Feet get ignored until they stop you doing something. Podiatry and chiropody cover both areas involved in maintaining good foot health.
Chiropody is the care of the foot itself, meaning looking after nails, hard skin, corns, callus, the diabetic foot and advice regarding painful or stubborn verrucae.
Podiatry addresses the mechanical side, which is how the foot moves and reacts with the ground and footwear, which can lead to undue strain elsewhere and possibly cause problems such as why the heel hurts every morning, why one knee aches after a long walk, and why a shoe wears down unevenly.
Our podiatrist, Gareth Klepacz, has worked exclusively in clinical biomechanics since 2003, so an assessment not only looks at your foot but could also involve looking at all of the joints affected above it, including your knee, hip and spine.
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What happens at the first appointment
The initial consultation runs up to an hour and includes foot and gait analysis, which means we watch how you actually load the foot when you walk rather than only examining it at rest. That is £90. By the end you should know what is causing the problem and what the options are, including the option of doing very little.
Why does my heel hurt most first thing in the morning
Worst on the first few steps out of bed, easing as you move about, is the classic description of plantar fasciitis. It is one of the most common problems we see. It responds well to the right loading programme and badly to being walked off for six months. Footwear, calf strength and how your foot behaves under load all play a part.
Should I have my feet checked if I am diabetic
Yes. NHS guidance recommends at least an annual foot check for everyone with diabetes, and more often if you have already been told your risk is raised. The reason is that reduced sensation means a small problem can progress a long way before it starts to hurt, so it is found by looking rather than by waiting for symptoms. For this check you are advised to consult our chiropodist.
Client Reviews
Based on 1 review
- R
Ross Fripp
Have used Gareth a few times for various foot and biomechanical issues in relation to running. Always get good, professional, friendly service and it's great to be able to run again thanks to him. Would thoroughly recommend!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a podiatrist and a chiropodist?
Why does my heel hurt most in the morning?
How often should I have a diabetic foot check?
What does the first podiatry appointment cost?
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