PODIATRY (MUSCULO-SKELETAL)

Biomechanics is the science of how bones and muscles enable the body to move. These principles are used by MSK Podiatrists to help improve the alignment and function of the foot and lower limb.

Good alignment helps the body move efficiently, reducing the potential for muscles and joints to become injured.

Podiatry (musculo-skeletal) assesses poor foot posture. For example, over pronation may compromise how efficiently you walk or run. The alignment problem may be very subtle and the foot itself may not be painful, but a slight fault repeated with every step can make daily activities really difficult.

Foot function can be improved very effectively using ‘off the shelf’ or custom made shoe inserts called ‘orthotics’. Orthotics aid the foot to function in a better position. Muscles acting on the foot are then able to strengthen and hopefully provide long term benefit. In some cases orthotics are only needed on a short term basis. If there are very strong forces acting on the foot which are causing the pain, orthotics may be required longer term.

Lower limb injuries

FOOT
Areas which commonly get sore are heel, arch and big toe joint:

Common sore point of the foot

LEG
Poor foot posture can cause too much rotation of the leg and cause symptoms in the knee, hip and back.

Podiatry (musculo-skeletal)

ORTHOTICS
Problems like these and numerous others can benefit greatly from ‘orthotics’.

Orthotics are prescribed shoe inserts to improve foot posture and reduce the forces causing injury. If the foot is in a better position muscles acting on the foot will strengthen rather than strain. So the foot can start to work more efficiently again. Increasing chance of recovery from injury and increasing the chance injury will not reoccur.

TEAM
Sometimes lower limb injuries can be complex, so having access to lots of different treatment choices from a team of practitioners can be invaluable to get pain under control as quickly as possible and for the best outcome longer term.

First Appointment

You can self-refer to book an appointment or do so based on a recommendation by your GP or other health care professional. Your first appointment will last about an hour and if any follow up appointment is required it will be 30 mins. It will involve taking a history of your general health, the current problem and your concerns.

Muscles and joint range of movement will be assessed in barefoot standing, walking and lying down. A treatment plan usually involves some specific exercises to re-balance tight or weak muscles and/or prescription of shoe inserts called ‘orthotics’.

It is really helpful to bring a few pairs of shoes which are worn for typical activities on day to day basis. Wear patterns on shoes may help provide more information about how the feet are functioning and if orthotics are required, temporary ones can be made and fitted there and then at your first appointment.

Registration & Competence

Podiatry is a degree-based healthcare profession and both our Podiatrists are Members of the College of Podiatry (leading governing body) and Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), the UK regulator.

To maintain registration and professional competence, the College of Podiatry and HCPC expect members to fulfil the regulator’s requirement for continuing professional development on an annual basis.

This enables members to work safely, effectively and legally within their particular scope of practice at any point in time.

Healthcare Cover

We are registered with the main insurers, but there are some companies who don’t cover Podiatry.

If you intend to use health insurance, please check with your provider prior to your appointment as you will need an authorisation number and there may be an excess on the policy.

View our appointment charges