Podiatry Treatment
Podiatry assesses and corrects problems arising from the function of the feet. Incorrect movement or function of the foot can not only lead to foot and ankle pain but is often the cause of non-specific knee, back and hip pain. By addressing these issues, having a podiatry treatment can improve mobility, reduce comfort and enhance quality of life.
What is Podiatry?
Podiatry focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of conditions affecting the feet and ankles. Podiatrists (sometimes known as ‘foot doctors’) carry out podiatry treatment, and are trained medical professionals who play a crucial role in maintaining foot health and overall mobility.
Podiatrists diagnose and treat any foot or ankle problem. During your first podiatry treatment, podiatrists will perform physical exams and tests to identify issues that make it hard to move your feet or ankles.
What does a podiatrist do?
Podiatrists are experts at examining the foot and its function. They can look for signs of excess wear and pressure in the foot as well as the movement of the foot while standing, walking or running. With this knowledge, they can prescribe suitable exercises and, if necessary, orthotics (insoles) and advise on correct footwear.
The conditions Podiatry can treat are:
- Diabetes
- Foot deformities
- Arthritis
- Heel pain
- Bunions and hammertoes
- Growing pains
- Morton’s neuroma
- Fractures and sprains
How can Podiatry treatment help?
Long term problems of hard skin and corns are often a sign of an underlying functional problem with the foot. A podiatry assessment – and often an orthotic – will usually stop the underlying cause and prevent recurrence. Regular visits for foot health check-ups can dramatically improve mobility and maintain fit, active and pain-free feet and lower limbs. Remember that prevention is always better than cure!
Symptoms of poor foot function include:
- Lower back pain
- Hip pain
- Heel pain/Achilles tendonitis
- Ankle strains and pains
- Limb length discrepancy
- Postural problems
- Flat feet
- General foot pain and bunions
Our Podiatry treatment clinic
When you visit Carl Todd Clinics for your podiatry treatment, your appointment will usually begin with a detailed discussion of your medical history, including past injuries, surgeries, or ongoing health conditions as well as your current symptoms and concerns. The podiatrist will then conduct a thorough examination, with a strong focus on gait analysis. This involves observing how you stand, walk, and move, assessing the range of motion in your feet, ankles and lower limbs.
Depending on your symptoms, the podiatrist can address a range of issues during your podiatry treatment, such as, heel pain, corns, or foot discomfort. Where necessary, the podiatrist might recommend orthotics, targeted exercises or further physical therapy to alleviate discomfort or improve function.
Once a final diagnosis is made, your podiatrist will discuss your podiatry treatment options which are available. These may include non-invasive treatments, medications and topical treatments, minimally invasive procedures and surgical interventions.
Podiatry FAQ's
Podiatry treatment focuses on diagnosing, treating and preventing conditions affecting the feet, ankles and lower limbs. It addresses a wide range of issues, from common concerns like ingrown toenails, to more complex problems such as foot pain caused by diabetes.
Treatment can involve minor procedures such as physical therapy and advice on footwear. The goal of podiatry is to improve mobility, reduce pain and support overall health.
A podiatry treatment clinic is a specialised healthcare facility focused on diagnosing, treating and preventing conditions affecting the feet, ankles and lower limbs. Staffed by podiatrists, a podiatry treatment clinic provides expert care for a wide range of issues such as foot pain, sports injuries and nail disorders.
The most common problem treated by a podiatrist is heel pain. Heel pain can be caused by a variety of different conditions such as plantar fasciitis or achilles tendinitis.
Podiatrists and foot doctors are the same thing – they both take care of feet, and some of them can do foot related surgeries. The main difference is just the name. In many circumstances, a “podiatrist” is now the more common term, but both do similar work.
Podiatrists and chiropractors are both specialists, but focus on different areas of the body. Podiatrists use podiatry treatment to treat conditions affecting the feet, ankles and lower limbs, using treatments such as minor surgery and foot care advice.
On the other hand, chiropractors specialise in the spine and musculoskeletal system, addressing problems like back pain, neck pain, headaches and posture related issues through joint manipulations and soft tissue therapy.
Symptoms a podiatrist treats are foot pain, ankle issues, skin problems, nail disorders, foot deformities and gait abnormalities.
You do not need a referral to book an appointment. You can book a podiatry treatment at a time that suits you. Some private insurance providers will however require a referral from the GP.
We’re trained to work with feet and enjoy working with feet that need our help. We’ve dealt with feet that have all manner of problems, shapes and sizes. There is no need to be embarrassed, we are here to help.
A common concern. Conditions such as in growing toenails may be sensitive to podiatry treatment, however great relief is typically experienced following the treatment of the painful area. In some cases anaesthetic may be used to make your treatment more comfortable.
None, Chiropodist and Podiatrist are interchangeable titles. Podiatrist is the more internationally used term. In the UK both are protected titles by the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council). Chiropody is an old term being phased out of practice.
A biomechanical assessment is a series of examinations undertaken to diagnose the causative factors relating to your foot/ankle/knee/hip or back pain. This is achieved by assessing the way in which you walk (Gait Analysis), muscle/tendon function and the range of motion at specific joints. It is also crucial to assess your footwear and any lifestyle factors that may be contributing to your symptoms.
The outcome of a biomechanical assessment will impact your podiatry treatment, which may include: stretching/strengthening prescription, joint mobilisation/manipulation, orthotic prescription, footwear changes, lifestyle modification, steroid injection, shockwave therapy or referral for further treatment i.e. surgical consultation.
We are registered with most major health insurers and are able to treat patients who have private health insurance in the majority of cases. To make sure your podiatry treatment will be covered it is best to call your provider for clarification. Some insurance companies will require a referral from your Doctor in order to make a claim and others will only require a receipt from ourselves.
Unsure if Podiatry is right for you? Get in touch using the form or call one of our clinics to speak with us
Corsham Clinic: 01249 248392
Swindon Clinic: 01793 978270