Visiting a Podiatrist for the first time - What to expect?
For many people, the idea of visiting a podiatrist—especially for the first time—can feel a bit daunting. You might be unsure of what to expect, a bit weird about getting your feet out for a complete stranger or even wonder whether your problem is “serious enough” to warrant specialist care. At The People’s Podiatry, we want to reassure you: whatever your concern, your feet are worth looking after and we are with you every step of the way!
Our goal is simple—to make expert foot care accessible, relaxed, and rooted in kindness. We’re not your average clinic. Based in a renovated old bakery in the East-End of Glasgow, right in the heart of Carntyne Square, we’ve created a warm, welcoming space that puts people at ease. Whether you’re coming in with a specific problem or just want peace of mind, we’re here for you.
🦶 What Exactly Does a Podiatrist Do?
Podiatrists (sometimes called chiropodists) are highly trained medical professionals who specialise in diagnosing and treating problems with the feet, ankles, and lower limbs. That might sound niche—but your feet do a lot of work, and small issues can quickly affect the way you move, live, and feel.
Here are just a few of the things we can help with:
General foot pain and biomechanical issues
Nail problems, like ingrown toenails or fungal infections
Skin conditions, including corns, calluses, and verrucas
Foot health for people with diabetes or circulation problems
Sports injuries, overuse pain, and running-related issues
Custom orthotics and footwear advice
Preventative care and routine maintenance
Surgical management of more complex issues
Even if you’re not sure what’s wrong, a podiatrist can often spot the early signs of bigger issues. You don’t need to have something “bad enough” to come in—if your feet are uncomfortable, we want to know about it and we want to help!
🏥 Your First Appointment: A Step-by-Step Guide
So, what actually happens when you visit us for the first time?
1. A Warm Welcome
We’ve designed our space to be as inviting and comfortable as possible. Our clinic doesn’t feel clinical—we’ve kept the original brickwork and large windows of the bakery it once was, and created a calm, light-filled environment where you can relax in our high ceilinged spacious treatment room.
You’ll be greeted by our friendly team, , and shown into our treatment space where we will make you feel at ease the moment you step through the door.
2. Getting to Know You
We’ll start by having a chat about your reason for visiting. Maybe it’s ongoing foot pain, trouble with your toenails, or even just a niggling ache that won’t go away. We’ll also ask about your medical history and lifestyle—things like your daily activity, any other health conditions, and what kind of shoes you wear, as well as finding out about how this issue affect you day to day so we can understand your motivations for coming to us, this helps us to know what sort of outcome you’re looking for.
This isn’t a test! There’s no wrong answers, we just want to understand the bigger picture so we can give you the best care possible.
3. A Thorough Foot Examination
Next, we’ll take a close look at your feet and lower limbs. Depending on your concern, this might include:
Checking skin and nail health
Assessing your foot shape, arch, and posture
Watching how you walk (gait analysis)
Looking at how your joints move
A thorough vascular & neurological assessment, looking for any circulatory or nerve issues that may be a sign of more systemic problems.
If needed, we might also recommend further investigation or imaging—but most concerns can be diagnosed and managed right there and then in the clinic.
4. Your Personalised Treatment Plan
Once we’ve had a proper look, we’ll explain what’s going on in plain language and work with you on a plan. That might include:
Hands-on treatment right there and then
Advice on footwear or self care
Manufacture of orthoses (Insoles)
Exercises or lifestyle adjustments
Ongoing podiatry appointments for maintenance and management
Our ethos is grounded in honesty and collaboration—we don’t upsell, and we never recommend treatments you don’t need. It’s your body, your feet, and your call. We’re just here to help you move well and live comfortably.
We have a commitment to no surprise fees or charges, we are fully transparent about pricing throughout and will make sure to find a treatment protocol that resolves your issue in a way that makes financials sense for you!
🌍 A Podiatry Practice with Purpose
What makes The People’s Podiatry different? We're not just a foot clinic—we're a social business.
That means we’re structured to reinvest our profits into the community. When you come to us, you're not just supporting your own foot health—you’re helping us offer services to people who need it. From outreach to education, we believe our business can do more than just fix feet, we can use our profits to make a tangible difference in the communities that serve us.
It’s healthcare with heart. That’s what gets us up in the morning.
💬 A Few Tips Before You Come In
To make your first visit go smoothly, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Wear loose or comfy trousers—we’ll need to see your ankles and feet so please avoid those tight skinny jeans!
Bring any relevant footwear, especially shoes you wear most often or ones that cause pain.
Don’t worry about how your feet look! We’ve seen it all (We really mean it)—no need to apologise or feel embarrassed!
Write down any questions you might have. We’re here to answer them all, no matter how silly they may seem!
Bring an up to date medication list
If you’ve got some stunning shellac on and are seeking treatment for any nail issues then please remove it before coming in!
👣 Ready to Take the First Step?
Whether you're limping, hobbling, aching, or just curious—your feet matter. And they deserve proper care.
At The People’s Podiatry, you’ll find a team that listens, explains, and supports you without judgement. We love feet, but we care even more about people.
📍 Find us at 425 Carntynehall Road, G32 6LQ. We are right on Carntyne Square with plenty free parking on our doorstep!
🌐 Book online at www.peoplespodiatry.co.uk
📞 Or give us a call on 0141 587 9593 to chat through your options
Saving Limbs, Changing Lives
That’s The People’s Podiatry.