Chiropody And Podiatry
Podiatry and Podiatric medicine is a branch of health care relating to the study and treatment of the foot and lower limb.
Podiatrists and chiropodists have come a long way from the days of only offering routine palliative treatment of corns and callouses. Modern podiatrists will both treat the immediate foot problem but also examine the foot and leg to establish the cause. Such an approach is essential if a long term solution to the foot condition is to be achieved.
Foot conditions commonly treated by the podiatrist include:-
- Ingrown and damaged toenails
- Verrucae and warts
- Fungal infections of the skin and nails
- Pressure related skin conditions - corns and calluses
- Heel pain
- Plantar fasciitis
- Gait disorders
- Paediatric foot complaints
- Foot fatigue & 'flat' feet
- Sports injuries
- Diabetic feet
At the podiatry surgery, the patients' stance and gait are examined. Any mis-alignment in the bones and joints of the foot and ankle can lead to uneven weight bearing. This may require a prescription insole (orthotic) to be fitted into footwear.
Painful treatments are thankfully rare today at the modern foot clinic; as podiatrists can offer local anaesthetics. This means that not only is treatment pain free but also many surgical procedures previously performed in hospital are now undertaken in the podiatry surgery.
Biomechanics
At Health Plus Clinics we aim not only to give temporary relief to your foot problem, such as removing the corn or callus, but whenever possible find a permanent cure. This can only be achieved by examining the foot in detail and looking at how the foot may be failing to function correctly.
A biomechanical examination includes examining the feet in both a weight bearing and non-weight bearing situation. Angles and data of the feet and legs are taken and used to determine what is wrong and which treatment would be most beneficial.
If a patients' feet are misaligned, i.e. out of line with the legs, problems may occur not only in the feet but also in the lower limb and back.
In a 'perfect' foot, the heel and leg are at right angles to the ground whilst the ball of the foot is flat against the ground. However, often the back of the foot is unstable resulting in the heel rocking inwards bringing the arch of the foot closer to the ground, a condition known as over-pronation.
As a result of this imbalance, symptoms might include :- heel pain, arch fatigue, plantar fasciatis, corns and calluses, bunions and toe deformity, leg and ankle imbalance and lower back pain.
So what can be done to correct an imbalance of the feet ? Often a plaster cast of the foot is taken to capture it's misalignment and from this a prescription insole is made, an ORTHOTIC, which when worn in the shoe offers stablity and pain relief.
Orthotics
What exactly is an Orthotic ?
- An orthotic is a specialised insert for the shoe manufactured to the specific measurement and angle of an individual foot.
Why do I need an Orthotic?
* To alleviate Foot pain*
*Allow the foot to function correctly*
- by maintaining the foot in the correct position, it can work more effectively.
* Control/Correct Walking and Stance abnormalities*
* Relieve Stresses on the ankles, legs and Lower Back*
*Provide cushioning and stability- especially for Athletes, those working, on their feet and the elderly*
Orthotics are made to YOUR prescription, not mass produced.
Further information on podiatry can be found at www.londonhealthyfeet.com
If further information is requested regarding your case and whether Healthplus Chiropractors and Physiotherapists in Ilford, Chiropractors Hampstead Garden Suburb and Chiropractors South Woodford can help, please contact the clinic or email info@healthplusclinics.com
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HealthPlus Clinics are registered Chiropractors in Ilford, Physiotherapists in Hampstead Garden Suburb and South Woodford treating Back Pain in the Ilford area of Essex, Hampstead Garden Suburb and the South Woodford area of London
