kentsportspod

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 sometimes achieve...

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 of gradually...

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: "What is...