BLOGS

One of the most satisfying follow-up appointments is when a patient returns because treatment has worked so well that they want a second set. This patient first came to see me in 2025 after her GP referred her for foot and ankle pain. An MRI had shown thickening where the tibialis posterior tendon attaches to the foot, alongside mild degenerative changes in the subtalar joint. Following examination and a functional assessment, I diagnosed posterior tibialis tendon dysfunction

This patient had been left with tingling in her feet after chemotherapy. When she developed a more intense pain in her left forefoot, she was told it was part of that neuropathy. But this pain felt different: it was concentrated around the toes, with burning and shooting sensations travelling to their tips. A history of neuropathy explained some of her symptoms, but it did not mean every new foot symptom had the same cause. I examined the painful area and performed an ultraso

When I first treated this patient in November 2024, arthritis in his big toe joint was making basketball painful. He had already undergone surgery to remove a bone spur earlier that year, but pain and stiffness remained. We chose a hyaluronic acid injection, also known as viscosupplementation, to see whether it could help him stay active. At his recent follow-up, he reported that the injection had given him approximately a year of relief. He had completed two full basketball

Heel pain is common in active children, particularly during periods of growth. This young Irish dancer came to see me with pain at the back of both heels, worse on the left. Dancing was the main trigger, but walking, PE and netball had also become uncomfortable. After a dance session, the pain could take around three days to settle. The symptoms had become much more noticeable after returning from a break of several weeks for exams. On returning to a long dance session, the h

I’m pleased to announce that I’m now seeing patients at Wells Health Fordcombe Hospital, near Tunbridge Wells. This new clinic makes my specialist podiatry services more accessible to people living and working across West Kent. Fordcombe Hospital is developing a dedicated foot and ankle service, bringing together clinicians with complementary expertise. I’m delighted to be part of that work. Foot and ankle problems often benefit from more than one perspective, and a joined-up

When someone has rheumatoid arthritis (RA), it's easy to assume that every new ache or swollen joint is caused by inflammation. In reality, many patients develop entirely separate mechanical problems that require very different treatment. Recognising the difference can be the key to restoring mobility and avoiding unnecessary escalation of rheumatology medication. This recent case is a good example. The Presentation The patient was referred following assessment by her rheumat

When you’re dealing with a foot, ankle or lower-limb injury, one of the most frustrating parts of seeking treatment can be the waiting. An initial appointment leads to a scan. The scan leads to another appointment. Then comes a discussion about treatment, followed by another wait before treatment actually begins. For many of the patients I see, particularly those funding their own treatment, I aim to make that process considerably more efficient. My approach to musculoskeleta

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...