Healthy well cared for feet are essential to the
well-being of the whole body and Chiropodists and Podiatrists provide treatment
in foot care and associated conditions .
Most people are aware of the services Chiropodists provide which are caring
for localised foot complaints such as ingrowing toenails, fungal infections,
corn callus and general foot pain around the heal area or under the arches,
but many are unaware of Podiatry and Podiatrists.
Podiatry
deals more with the biomechanics of the feet and the way it affects
the posture of the whole body.
If we think of the feet as the foundation of the body then they should be
providing a solid stable base allowing the body to function correctly above.
But more often than not our feet do not function bio mechanically correctly
and this causes problems.
We all know somebody with “flat feet” which is a condition due
to biomechanical malfunction. Flattening of the longitudinal arch will cause
the body weight to be taken on the inside of the feet, causing the knees to
knock and the hips to internally rotate. If left untreated, injury can occur
at any weak point from the feet to the lower back and can even create problems
with the neck and shoulders.
Treatment for bio mechanical conditions involves performing a thorough analysis
of the feet and lower limbs as well as the general posture of the patient.
The information gained by the Podiatrist is then used to prescribed a pair
of orthotics (functional insoles) These can either be off the shelf or prescription
cast orthotics that are fabricated from a plaster cast of the patient's feet
for optimum comfort . The orthotics are made of thin carbon fibre and thermo
plastic which can then be worn inside the patient's shoes for everyday use
or sporting events so ensuring correct foundation and foot function.
Podiatry
initial consultation and treatment
£40.00 (1 1/2 hours)
Chiropody initial consultation and treatment
£25.00 (1/2 hour)