Footman Podiatry: The Local Clinic Transforming Foot Health in Stretton and Beyond
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Footman Podiatry: The Local Clinic Transforming Foot Health in Stretton and Beyond
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Footman Podiatry: The Local Clinic Transforming Foot Health in Stretton and Beyond |
How a Father-and-Son Podiatry Team Is Keeping Stretton and Burton-on-Trent Pain-Free, One Step at a Time. |
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Tucked away in the heart of Stretton, just minutes from the bustle of Burton-on-Trent, sits a clinic that has quickly earned a strong reputation for reliable, high-quality foot and ankle care.
Footman Podiatry, founded by the father-and-son team of Steve and Barney Foster, has steadily become a well-regarded destination for residents across Stretton, Rolleston, Horninglow and the wider Burton community who are seeking genuine help with their foot problems.
In a world where foot pain is often brushed aside or endured for far too long, Footman Podiatry has developed a clear, patient-focused approach to care. Their mission is simple: to diagnose, treat and resolve the issues that make everyday life uncomfortable - and to do so with the professionalism, clarity and warmth that patients frequently comment on.
A Family-Led Practice Built on 40+ Years of Expertise
The story behind Footman Podiatry is as grounded in the community as the clinic itself. Steve and Barney both spent years working within the NHS, treating everything from minor toenail issues to complex biomechanical problems and chronic conditions. That experience, they say, is what shaped their approach to building a premium private practice.
“Working in the NHS taught us how to manage incredibly complex cases to a high standard,” Barney explains. “When I graduated, we had always talked about opening something together - but by 2022, it was clear that Burton was missing a high-quality podiatry service. That’s when Footman Podiatry was born.”
For Steve, the roots go even deeper. He spent part of his childhood in Stretton, attending the former Wulfric School, and the area has remained close to his heart ever since. Opening a clinic there felt less like a business decision and more like a natural return to a community he loved.
“We knew there was a real gap locally,” he says. “Stretton, Rolleston, Horninglow - people here simply didn’t have the level of podiatry provision they deserved. Two years in, the support we’ve received has only confirmed how special this community is.”
What Patients Can Expect: Reassurance, Answers and a Plan
Walk through the doors of Footman Podiatry and one thing becomes immediately clear: this is not your average clinic. It’s calm, welcoming, modern - purpose-designed for comfort, accessibility and clinical excellence. And that experience continues right through to the consultation itself.
The team place enormous value on patient reassurance. Many who visit the clinic arrive feeling frustrated or uncertain, especially after having seen a GP and leaving without answers. Footman Podiatry aims to break that cycle.
“From the moment patients arrive, we want them to feel at ease,” Barney says. “Our assessments are thorough, and once we’ve diagnosed the issue, we always explain exactly what’s happening, why it’s happening, and how we can resolve it.”
Treatment can often begin immediately. For more complex conditions, a clear treatment plan is created and discussed in detail. Either way, patients leave empowered - not confused.
“Ultimately, we want people to walk out knowing what’s going on with their feet,” Barney adds. “That clarity alone is such a relief for many.”
From Simple Nail Care to Advanced Clinical Treatments
Footman Podiatry offers an impressive range of services - everything from routine nail care and corn removal to nail surgery, advanced verruca treatments, musculoskeletal (MSK) assessments, and steroid injections.
But what’s striking is how the team speak about their treatments: they never trivialise anything. Whether it’s a thickened nail or a joint injection, every issue is treated with the same level of seriousness.
“A painful foot affects everything,” Barney says. “You can’t rest it the way you can with other parts of the body. Whether someone needs an ingrown toenail removed, a steroid injection or just some routine nail care, the relief they feel is huge.”
That attitude is reflected in their patient success stories - of which there are many. One that stands out is of a local woman preparing for a once-in-a-lifetime holiday to Disneyland Florida. Just weeks before flying, she found herself barely able to walk due to severe foot pain.
“After diagnosing the issue, we created bespoke insoles based on her gait analysis,” Barney recalls. “Three weeks later she was walking over 10 kilometres a day in Florida - pain-free. Stories like that are why we love what we do.”
Why Choosing the Right Podiatrist Matters More Than Ever
One of the most important messages the clinic wants the community to understand is this: not everyone offering “podiatry” is actually qualified to do so.
“There are a lot of self-taught individuals calling themselves chiropodists or podiatrists,” Barney explains. “But unless someone is registered with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC), they’re not legally recognised or trained to practise. It’s something we fight against constantly.”
At Footman Podiatry, every clinician is:
This level of professionalism isn’t just about compliance - it’s about patient safety and confidence. Foot and ankle health is highly specialised, and accurate diagnosis depends on expertise developed over thousands of assessments.
A Purpose-Designed Clinic for Quality and Accessibility
Their Stretton clinic, just a short distance from local shops and public transport routes, was designed from the ground up with patient needs in mind. Full disabled access, modern equipment, and a carefully planned layout ensure that mobility issues never prevent someone from getting the help they need. |
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The clinic’s latest investment shows just how committed the team are to innovation. They recently added a FootScan pressure plate, a cutting-edge tool that analyses gait and foot mechanics in remarkable detail. This technology allows the clinic to create tailored 3D-printed insoles, offering a new level of precision and comfort.
“This is a huge step for us,” Barney says. “It means our insoles aren’t just good - they’re bespoke, fully designed around how your feet move.”
The clinic has also invested in new professional-only verruca treatments, ensuring they can manage even the most stubborn or longstanding cases.
A Growing Role in Local Health
As awareness grows around the link between foot health and overall wellbeing, the clinic sees its role in the community deepening even further.
“With the variety of treatments we provide, we want Footman Podiatry to be the first place people turn when something doesn’t feel right,” Barney says. “No issue is too mild or too major. And trust us - we’ve always seen worse!”
There are even long-term plans to expand the clinic’s footprint, potentially creating space for more podiatrists and even other health professionals such as physiotherapists and psychologists. It’s a vision of a holistic health hub right here in Stretton.
Booking Made Easy - And No Question Is Too Small
The easiest way to book is through their online booking system, where patients can view real-time availability and choose a time that suits them. Phone bookings are also welcome, and for those unsure whether their problem needs attention, the team encourage a quick email.
“Sometimes all someone needs is advice or reassurance,” Barney says. “But if you’re wondering whether something is worth booking in for - it always is.”
A Message to the Community
As our conversation draws to a close, one message from the team stands out with real sincerity:
“We’re incredibly proud to be part of this fantastic community. The support and love we’ve received over the past two years has been overwhelming, and we hope to be here for many more years, keeping Stretton’s feet pain-free and healthy.”
Want to Learn More or Book an Appointment?
Whether you’re dealing with persistent foot pain, an ingrown toenail, a stubborn verruca, or simply want expert reassurance, Footman Podiatry is ready to help.
👉 Visit the website to book online: Footman Podiatry
Footman Podiatry – keeping Burton, Stretton and the surrounding villages pain-free, mobile and living life comfortably, one step at a time. |
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