What is a Podiatrist?

A Healthcare Professional specialising in the diagnosis and management of the foot, ankle and lower limb. They are medical specialists trained to evaluate, diagnose, and provide a variety of treatments. Podiatrists undergo a Batchelor of Science University Degree and can specialise in a number of areas. Podiatrists are registered with the Health Care professions Council.

Who does a podiatrist help?

Our podiatrist specialises in Musculoskeletal injury. This is generally defined as damage to muscles, bones, tendons, joints, ligaments, and other soft tissues via many different causes (sports injuries, as well as day to day accidents/problems). You can make an appointment to see our podiatrist over the phone, online, or alternatively you can walk in and book your appointment.

1st toe pain

Musculoskeletal Conditions seen by a podiatrist:

  • Toe/Foot/Ankle and Lower limb joint pain
  • Tendon pain
  • Heel pain
  • Bunions
  • Sports injuries
  • Stress reaction/fracture injuries
  • Plantar fasciopathy /fascitis
  • Mortons neuroma
  • Ankle sprains / pain

Non-Musculoskeletal Conditions seen by a podiatrist:

  • Verrucae
  • In growing toenails

Assessment of foot and ankle problems

Assessment of the foot, and lower limb is conducted in accordance to ongoing pain, reduced mobility, and a decrease in normal activities. Focusing on structures inside the foot, tendons, ligaments, bone, joints, nerves, bursae.

Biomechanical Assessment

Biomechanics refers to the way bones, muscles and joints of the feet and lower limb interact and move.

An examination of the lower limb is conducted in three parts; sitting and laying (non weight-bearing), standing (weight-bearing) and walking/running (dynamic) with consideration to joint range of motion, foot type, forces acting on the leg and foot, muscle strength and flexibility.

Visual and video assessed gait analysis is used to aid the diagnosis of musculoskeletal conditions, determine treatment goals, and evaluate treatment outcomes.  This type of appointment is required for issuing orthotics (semi-custom and Bespoke), stretching and strength rehabilitation.

Male Physio ankle mobility

Ultra-Sound Imaging

An Ultrasound machine may be used to take a look inside the foot, it is used to support the Podiatrists clinical assessment.  Please note a formal diagnosis cannot be made by the Podiatrist and some injuries/structures require a different type of scan therefore, a Radiology Scan (X-Ray, US, MRI) may be required.

Ultra-Sound scan of ankle

Treatments for Musculoskeletal Condition’s

Therapeutic Injections

Hydrocortisone Steroid Injections

The administered product is Depo-Medrone with Lidocaine, which is an anti-inflammatory steroid combined with a local anaesthetic. Corticosteroids are safe and effective anti-inflammatory medicines used to treat a number of musculoskeletal conditions.  The steroid medication helps reduce inflammation and pain in conditions such as:

  • Joint inflammation; synovitis
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Bursitis
  • Mortons neuroma
  • Plantar fasciitis

An assessment with your podiatrist will be carried out prior, to check if you are suitable for a corticosteroid injection. The administered Corticosteroid continues working for 3-6 weeks. On occasions one is sufficient, however up to 2 follow up injections can be administered in the same area for the same structure within a 12-month period.

Hyaluronic Acid Injections

The administered product is Ostenil, a treatment for the symptoms of Osteoarthritis. It is injected directly into Synovial Joints in the body with degenerative changes (osteoarthritis), this can be administered into the knee, ankle and toe joints.

Ostenil can decrease pain and stiffness and improve the other symptoms of osteoarthritis, the Hyaluronic Acid product helps to restore balance within the joint. It is a pure product manufactured by a process of fermentation; it does not contain animal products.

Ostenil is a safe product and the number of injections is not limited, it is dependant on outcome.

All Therapeutic injections are performed via ultrasound guidance. Ultrasound guidance improves the safety and accuracy of needle placement, thus injection treatment.

A radiology report is required prior to treatment; X-Ray, Ultrasound, MRI, these can be arranged by your Podiatrist via an NHS or Private Referral. A review with your Podiatrist is required, they will inform you on the most suitable return time. Typically used in conjunction with other treatments.

Treatment for Non-Musculoskeletal Conditions

Verrucae Treatments

What are a Verrucae?

Human Papiloma Virus infects the skin cells by getting scratched in, typically from non-slip flooring, and filing with a contaminated file. This can affect different areas of the body, but mostly found on the soles of the feet. Nowadays, verrucae treatments involve stimulation of the patient’s immune system in a safe way.

Swift Treatment

Swift is a safe, non-invasive treatment, that is fast and effective. Swift has an 86% success rate in the UK and is popular due to no home treatment requirement between sessions.

Typically, 3 sessions of Swift are required at 4 weekly intervals (this is patient dependant and can vary for several reasons which your Podiatrist will discuss with you).

Microwave technology is used to heat water molecules in the skin, causing them to collide and destruct the affected tissue, which creates an immune response to fight the virus. No down time or dressings are required after the treatment.

An initial assessment is required to check your personal suitability for Swift Emblation. If you would like any further information please follow this link: https://treatwithswift.com/global/for-patients.html

Verrucae Needling

Falknor’s Verrucae Needling has been used for many years, it is an effective treatment for breaking down affected verrucae skin tissue and initiating the body’s immune response. The immune system cells recognise the presence of a virus and start to attack it.

Typically, 1-2 sessions are required, dependent on the bodies response to treatments. Your Podiatrist will monitor the response/reaction in review sessions that is included in the treatment price. A recommend a second session if required.

The treatment is carried out with a local anaesthetic. Mild soreness is present when the local anaesthetic wears off and for the following 2-3 days, and a dressing will be in place.

An initial assessment is required to check your personal suitability for Falknor’s Needling.

Toe Nail Surgery

Ingrown toe nails can be very painful and limit people’s ability to do the things they love. Podiatrists perform toe nail surgery to put a stop to pain and recurrent infection that may be occurring.

The surgery is performed under local anaesthetic, where either the side of nail causing the issue, both sides of the nail or the complete nail is removed.

A chemical called Phenol is used to prevent re-growth of the section/s removed. This procedure can also be performed for thickened, uncomfortable toe nails, that occur from damage in the past.

After Toe Nail Surgery, the toe is wrapped in a sterile bandage, rest is required for 1-3 days, and cessation from sporting activities for approximately 3 weeks.

Daily activities with footwear modifications can continue after a few days of rest. Your Podiatrist will check the toe/s 1-3 days after the procedure has been carried out.

An initial appointment is required to assess your suitability for nail surgery and risks and benefits will be discussed.

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What Our Patients Say

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