Podiatry

Nail surgery is a minor surgical procedure used to treat persistent nail conditions, such as ingrown toenails, fungal infections, or nail deformities. It is commonly performed under local anesthesia and may involve partial or complete nail removal, sometimes with chemical or laser treatment to prevent regrowth. Nail surgery helps relieve pain, reduce infection risk, and restore normal nail function. It is often recommended when conservative treatments fail to resolve the issue.

Foot orthoses prescription involves the assessment, design, and fitting of custom or prefabricated shoe inserts to support and improve foot function. These orthotic devices help address conditions such as flat feet, plantar fasciitis, overpronation, and sports-related injuries. A Podiatrist evaluates gait, posture, and biomechanics to determine the most suitable orthotic type. Properly prescribed foot orthoses can enhance comfort, reduce pain, and improve overall mobility.

Footwear advice involves professional guidance on selecting the right shoes to support foot health, comfort, and performance. Proper footwear can help prevent injuries, alleviate pain, and improve posture by providing adequate cushioning, arch support, and stability. Our Podiatrists assess factors like foot shape, gait, and activity level to recommend suitable footwear for everyday use, sports, or specific foot conditions. Wearing the right shoes is essential for overall foot function and long-term musculoskeletal health.

Running technique evaluation and modification involve analysing a runner’s form, posture, and movement patterns to enhance efficiency, prevent injuries, and optimise performance. This process often includes video gait analysis and biomechanical assessments to identify issues such as overstriding, poor foot strike, or inefficient arm movement. Based on the findings, our podiatrists provide targeted modifications, including posture adjustments, cadence optimisation, and strength training recommendations. Proper running technique can reduce strain on the body and improve overall endurance and speed.

Taping and strapping are techniques used to support muscles, joints, and ligaments, helping to prevent injuries and aid recovery. They provide stability, reduce strain, and enhance proprioception, making them beneficial for individuals with conditions like sprains, tendonitis, or joint instability. Different taping methods, such as rigid strapping or kinesiology tape, are applied based on the specific needs of the individual. Properly applied taping can improve movement, reduce pain, and promote healing during physical activity or rehabilitation.

Podiatry involves a comprehensive approach to foot and ankle health. During an initial assessment your Podiatrist will ask you details about your presenting injury, general medical status, and your training habits and goals.  They will perform a physical and biomechanical examination, often on a treadmill, and are able to prescribe bespoke foot orthoses where necessary.  

At the conclusion of the session your Podiatrist will summarise the main findings and help formulate a management plan which may include a follow-up or referral to another member of the multidisciplinary team depending on their findings. 

You should consider seeing a Podiatrist if you experience foot or ankle pain, swelling, redness, or any changes in the appearance or movement patterns of your feet or lower limb. They can also help you in assessing footwear.

An initial appointment, including a gait analysis, can take up to one hour, and may be all that is required. Follow ups, when needed, are 15-30 minutes, depending on what treatment has been decided upon.

Podiatry appointments are focused on the way the foot functions and interacts with the ground, and how this may influence stresses and strains on certain structures.

Our Foot Health service at Pure Sports Medicine covers other aspects of foot care such as nail care (ingrown toenails, fungal toenails) and dermatological conditions (callus, corns and verrucae).  

The terms “Podiatrist” and “Chiropodist” are often used interchangeably. However, “podiatrist” is the more modern term and is now more commonly used. Both professionals are trained to diagnose and treat foot and lower limb conditions. At Pure Sports Medicine, our Podiatry team primarily focus on sports injuries of the foot and ankle, but we also provide a foot health service.

Yes, you are welcome to self refer to Podiatry for a gait analysis. However, most medical insurers will require a more formal referral either directly from themselves (via their triage GP) or an external consultant (e.g. Sports & Exercise Medicine Physician or Orthopaedic Surgeon).  

You do not need to wait until you are pain free to see a Podiatrist (in fact, being in pain is often the main reason for seeking an opinion), but bear in mind that you will be asked to walk and/or run during a gait analysis, so you should feel confident that you can do this reasonable comfortably.