“Outstanding treatment by Catherine . Highly recommended!”
What To Expect
Your first visit explained — clear, simple and stress-free
From the moment you contact Active Step, our team will guide you to the most appropriate appointment for your needs. We'll explain the service, appointment length, pricing, and cancellation policy so you know exactly what to expect.
Once your appointment is booked, you'll receive a confirmation email containing all the information you need before your visit.
For all appointments, we recommend bringing details of your medical history, a list of current medication and any other relevant health information.
For musculoskeletal consultations, you may also be asked to bring:
- Any existing orthotics or insoles you currently wear
- A selection of footwear that you regularly use
- Comfortable clothing such as shorts, leggings, or joggers if a gait assessment is required
Our team will let you know exactly what is needed when you book.
Your first appointment is designed to help us understand your concerns, identify the cause of the problem, and create a personalised treatment plan. A typical initial podiatry appointment lasts around 30 minutes and includes:
- Medical History Review. We begin by discussing your medical history, current symptoms, lifestyle, and any previous treatments you may have received.
- Neurovascular Assessment. We assess the health of your circulation and nerves to ensure your feet are functioning normally and to identify any early signs of conditions such as neuropathy or poor circulation.
- Foot Health Assessment. Your podiatrist will assess the condition of your skin and nails to gain a complete understanding of your foot health.
- Assessment & Treatment of Your Main Concern. Whether you're attending with an ingrown toenail, corns, verrucae, diabetic foot concerns, or any other foot problem, we'll carry out a comprehensive assessment and provide treatment during your appointment. We'll also identify and address any additional foot health issues that may be affecting your comfort, mobility, or overall well-being.
- Advice and Treatment Planning. Before you leave, we'll discuss our findings, explain your diagnosis in clear, straightforward terms, and answer any questions you may have. We'll also provide personalised recommendations for ongoing treatment, along with advice on footwear, exercises, and self-care products that can help support your recovery and optimise your treatment outcomes.
At Active Step, we invest in advanced medical technology to help us deliver highly accurate assessments and treatment plans. Depending on your condition, your assessment may include:
- Doppler Ultrasound Assessment. A Doppler probe allows us to assess blood flow and circulation in your feet by listening to the movement of blood through your arteries.
- Sensory Testing. Specialist tools such as monofilaments and other neurological testing equipment help us assess nerve function and sensation.
- Pressure Plate Analysis. For musculoskeletal conditions, our pressure plate technology measures how pressure is distributed through your feet during standing and walking, helping us identify imbalances and areas of excessive loading.
- Video Gait Analysis. Using treadmill-based video analysis, we can observe your walking and running patterns in detail, identifying movement compensations and functional limitations that may be contributing to pain or injury.
Our goal is that every patient leaves feeling informed, confident, and clear about their next steps. Following your appointment, you can expect to receive:
- A clear clinical diagnosis
- A personalised treatment plan
- Practical advice and home-care recommendations
- Information about the most appropriate "Gold Standard" treatment options available
- Recommendations for products that will optimise your treatment outcome
- A follow-up appointment to review treatment and provide ongoing care
For musculoskeletal patients, we also provide a written summary of findings and recommendations to help guide your recovery.
We always present what we believe to be the gold-standard treatment pathway. If this isn't practical due to budget, lifestyle, or personal preferences, we'll work with you to find the best alternative solution.
Our clinicians work to the highest standards set by the Royal College of Podiatry and are regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Every recommendation we make is based on the latest evidence and clinical research. What sets us apart is our commitment to:
- Evidence-based practice
- Advanced medical technology
- Continuous professional development
- Consistent clinical standards across every practitioner
- Regular quality monitoring and patient feedback
- Access to treatment pathways and technologies not commonly available in many local clinics
This means you can be confident you're receiving the same high standard of care regardless of which member of the team you see.
It's completely normal to feel a little uncertain before your first appointment. Many patients worry about:
- Whether treatment will be painful
- Whether they'll receive the right advice
- Having injections or local anaesthetic procedures
- Not knowing what to expect
Our team understands these concerns and works hard to make every appointment as comfortable as possible. We use specialist instruments, refined treatment techniques, and a gentle approach to minimise discomfort. When injections or local anaesthetics are required, we use modern fast-acting anaesthetics and very fine dental needles to make procedures as comfortable as possible.
Most importantly, we'll take the time to listen, explain your options clearly, and ensure you feel fully informed before making any decisions about your care. Our aim is simple: to help you feel confident, reassured, and supported from the moment you walk through our door.
