
- Check your feet every day — look between the toes and use a mirror for the sole if needed. Look for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling or any change in colour or temperature.
- Wash feet daily in warm (not hot) water — test the temperature with your elbow if sensation is reduced. Dry thoroughly, especially between the toes.
- Apply an emollient moisturiser (such as CCS cream) to the heels and soles daily — but not between the toes, where moisture can encourage fungal infection.
- Cut nails straight across — never cut down the sides. If in doubt, let your podiatrist do it.
- Wear well-fitting, supportive footwear with adequate depth and width. Avoid tight shoes, high heels and open-toed sandals as daily footwear.
- Never walk barefoot — even indoors. A small injury you cannot feel can quickly become serious.
- Check the inside of shoes before putting them on — a small stone or seam can cause an ulcer if sensation is impaired.
- Maintain good control of your blood glucose levels — this is the single most important factor in preventing diabetic foot complications.
- Have a professional diabetic foot screening at least once a year — or more frequently if you are at moderate or high risk.
Non-healing wound? Seek urgent attention.
A wound on the foot that isn't healing in someone with diabetes should never wait for a routine appointment. Contact us immediately, or if you notice spreading redness, warmth, discharge, odour or fever, attend your nearest urgent care service or A&E straight away. Early treatment of diabetic foot wounds is critical to preventing serious complications.
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Treadmill gait analysis with OnformJoint tracking and visual overlays to identify high-risk pressure areas and movement patterns.
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Custom diabetic orthoticsBespoke offloading devices designed from your gait assessment to protect vulnerable areas.
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HCPC-registered podiatristsFully qualified and regulated practitioners experienced in diabetic foot management.
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Comprehensive screeningFull vascular, neurological, skin and footwear assessment — not just a quick look at your nails.
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Written clinical care planA personalised plan documenting your risk level and management strategy to share with your GP or diabetic nurse.
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Two convenient London clinicsRichmond (TW9) Monday to Friday and Kensington (W8) on Fridays.
How often should I have a diabetic foot screening?
At minimum, people with diabetes should have a professional foot screening once a year. If you are at moderate or high risk — due to reduced sensation, poor circulation, previous ulceration or other factors — more frequent appointments every 3–6 months are recommended. We will advise you on the right frequency after your initial assessment.
My feet feel fine — do I still need regular podiatry?
Yes — and this is one of the most important points about diabetic foot care. Peripheral neuropathy can reduce or eliminate sensation in the feet, meaning you may not feel a wound, pressure area or infection developing. By the time you feel something is wrong, significant damage may already have occurred. Regular screening catches problems early, before symptoms appear.
Can I cut my own nails if I have diabetes?
If you have good sensation, good circulation and can see and reach your feet comfortably, careful nail cutting at home is generally safe. Cut straight across, never down the sides, and use clean, sharp nail clippers. If you have reduced sensation, poor circulation, visual difficulties or cannot reach your feet easily, professional nail care by a podiatrist is strongly recommended.
What is peripheral neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage caused by prolonged high blood glucose levels. It typically starts in the feet and lower legs and causes symptoms including tingling, burning, numbness or a feeling of walking on cotton wool. In more advanced cases, sensation may be significantly reduced or absent. This is why injuries can go unnoticed in people with diabetes.
Is diabetic foot care covered by health insurance?
Most private health insurers cover podiatry appointments including diabetic foot screenings. We work with Bupa, Aviva, WPA and others. Please check your policy before booking. See our
Insurance page for full details.
I have a wound on my foot that isn't healing — what should I do?
A non-healing wound in a person with diabetes requires urgent attention. Do not wait for a routine appointment. Contact us immediately or, if the wound is showing signs of infection (redness spreading, warmth, discharge, odour or fever), attend your nearest urgent care or A&E. Early treatment of diabetic foot wounds is critical to prevent serious complications.
Book your diabetic foot screening today
Richmond and Kensington clinics available. Early assessment protects your long-term foot health.
