What is an FHP?
WHAT IS A FOOT HEALTH PRACTITIONER?
A Foot Health Practitioner (FHP) is a trained specialist in routine and preventative foot care. We're not podiatrists — but we work with many of the same everyday conditions, and for the vast majority of people, an FHP is exactly the right person to see for routine foot health.
WHAT DOES AN FHP DO?
FHPs are trained to assess, treat and advise on a wide range of common foot conditions, including nail cutting and thick nail reduction, corn and callus removal, cracked heels and dry skin, fungal or discoloured nails, conservative management of ingrown toenails, and basic diabetic foot monitoring and neurovascular checks.
HOW IS AN FHP DIFFERENT FROM A PODIATRIST?
Podiatrists are HCPC-registered clinicians who can perform surgery, prescribe medication and treat complex clinical conditions. FHPs work in routine and preventative care — we can't perform surgery or prescribe, and we're trained to recognise when something needs referring on. At Joyful Soles, I'll always be upfront with you if something falls outside what I can safely treat, and I'll point you in the right direction.
IS AN FHP QUALIFIED AND INSURED?
Yes. I trained to Level 4 with the SMAE Institute, the UK's longest-running independent provider of foot health training. I hold full professional indemnity insurance, am DBS checked, hold a current first aid qualification, and maintain my skills through ongoing CPD. I'm also a member of the British Association of Foot Health (BAFH) and the College of Foot Health Professionals (CFHP).
WHO SHOULD SEE AN FHP?
Most people who want routine foot care — whether that's nail cutting, corn removal, or help with a recurring condition — are well within an FHP's scope. I also see patients with diabetes who need regular monitoring and are not yet under NHS podiatry, and patients who simply find it difficult to manage their own foot care at home.
If you're unsure whether I'm the right person for your particular concern, just get in touch — I'm always happy to have a chat before you book.
