Richmond & Kensington, London
Foot Ulcer & Wound Care
in Richmond & Kensington
Specialist podiatry wound management for diabetic foot ulcers, chronic wounds and post-surgical healing — by HCPC-registered podiatrists.
HCPC Registered
Diabetic Foot Specialist
Wound Debridement
No Referral Needed
If you have a foot ulcer that is rapidly worsening, showing signs of spreading infection, or if you have diabetes and any open wound on your foot — seek urgent medical attention. For non-urgent assessment and ongoing wound management, book an appointment with our podiatry team below.
A foot ulcer is an open wound or sore on the foot that fails to heal normally. Unlike a minor cut or graze, ulcers can persist for weeks, months or even years without proper care — and in some cases can lead to serious infection, bone involvement or, in severe cases, amputation.
Foot ulcers are most commonly associated with diabetes and poor circulation, but they can affect anyone — particularly older adults, people with peripheral neuropathy, or those who have had foot surgery or injury. The earlier an ulcer is assessed and treated, the better the outcome. Our podiatrists in Richmond and Kensington provide specialist wound assessment and management to support healing and reduce the risk of complications.
Diabetic Foot Ulcers
The most common type. Caused by a combination of peripheral neuropathy (loss of sensation) and poor circulation, meaning small injuries go unnoticed and heal slowly. Require urgent specialist attention.
Venous Leg & Foot Ulcers
Caused by poor venous return from the lower legs, leading to increased pressure in the skin and tissue breakdown. Typically found around the ankle. Most common type of leg ulcer in the UK.
Arterial (Ischaemic) Ulcers
Caused by reduced arterial blood flow to the foot, starving tissue of oxygen. Often appear on the tips of toes or the heel. Very painful and require urgent vascular assessment alongside podiatry care.
Pressure Ulcers & Callus Ulceration
Develop under areas of high pressure — often beneath the ball of the foot or heel — when callus builds up and breaks down the underlying skin. Common in people with foot deformities or abnormal gait.
Post-Surgical Wounds
Wounds following foot or nail surgery that require careful management to heal correctly. We provide post-operative wound care, dressing changes and monitoring to ensure optimal recovery.
Infected Foot Wounds
Any wound showing signs of infection — redness spreading beyond the wound edge, warmth, pus, increased pain or odour — requires prompt assessment and treatment to prevent serious systemic spread.
Seek urgent care if you notice:
Redness spreading beyond the wound edge
Swelling, warmth or throbbing pain
Pus, discharge or unpleasant odour
Dark or black tissue in or around the wound
Red streaking up the foot or leg
Fever, chills or feeling generally unwell
Wound not improving after 2 weeks
Particularly important if you have:
Diabetes (any type)
Poor circulation or PAD
Peripheral neuropathy
Rheumatoid arthritis
History of previous foot ulcers
Immunosuppression or steroid use
Renal disease
Effective wound care is not just about dressing a wound — it requires a thorough understanding of why the wound developed, what is preventing it from healing, and how to offload pressure, manage infection risk and support the body's healing response. Our podiatrists take a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to every wound we assess.
01
Thorough Wound Assessment
We assess the wound size, depth, tissue type, exudate level, signs of infection and surrounding skin condition. We also review your medical history, circulation, sensation and footwear to identify all factors contributing to poor healing.
02
Wound Debridement
Removal of devitalised (dead) tissue, callus and debris from and around the wound using specialist instruments. Debridement is essential for healing — wounds cannot close properly while surrounded by necrotic tissue. This is performed carefully and with appropriate pain management.
03
Advanced Wound Dressings
We select and apply evidence-based wound dressings appropriate to the wound type, exudate level and healing stage. The right dressing creates the optimal moist wound environment, manages infection risk and protects fragile healing tissue.
04
Pressure Offloading
Reducing pressure on the wound is one of the most critical factors in healing. We use specialist padding, offloading insoles, orthotic devices and footwear advice to redistribute pressure away from the wound and allow tissue to heal.
05
Infection Prevention & Management
We monitor closely for signs of local and systemic infection and advise on appropriate management. Where infection is suspected, we will refer promptly to your GP or appropriate specialist for antibiotic treatment or further investigation.
06
Ongoing Monitoring & Multidisciplinary Referral
Complex wounds often require input from multiple specialists. We work collaboratively with GPs, vascular surgeons, diabetes teams and tissue viability nurses to ensure you receive coordinated care. Regular follow-up appointments track healing progress and allow us to adjust the treatment plan as needed.
A note on diabetic foot care: People with diabetes are at significantly higher risk of foot ulcers, slow healing and serious complications. If you have diabetes, we strongly recommend regular podiatry check-ups — even if your feet feel fine — to identify early warning signs before problems develop. Early intervention saves limbs.
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HCPC-registered podiatristsFully qualified and regulated — safe, professional wound care you can trust.
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Comprehensive assessmentWe look beyond the wound to identify and address all contributing factors.
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Evidence-based treatmentAdvanced wound dressings, debridement and offloading based on current clinical guidelines.
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Multidisciplinary approachWe refer promptly to GPs, vascular surgeons and diabetes teams when needed.
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Diabetic foot experienceExperienced in the assessment and management of diabetic foot complications.
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Two London clinicsRichmond (TW9) Monday to Friday and Kensington (W8) on Fridays.
What causes foot ulcers?
The most common causes are diabetes (which reduces sensation and circulation), poor arterial or venous circulation, excessive pressure on areas of the foot, and underlying foot deformities. Ulcers can also develop following injury, surgery or skin breakdown caused by ill-fitting footwear.
How do I know if my wound is infected?
Signs of infection include increasing redness around the wound, warmth, swelling, pus or unusual discharge, a worsening smell, or increasing pain. If you have diabetes or poor circulation and notice any of these signs — or if you feel unwell — seek urgent medical attention rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
Why isn't my wound healing?
Wounds can fail to heal for many reasons — ongoing pressure or friction, poor blood supply, infection, uncontrolled diabetes, inappropriate dressings, or underlying conditions that impair the immune response. A podiatrist can assess all of these factors and address the barriers to healing systematically.
I have diabetes — how often should I have my feet checked?
People with diabetes should have a formal foot assessment at least annually as part of their diabetes care. Those with existing foot complications, previous ulcers, or neuropathy may need more frequent review. Don't wait for a problem to develop — early identification of risk factors significantly reduces the chance of a serious complication.
Can I use private health insurance?
Yes — we work with most major private health insurers including Bupa, Aviva and WPA. Please check your policy before booking and obtain pre-authorisation if required. See our
Insurance page for full details.
When should I go to A&E instead of booking a podiatry appointment?
Go to A&E or call 999 if you have a foot wound with spreading redness, red streaking up the leg, a high temperature, signs of sepsis, or any rapidly worsening symptoms — particularly if you have diabetes. These are medical emergencies. Our podiatry team is best placed to manage non-urgent assessment and ongoing wound care once acute infection has been treated.
Book your wound care appointment today
Richmond and Kensington clinics available. No referral needed — specialist assessment at your first visit.
