What is Podiatry?

A podiatrist is a healthcare professional who diagnoses and treats disorders, diseases and deformities of the foot, ankle and lower limb. Podiatry was originally known as Chiropody but has since changed and podiatry is now the internationally recognised name for a foot specialist. The Health Professions Council of the United Kingdom regulates podiatrists.

How Podiatry can help you?

More than 80% of people develop foot problems at some time during their lives. These range from relatively minor to the potentially crippling, but all involve patient discomfort.

The podiatrist is dedicated to the prevention and correction of these disorders in addition to alleviating the discomfort they cause.

Conditions treated by a Podiatrist?

  • Corns and Calluses
  • Verrucas
  • Bunions
  • Ingrown toenails – including nail surgery to permanently remove the troublesome nail piece
  • Hard dry skin
  • Fungal Nail infections
  • Dermatitis
  • Dry cracked heels
  • Blisters – (common post marathon)
  • Nail conditions / Thick Nails
  • Diabetic foot care
  • Footwear advice

The aim of treatment is to develop a personal foot care routine that will improve the health and comfort of your feet.
Advice and education play an important role in all treatments and Podiatry team is always happy to answer any queries you may have.

Biomechanical Assessment

A Biomechanical assessment is an investigation into your lower limb function – looking closely for abnormalities and compensations. We can look closely into the underlying possible causes of heel pain, knee pain and even back pain.

Once we have identified the causes of your problems we can develop a tailor made treatment plan to improve your symptoms. This may involve one or more of the following:

  • Exercises to stretch or strengthen muscles
  • Orthoses – specially made devices for you to wear inside your shoe to control, realign or cushion the abnormalities
  • Footwear advice
  • Referral on to other members of the healthcare team if further specialist advice is needed

What are Custom Orthotics?

Custom orthotics are specially-made devices designed to support and comfort your feet. Prescription orthotics are crafted for you and no one else. They match the contours of your feet precisely and are designed for the way you move.

Orthotics are only manufactured after a podiatrist has conducted a complete evaluation of your feet, ankles, and legs, so the orthotic can accommodate your unique foot structure and pathology.

Prescription orthotics are divided into two categories:

  • Functional orthotics are designed to control abnormal motion. They may be used to treat foot pain caused by abnormal motion, they can also be used to treat injuries such as shin splints or tendinitis. Functional orthotics are usually crafted of a semi-rigid material such as plastic or graphite.
  • Accommodative orthotics are softer and meant to provide additional cushioning and support. They can be used to treat diabetic foot ulcers, painful calluses on the bottom of the foot, and other uncomfortable conditions.

Podiatrists use orthotics to treat foot problems such as plantar fasciitis, bursitis, tendinitis, diabetic foot ulcers, and foot, ankle, and heel pain. Clinical research studies have shown that podiatrist-prescribed foot orthotics decrease foot pain and improve function.

Diabetes Podiatry:

Patients with diabetes are more likely to develop foot problems due to the nerve and vessel damage that may occur. Getting your feet tested regularly by a Podiatrist is one of the recommended ways of looking after your feet.

At The Arch Clinic we conduct regular ‘Diabetic Foot Checks‘ and ‘Diabetic Wound Management‘. We are a team of enthusiastic, highly skilled Podiatrists who are passionate about feet. Our wide range of skills ensures that your feet will be treated fast and effectively.