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This is the study of pain and discomfort related to the function of the foot.

An assessment includes a thorough understanding of the history of your problem/pain.

Both weight-bearing and non weight-bearing assessment of the joints, muscles and foot angles is carried out.

We will also check pressure using our foot scanner and carry out gait assessments.

Footwear is also checked.

A treatment plan can then be discussed.

Treatments include:

• Stretch and exercise plans
• Mobilisations/strapping
• Footwear advice
• Accommodative insoles
• Prescription orthotics

Biomechanical assessment is helpful for the following conditions:

• Tibialis posterior dysfunction
• Heel pain and plantar fasciitis
• Subtalar joint problems
• Ankle joint pain
• Metatarsal problems and bunions
• Metatarsalgia
• Morton’s neuroma
• Toe deformities
• Knee problems
• Lower back pain

For pain due to poor foot function

Misalignment of muscles and bones can lead to abnormal foot and leg movements resulting in pain due to high stresses on joints and muscles. Orthotics can be used to minimise these movements and reduce stress fatigue and pain and also improve alignment of the body.

We carry out a detailed assessment and use computerised technology to aid with gait analysis. A suitable orthotic can be prescribed that provides control through shape and material density.

Verruca or plantar warts are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus.

They may be single or multiple mosaic verruca.

They have become very resistant to conventional treatment so we therefore use a combination of treatments depending on pain, position and size of lesion.

Treatments include cryotherapy (freezing) and chemicals.

The aim of these treatments is to stimulate the body’s immune response.

Introducing our new Swift microwave system to treat verruca

What is SWIFT®?

Swift is a new technology, developed in the UK, which has been licensed for the general treatment of skin lesions in podiatry and dermatology. Swift uses microwave energy delivered through a special probe applied to the skin to treat the affected tissue.

Does it hurt?

Like many treatments for skin lesions, some minor discomfort may be experienced. The majority of patients liken the discomfort to an injection or scratch, lasting 2-3 seconds.

What should I expect after treatment?

In some cases the treated area may feel sore but most people will have no pain after the treatment and can continue their day-to-day activities.

How many treatments will I need?

This will be dependent on how you respond to treatment. In some cases you may need more than one treatment. If this is the case we will be able to advise the best treatment plan for you.

Can anyone receive this treatment?

Most people with skin lesions will be able to receive this treatment. An assessment will be carried out prior to treatment to determine suitability.

Healing rate
There is a 92% healing rate after 3-4 treatments.

THICKENED TOE NAILS

Damage or trauma to the nail matrix results in the nail cell shape being altered resulting in a thicker nail.

Certain medical conditions and treatments can also damage the nail.

The nail tends to be thick, curved and discoloured with debris under the nail.

Using our Podospray Drill the nail thickness is reduced and pressure taken off the nail bed.

INGROWING TOE NAILS

Ingrowing toenails can be due to poor nail cutting or trauma and are increasingly seen at the clinic due to patients undergoing chemotherapy. The nail can become very inflamed, painful and infected.

Often, conservative treatment can solve the problem but if necessary surgical removal of the nail is necessary using a local anesthetic.

DISCOLOURED/FUNGAL TOE NAILS

We offer help and advice to return the nail back to a healthy state.

The foot is a very complex structure made up of:

• 28 bones
• 19 muscles
• 107 ligaments

It is divided into:

REARFOOT

This comprises the largest bone in the foot, the calcaneus. This articulates with the talus and forms the subtalar joint. This joint plays a very significant role in the function of the foot.

MIDFOOT

This contains the 5 tarsal bones, the cuboid and the navicular, which articulate with the medial, intermediate and lateral cuneiform.

FOREFOOT

This contains the 5 metatarsals, 14 phalanges in the toes and 2 sesamoids under the first metatarsal phalangeal joint.

ANKLE JOINT

The talocrural joint or ankle joint consists of 3 articulations. The talus articulates with the tibia and fibula. The joint is maintained by the strong deltoid ligament on the inside and weaker ligaments on the outside, such as the anterior talofibular ligament.

The ankle allows the foot to move:

• Up and down (plantar flexion and dorsiflexion)
• Left and right (abduction and adduction)
• Rotate left and right (inversion and eversion)

Altered function in any of these areas can cause foot problems and lead to symptoms such as pain, corns, callous, toenail pathologies, ingrowing toenails and ulcerations.