The threshold is lower than people often think. See us if: a wound hasn't healed in 1 to 2 weeks, you have diabetes and any new foot wound or break in the skin, there are signs of infection (redness, warmth, swelling, discharge, smell), the wound is recurring, you're worried, or you've had a foot ulcer before. Early specialist input significantly improves outcomes.

Debridement is the careful removal of dead, damaged or infected tissue from a wound. It's one of the most important things we do because dead tissue prevents new healthy tissue from growing and provides a home for bacteria. We use sterile instruments and the procedure is usually painless because dead tissue doesn't have nerve endings. Most patients are surprised at how much healing improves after their first debridement.

Yes, closely. With your consent we write to your GP, diabetes team and any hospital foot clinic involved in your care. We share findings, treatment plans, dressings used and any concerns. If we identify something that needs antibiotics, vascular assessment or hospital input we'll refer or escalate. Joined-up care produces the best outcomes.

It depends on the wound. Active diabetic foot ulcers often need weekly or twice-weekly review at first. Stable chronic wounds may need fortnightly. Post-surgical follow-up is typically weekly for the first 2 to 4 weeks. Once healing is established we extend the intervals. We give you a clear schedule and you can always contact us if anything changes.

We use modern wound dressings selected based on the wound type, exudate level, infection risk and stage of healing. This may include hydrocolloid, foam, alginate, silver-impregnated, antimicrobial or specialist diabetic foot dressings. We don't rely on simple gauze for chronic wounds — modern dressings significantly improve healing rates and reduce infection.

Most wound care is comfortable. Debridement of dead tissue is painless. Cleaning and dressing changes are usually well tolerated. For procedures that may be uncomfortable we use local anaesthetic. If you've been through painful dressing changes elsewhere, our approach is different — we use specialist techniques and dressings designed to minimise discomfort.

Depends on the wound location and your overall health. We'll give specific advice. Pressure-related wounds (on the sole or under bony prominences) often need offloading with specialised footwear, padding or a temporary boot. Diabetic foot ulcers in particular need strict pressure relief. We address this at every appointment and provide whatever offloading is needed.

Signs of infection include increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pain, discharge, odour and feeling unwell. If we identify infection we'll either start appropriate dressings and monitor closely, or refer you urgently for antibiotics or hospital assessment depending on severity. Don't wait if you're worried — phone us or your GP same-day.

Healing time depends on the wound type, your overall health, blood supply and how well we can offload pressure. Simple acute wounds often heal in 2 to 4 weeks. Chronic wounds typically take 6 to 12 weeks. Complex diabetic ulcers can take longer. We'll give you a realistic timeline at your first appointment and review it regularly.

Yes, especially in patients with diabetes, poor circulation, foot deformities or repeated pressure on the same area. Once you've had a foot ulcer your risk of getting another is significantly higher. The key to prevention is identifying and addressing the cause (footwear, biomechanics, blood sugar control, daily foot checks) and maintaining regular podiatry follow-up.

For your first appointment, allow up to 60 minutes. This gives us enough time for a thorough history, examination and treatment in the same visit. Follow-up treatments are typically up to 30 minutes for the vast majority of cases. We'll confirm the exact length when you book.

No. You can book a podiatry appointment directly with us with no GP referral needed. We can write to your GP after your appointment if there's anything they should know.

Wear something comfortable that's easy to roll up to the knee. Bring the shoes you wear most often (we'll often look at how they're wearing for biomechanical clues). If you've had any imaging or test results related to your feet, bring those too. Otherwise just bring yourself.

Podiatry & chiropody is available at our Great Dunmow clinic at 12 Stortford Road, CM6 1DA. The clinic has on-site disabled parking available on request. Just give us a call ahead of your appointment.