Do you suffer from?
Knee pain - your diagnosis may be Patellofemoral syndrome, pes anserine bursitis, Iliotibial band syndrome or ligament strain*
Shin pain - your diagnosis may be medial tibial stress syndrome or compartment syndrome*
Heel pain- your diagnosis may be plantar fasciitis*
Posterior heel pain - your diagnosis may be Achilles tendonitis*
Collapsed arches - your diagnosis may be posterior tibial dysfunction*
Forefoot pain - your diagnosis may be Morton’s neuroma*
Are you starting to develop bunions, hammer or claw toes?
There are many other conditions in the lower limb, and also around the hip and lower back, which may be caused or worsened by poor foot mechanics. Just because the feet do not hurt, does not mean they are not implicated.
What can be done?
The Podiatrist will take a detailed history followed by a biomechanical examination which involves assessing foot structure and function, lower limb alignment, joint range of motion, and muscle tests. Gait analysis includes barefoot walking and where appropriate for sports patients, running on a treadmill. When the cause of the condition has been established, the Podiatrist will be able to formulate an appropriate treatment plan to suit the individual patient.
In most cases orthotic shoe inserts are the treatment of choice. Advice on exercises, footwear and training will also be given and onward referral made where necessary.
Orthotic inserts fit inside most supportive everyday and training shoes. Custom made trial inserts will normally be prescribed prior to the issue of custom made long term devices so that the foot is slowly re-aligned and changes are gradually introduced to the body.
Children may suffer from:
Knee pain – possible diagnosis Osgood Schlatters Disease*
Heel pain - possible diagnosis Severs Disease*
Forefoot pain - possible diagnosis Freiberg’s Infraction or sesamoiditis*
* Diagnosis should be made by qualified clinician
Clinician
Peter Williams
Professional Qualifications
BSc (Hons), Podiatry
Professional Interests
Biomechanics Rheumatology, Gait Analysis, Orthosis, Sports Injuries, Orthopaedics
Professional Profile
Peter qualified in 2006 from Southampton University. He initially joined the NHS in Hampshire where he stayed for 5 years, developing his interest in lower limb musculoskeletal biomechanics, gait analysis and orthosis. Having worked in a variety of specialities within the NHS including Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Neurology, he moved into private practice in 2011.
His patients include amateur and elite athletes, Orthopaedic and Rheumatology patients as well as children of all ages. Detailed initial assessment with advice is combined with immediate treatment for their main concern, usually with a trial orthotic insert made on the spot.
This allows the body to engage with the devices gradually. Many patients experience a drastic reduction or even complete resolution of their symptoms. Then, for those who require long-term orthosis, the final prescription is usually ‘right first time’ in terms of effectiveness and comfort.
