BLOGS

One of the most common questions I'm asked in clinic is whether custom orthotics actually work. Some patients arrive expecting them to be a miracle cure, while others have already tried off-the-shelf insoles without success and understandably wonder whether a custom device could really be any different. The answer is that it depends entirely on the diagnosis. This patient demonstrates why making the correct diagnosis first is so important, and why custom orthotics can sometim

Many people notice changes in the shape of their feet as they get older. Often they assume it's simply part of ageing or that they have "fallen arches." Sometimes that's true. But occasionally a flattening foot is a sign that one of the most important tendons in the foot is beginning to fail. This patient is a good example of why recognising the early signs can make a significant difference to long-term outcomes. Patient presentation A patient attended my clinic complaining o

Plantar heel pain is one of the most common conditions I see in clinic. Almost everyone has heard the term "plantar fasciitis", yet many patients are surprised to learn that the condition often isn't an inflammatory problem at all. This patient had already spent several months trying to manage the pain themselves. They had rested, stretched, changed footwear and reduced activity, but the discomfort remained. By the time they attended my clinic, they wanted to know two things:

When runners develop heel pain, the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis is often made almost automatically. In many cases, that's entirely appropriate. But occasionally a patient arrives whose symptoms don't quite fit the usual pattern. Those are often the cases that remind me why making the correct diagnosis is far more important than rushing into treatment. This patient was an experienced long-distance runner who had been unable to run for six months because of persistent pain a

Heel pain is one of the most common reasons people seek my help. In fact, almost every week I meet patients who have already been told they have plantar fasciitis before they've even walked into my clinic. Sometimes that diagnosis is correct. Sometimes it isn't. This case highlights why making assumptions can delay recovery, and why establishing the correct diagnosis should always come before deciding upon treatment. Patient presentation A patient attended my clinic with pers

When people develop pain beneath the ball of the foot, one diagnosis is mentioned more than almost any other: Morton's neuroma. Many patients arrive at my clinic already convinced that's what they have. Sometimes they've searched their symptoms online, sometimes they've already seen another healthcare professional, and occasionally they've even had treatment without much success. But one of the biggest lessons I've learnt over the years is that pain in the forefoot is often f

One of the most common reasons patients attend my clinic is pain beneath the ball of the foot. Many arrive convinced they have a Morton’s neuroma because they've searched their symptoms online, while others have already been diagnosed elsewhere but remain frustrated that previous treatment hasn't worked. This patient's story was typical. Patient presentation A lady attended my clinic complaining of gradually worsening pain beneath the forefoot that had been troubling her for

I am delighted to share that I have successfully completed my Master's degree (MSc). As healthcare professionals, our learning never truly stops. While many patients see the consultations, treatments, injections, rehabilitation programmes and orthotic prescriptions that take place in clinic, there is often a significant amount of study, research and professional development happening behind the scenes to ensure that care remains evidence-based, effective and up to date. Over

Foot problems are more common than you might think. Millions of people suffer from foot issues that can affect daily activities, overall...

Healthcare is evolving rapidly, and one of the most significant shifts is the move towards a team-based healthcare approach. This model...

Achilles tendon pain a rare cause

Your feet endure a lot every day, accommodating weight, managing movement, and absorbing shock. However, many people overlook foot health...

At the end of April 2022 the day came I finally closed the door on my Chislehurst clinic for the last time after 16years. Joining as a...

One of the most common questions I get asked in clinic is why I chose Podiatry. A question I must have answered 1000 times in 17 years of...

Ingrowing nail Surgery One of the most common conditions Podiatrists contend with is ingrowing toenails, and one of the most worrying...

A very common overuse injury I see in clinic, especially in the spring when everyone is most enthusiastic about their fitness goals, is...

As the UK begins to return to the new normal, after three months of lockdown, we can all begin to think about returning to our much-loved...

Gout is a common condition, seen mainly in men, but affects women on occasions too. It belongs to a family of conditions called...

Sports Medicine Podiatry, what is it? Kent Sports Podiatry, Mr Liam Stapleton BSc PGc MCPod HCPC What is Podiatric Sports Medicine?...

Morton’s neuroma is a common forefoot problem which causes pain and disability. It is caused by a trapped nerve in the ball of the foot....