About
I graduated from the University of Southampton with a BSc (Hons) in Podiatry following three years of full-time training. I then went on to work with the NHS podiatry team for 18 years, gaining extensive clinical experience.
Over a year ago, I was given the opportunity to take over Exmoor Podiatry, and I’m delighted to say I haven’t looked back since.
Since then, I have further developed my skills in reflexology and am now a qualified MAR practitioner.
Meet Sarah
I am a fully registered podiatrist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC Reg No: CH26185). In October 2023, I took over Exmoor Podiatry and, the following year, chose to step away from my role as a Senior Podiatrist at Somerset Foundation Trust to dedicate myself fully to building a more considered, patient-focused practice.
With many years of clinical experience, I have cared for a wide range of patients and foot conditions, while also contributing to service developments designed to support an ever-growing need for thoughtful, accessible care.
In 2023, I further deepened my expertise by completing The Royal College of Podiatry’s postgraduate Vascular and Diabetic Foot modules. Earlier in my career, my rotation within the Acute Specialist Podiatry Service at Musgrove allowed me to refine not only my clinical skills, but also my ability to communicate with sensitivity and clarity—supporting patients, families, and colleagues in a truly collaborative way.
My approach is inherently holistic. I take time to understand each individual fully, recognising that foot health is often closely connected to wider wellbeing. Whether managing more complex medical needs, monitoring changes in health or medication, or working alongside GPs and multidisciplinary teams, my aim is always to provide calm, considered care that supports both immediate needs and long-term health.
Podiatry
There is no difference between a chiropodist and a podiatrist. The term chiropody has been traditionally used in the UK, but the term podiatry is recognised and used more internationally.
Podiatrist is a medical specialists who help with problems that affect the feet or lower legs. I can treat injuries as well as complications from ongoing health issues like diabetes.
As a podiatrist I will work holistically, to build up a picture, therefore take a medical history, ask the patient for information on there medication, assess the foot, and do further tests. From this an diagnosis and differential diagnosis will be made. A treatment plan will be discussed with the patient to formalise a package of care or appropriate treatment.
Training
All podiatrist undergo 3 years of training and are required to be registered with the General Health Care Professions Council. Training includes physiology, anatomy, pathology, pharmacology, podiatric medicine , podiatric orthopedics, surgery and orthopedics, and the at risk foot.
The training enables podiatrist to make a diagnosis of the presenting condition and construct an appropriate course of treatment. The number of treatments varies depending on the need and this will also dictate the time in between treatments.
What to expect
Podiatry is a patient-centred, healthcare practitioner. A first appointment generally lasts about 45 minutes to an hour to allow the podiatrist adequate time to:
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Listen and ask questions about your problem, your general health, other medical care you are receiving or medication you are taking, and it will be recorded in your case notes. The information you provide will be confidential.
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Examination of your feet and assessment of the problem
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Further tests on your circulation and sensation of the feet.
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As a podiatrist I will also check for signs of serious conditions which I cannot treat and you may be advised to see your GP or go to hospital. A letter will be send or emailed to your Gp to explain the concern.
Diagnosis and treatment
A podiatrist specialises in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of foot-related conditions, supporting both immediate comfort and long-term wellbeing.
During your appointment, I will take the time to clearly explain my findings and discuss a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. This will include a gentle, transparent conversation around the benefits and any potential risks of the recommended treatment, ensuring you feel fully informed and confident in your care.
Your understanding and agreement are always important. Together, we will consider appropriate timings between treatments, and where needed, I may recommend referral to a trusted colleague or specialist to ensure you receive the best possible support.
Your comfort and consent are central to every step. I will always seek your permission before beginning any treatment, and you are warmly encouraged to ask questions at any time.
Alongside treatment, I may offer simple, supportive self-care advice to help maintain healthy feet and reduce the risk of symptoms returning or worsening—empowering you to feel confident in your ongoing foot health.
Healthcare cover
Podiatrist are covered by the Royal College of Podiatry
Help to treat:
Pain in foot or feet
Diabetic foot care
General nail care
General foot healthcare and advice
Fungal nails
Discoloured toenails
Thickened nails
Involuted nails
managing in growing toenails
cracks or cuts in the skin,
Scaling
Peeling on the soles
Athletes foot
Fissures
Corns
Callous
Bunions
Plantar fasciitis
growths such as warts
Verruca
Chilblains
Biomechanics
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Plantar fasciitis
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Metatarsalgia
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Limb length discrepancies
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Over pronation of the foot
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Flat feet
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Posterior tibial tendonitis
REFLEXOLOGY
History
There is evidence of reflexology, working the hands and feet to improve health, dating back to BC times in India, China and Egypt.
It is exciting that now we have theories on how reflexology works, and the effectiveness lies probably in aspects of all of them. In recent years, there have been several small research studies which have shown promising results. The scientific world is starting to sit up and take notice; one hopes further funding will come forward so that more robust and extensive research.
What might be the benefits of having reflexology:
Deep relaxation, improve circulation, improve lymphatics, enhance immune function, better quality of sleep, help to relieve stress and anxiety and tension, reduce pain, improve diet digestion, increase energy levels, elevate mood
Who can have reflexology?
Anyone, at any age, can enjoy reflexology, from a newborn through to an elderly person.
However, there are certain conditions which may make you unsuitable for the treatment, but these will be investigated at the consultation
What to expect from a reflexology treatment?
1. Consultation assessment
2. Consent to treatment
3. Remove your socks and shoes and sit on a reclining chair.
4. I will be examining the feet
5. I will start the massage, before using the different reflexes and pressure on different areas.
6. It is usual to have some tenderness in areas, and this is the body's way of drawing attention to the areas of congestion or imbalance. The discomfort is mild and will pass.
7. Generally, reflexology is deeply relaxing and comforting
After treatment
I will ask about what the treatment felt like, and we will discuss a plan to improve health and well-being.
You may feel relaxed, sleepy, have mild headaches, go to the toilet more, tired or emotional.
These effects should pass within 48 hours.
Reflexologists believe these reactions are part of the healing process and are a good sign that the treatment is helping the body to cleanse and rebalance itself.
Drinking plenty of water will assist with detoxification
Reflexologists do not diagnose or give medical advice, and reflexology should not be used as an alternative to seeking medical treatment.
