What Makes a Good Podiatrist in Singapore?

Many people start with a quick “podiatrist near me” search before settling on a podiatrist in Singapore, based mostly on star ratings and how close the clinic is to home or the office. Neither tells you much about clinical quality.

Podiatry is a specialised field of lower limb care, and it is still less well known in Singapore than physiotherapy. Most people arrive at a first appointment without a clear sense of what separates a strong podiatrist from an average one.

This article sets out the criteria worth checking before you book, since even a search for the best podiatrist in Singapore will not surface them on its own. It then shows what that looks like in practice at UFIT.

A good podiatrist in Singapore holds a recognised podiatry degree from an accredited university, typically in Australia or the United Kingdom, since Singapore does not offer a local undergraduate podiatry programme. Look for registration with a recognised professional body, such as the UK's Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) or the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), a thorough gait and biomechanical assessment, clear communication about diagnosis and cost, and a personalised, conservative-first approach, with minor procedures where appropriate.

What to Look For in a Podiatrist

Qualifications and Training

Well-qualified podiatrists in Singapore hold a recognised podiatry degree, bachelor's or master's, from an accredited overseas university. Singapore does not confer local undergraduate podiatry degrees, so training is typically completed in countries such as Australia, South-Africa or the United Kingdom.

Your clinician should also be registered with, or an active member of, a recognised professional body, such as the HCPC in the UK or AHPRA in Australia. Podiatrists in Singapore are not currently registered under the Allied Health Professions Act, so there is no local register to check. Asking for a clinician’s qualification and overseas registration before treatment is therefore worth doing. UK registrants appear on the public HCPC register.

Clinical Approach

A strong clinical approach starts with a thorough assessment, including gait and biomechanical analysis, rather than addressing the site of pain alone. A sports podiatrist or running podiatrist should be looking for the underlying mechanical or contributing factors behind chronic concerns such as plantar fasciitis, heel pain, or recurring sports injuries, not only the symptom that brought you in.

From there, a personalised management plan follows. Depending on what the assessment shows, this may include shockwave therapy, a minor procedure, or custom orthotics in Singapore.

Patient Communication and Care

Findings, expected timelines, and costs should be explained clearly before any plan begins. A good podiatrist sees the patient as a partner in long-term mobility, and coordinates directly with other specialists when a concern crosses into Orthopaedics, Dermatology or another discipline.

This Is What That Looks Like at UFIT

Rather than asking you to take these criteria on faith, here is how UFIT's own podiatry team reflects them, from qualifications through to clinical approach.

Lewis Nurney, Head of Podiatry, Club Street

Lewis has 9 years of clinical experience, including private practice in Singapore, with earlier training and clinical experience in the UK's National Health Service (NHS). As Head of Podiatry at UFIT Club Street, he specialises in sports podiatry and orthotics for adults and children, including 3D-printed custom insoles and paediatric AFOs and SMOs.

He is ISMST-certified in advanced shockwave therapy and holds further certification in diagnostic ultrasound and running gait analysis. Lewis provides non-surgical management for conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and foot pain in both children and adults.

He graduated with first-class honours from the University of Huddersfield in the UK and is registered with the UK's Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Outside the clinic, Lewis is an active marathon and HYROX athlete, and he is regularly invited to give podiatry CPD sessions internationally.

Read more about Lewis's background and qualifications.

Elliott Yeldham, Senior Podiatrist

Elliott has 8 years of private practice experience in Singapore, with earlier clinical experience in the UK's National Health Service (NHS). He specialises in musculoskeletal (MSK) podiatry and gait abnormalities in both adults and children.

He is ISMST-certified in advanced shockwave therapy and is recognised for minimally invasive procedures, including ingrown toenail surgery and wart removal.

Elliott holds an honours degree in podiatry from Cardiff Metropolitan University in Wales and is registered with the UK's Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Like Lewis, he is an active marathon and HYROX athlete, and is regularly invited to give sports podiatry CPD sessions internationally.

Read more about Elliott's background and qualifications.

Note: At UFIT, the HCPC-registered podiatrist who assesses you also carries out your treatment, including minor procedures such as ingrown toenail surgery. It is worth asking any clinic who will be performing your care and what their qualifications are.

Choosing the Right Fit for Your Foot Concern

The right podiatrist is the one whose approach matches the criteria above: recognised qualifications, a thorough assessment, and clear communication, not simply the one with the most reviews.

Where a foot issue connects to a knee, hip, or back concern, UFIT's podiatrists work directly with physiotherapists and other specialists through the Circle of Care, so no part of your care happens in isolation.

If foot pain, a recurring niggle, or a running injury has been slowing you down, book an initial assessment to find out what is driving the symptoms and who on the team is best placed to help.

Book a Podiatry Assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist in Singapore?

No referral is needed to book a podiatry assessment with UFIT. You can book directly.

Is "Podiatrist" a protected title?

In the UK, yes. "Podiatrist" is a legally protected title, and practitioners must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to use it. Checking a podiatrist's registration in their country of training is a reliable way to confirm their qualifications.

Does insurance or Medisave cover podiatry in Singapore?

Medisave cannot be used for podiatry care at UFIT. Insurance coverage varies by insurer, plan and the type of care, so check with your insurer before your appointment to see what is claimable.

What is the difference between a podiatrist and a physiotherapist?

A podiatrist specialises in the foot, ankle, and lower limb, including gait, biomechanics, nails, and skin. A physiotherapist takes a broader view of movement and rehabilitation across the whole body. UFIT's Circle of Care brings both together when a concern spans more than one area.