Yearly Archives - 2019

Heal Heel pain with ShockWave Therapy

Podiatrists Heal Heels ! ShockWave therapy is a new, effective treatment used to heal plantar fasciitis and achilles tendon issues, instead of injection therpay ! See how is works below:

How does ShockWave Therapy work?

ShockWave Therapy

When the clinician applies ESWT to injured tissue. Injuries are affected in three ways:

  • Reduction of pain by reducing nerve impulses.
  • Increase of blood circulation in surrounding tissue.
  • Beginning of the healing process through stem cells activation.

Everyone has C nerve fibres in their body and when C nerve fibres are activated, the fibres release a substance called substance P. Substance P is responsible for causing pain and discomfort. ESWT activates C nerve fibres, initially causing a widespread release of substance P which causes discomfort during application. After a prolonged period of applying ESWT, C nerve fibres are disarmed and incapable of producing substance P.

A reduction in the production of substance P in tissue, leads to a reduction in pain.

This reduction of nerve fibre stimulation, together with increasing blood circulation and the activation of stem cells in the treated tissue, promotes recovery and can significantly reduce musculoskeletal pain.

What can ESWT be used to treat?

Evidence Based Medicine, Review the research below:

Podiatrists are evidence based medical practitioners who use the latest technologies and evidence to influence our approach to the treatment of heel pain. Plantar and posterior heel pain can be resolved with the use of ShockWave Therapy in combination with orthotics, stretches and loading ! Speak to your local Podiatrist for further details about early treatment and interventions.

https://www.cochranelibrary.com/central/doi/10.1002/central/CN-01603524/full?highlightAbstract=plantar%7Cshockwav%7Cfasci%7Ctherapi%7Ctherapy%7Cwithdrawn%7Cfascia%7Cshockwave

Clinic locations:

Appointments are available at all clinical sites  *On-site diagnostic ultrasound is available at Earlsfield and Maidenhead clinical locations.

How to book:

Click the following link to schedule your consultation online 24/7:  BOOK ONLINE.  Alternatively, speak to our friendly booking team between 9am-5pm Monday-Saturday: 020 7164 6607

Insurance and Fee’s:

We accept most major private medical insurance companies including BUPA, Vitality, WPA, Cigna, AVIVA and Simply Health. A full list of our consultation fee’s including self-pay can be found here:  Insurance and Fee’s. Our Podiatry team are health care professional council registered, meaning they are required to maintain professional standards and continued professional development. As an organisation we have invested in the latest diagnostic technology in order to help our podiatry team, help you. We have onsite diagnostic ultrasound available at Maidenhead and Earlsfield clinics. Infra-red pressure analysis available at Maidenhead and Earlsfield clinics with treadmill examinations.

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Nathan Fittock |Podiatrist|South West Podiatry

Meet Nathan Fittock, our new team member at South West Podiatry, Nathan completed his Podiatry degree in 2016 at Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia. His passion for helping people in addition to suffering a range of lower limb injuries himself inspired him to become a Podiatrist. Since then, he has spent most of his time in private practice, gaining experience in all aspects of Podiatry. He has also gained experience spending time within the NHS across London.

Nathan Fittock has a keen interest in musculoskeletal injuries and rehabilitation. This stems from his background in playing numerous sports, but most significantly middle distance running and playing representative Rugby League.

Through attending numerous conferences and training courses, he enjoys challenging his knowledge and keeping up to date with the latest research, and various treatment techniques involved with Podiatry. Nathan strives to create an individualised and holistic approach to each patient in a friendly and relaxed environment. As pain and injury can be multifactorial, he often combines numerous treatment methods for optimal patient care whether it may be footwear and orthotics, running form work, soft tissue therapy and shockwave or strength training.

Outside of the clinic you will most likely find him with a coffee in his hand or doing his own strength and conditioning training. Nathan enjoys the outdoors and travelling to explore different parts of the world.

Nathan looks forward to welcoming you to our clinic.

Clinic locations:

Appointments are available at all clinical sites  *On-site diagnostic ultrasound is available at Earlsfield and Maidenhead clinical locations.

How to book:

Click the following link to schedule your consultation online 24/7:  BOOK ONLINE.  Alternatively, speak to our friendly booking team between 9am-5pm Monday-Saturday: 020 7164 6607

Insurance and Fee’s:

We accept most major private medical insurance companies including BUPA, Vitality, WPA, Cigna, AVIVA and Simply Health. A full list of our consultation fee’s including self-pay can be found here:  Insurance and Fee’s. Our Podiatry team are health care professional council registered, meaning they are required to maintain professional standards and continued professional development. As an organisation we have invested in the latest diagnostic technology in order to help our podiatry team, help you. We have onsite diagnostic ultrasound available at Maidenhead and Earlsfield clinics. Infra-red pressure analysis available at Maidenhead and Earlsfield clinics with treadmill examinations.

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3D Printed Custom Made Orthotics – Available NOW !

3D printed Custom Made Orthotics are now available at our Gait Analysis Lab in Earlsfield, London, SW184HR. Lightweight orthotics that fit your work shoes ! Bringing innovation to South West London.

Podiatrist, Nathan Fittock had a foot scan at our Gait Lab in Earlsfield and we requested custom made orthotics for him to trial. They arrived today and he’s EXCITED ! Click the video below to hear Nathan’s take on his new lightweight custom made 3D printed orthotics for his work shoes. Orthotics are medical devices which you place in shoes to reduce foot pain and help common foot/ankle conditions such as plantar fasciitis ( heel pain ) and achilles tendinopathy.

Grab yourself a pair of state of the art, lightweight custom made medical orthotic devices for running or walking!

Book an advanced analysis appointment with Nathan or our Podiatry team at one of our locations to be measured and assessed for orthoses.

nathan fittock
Nathan Fittock

Run – Walk – Dance – Live : Take a look at our NEW 3D printed medical devices which are fully custom made from your foot scan click on the following link: NEW MEDICAL TECH !

Clinic locations:

Appointments are available at all clinical sites  *On-site diagnostic ultrasound is available at Earlsfield and Maidenhead clinical locations.

How to book:

Click the following link to schedule your consultation online 24/7:  BOOK ONLINE.  Alternatively, speak to our friendly booking team between 9am-5pm Monday-Saturday: 020 7164 6607

Insurance and Fee’s:

We accept most major private medical insurance companies including BUPA, Vitality, WPA, Cigna, AVIVA and Simply Health. A full list of our consultation fee’s including self-pay can be found here:  Insurance and Fee’s. Our Podiatry team are health care professional council registered, meaning they are required to maintain professional standards and continued professional development. As an organisation we have invested in the latest diagnostic technology in order to help our podiatry team, help you. We have onsite diagnostic ultrasound available at Maidenhead and Earlsfield clinics. Infra-red pressure analysis available at Maidenhead and Earlsfield clinics with treadmill examinations.

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Painful Ingrown Toenail ? Foot and Ankle Specialists

Why wait until an ingrown toenail hurts? Or worse, why wait until an ingrown toenail develops into an infection?

Hello Liam, been meaning to message you to say thankyou for sorting my ingrown toe nails out. They took there time to heal properly and now they have, my feet are so much more comfortable. Your treatment was highly considerate and professional and I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending you to anyone ! Patient testimonial – Mr Chandler

Would you like a long term, evidence based solution to resolve a painful ingrown toe nail ?

Click the link for further information about your long term surgical solutions for painful or infected toe nails: WHY WAIT TILL IT HURTS

Clinic locations:

Appointments are available at all clinical sites  *On-site diagnostic ultrasound is available at Earlsfield and Maidenhead clinical locations.

How to book:

Click the following link to schedule your consultation online 24/7:  BOOK ONLINE.  Alternatively, speak to our friendly booking team between 9am-5pm Monday-Saturday: 020 7164 6607

Insurance and Fee’s:

We accept most major private medical insurance companies including BUPA, Vitality, WPA, Cigna, AVIVA and Simply Health. A full list of our consultation fee’s including self-pay can be found here:  Insurance and Fee’s. Our Podiatry team are health care professional council registered, meaning they are required to maintain professional standards and continued professional development. As an organisation we have invested in the latest diagnostic technology in order to help our podiatry team, help you. We have onsite diagnostic ultrasound available at Maidenhead and Earlsfield clinics. Infra-red pressure analysis available at Maidenhead and Earlsfield clinics with treadmill examinations.

ingrown nail
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The London Marathon | South West Podiatry

It has been nearly a month since the lucky few found out they have a place in the ballot for the London Marathon, and the daunting task ahead is starting to sink in. The team at South West Podiatry know this feeling all to well, and from our experience in marathon running preparation is key.

High on your London Marathon preparation list should be an assessment with one of our Podiatrists. They will provide you with a thorough running assessment at our gait lab in Earlsfield or Maidenhead.

Anyone can have an assessment and it is commonly used to help athletes run more efficiently and to identify movement-related problems for people who have injuries in the foot, ankle, knees, hips or lower back.

The South West Podiatry team specialise in improving how people walk and run to prevent injury and improve lower limb pain. We use the latest technology to identify areas of increased foot pressure and inefficiencies in your foot pattern.  South West Podiatry will analyse your running gait on a treadmill we will also use pressure analysis to identify in-efficient foot patterns or increased stress in the lower legs and feet.

The results of an Advanced Analysis will enable the team to provide you with a targeted strength program to help improve any areas of weakness in the lower limb as well as providing you with running gait re-training as required. The most important part of the assessment is advice on the most appropriate trainers for your foot type and running style, reviewing your strength / conditioning and orthoses requirements.

So in order to be marathon ready contact the clinic today to book an appointment with one of the South West Podiatry team at any clinical location.

Clinic locations:

Appointments are available at all clinical sites  *On-site diagnostic ultrasound is available at Earlsfield and Maidenhead clinical locations.

How to book:

Click the following link to schedule your consultation online 24/7:  BOOK ONLINE.  Alternatively, speak to our friendly booking team between 9am-5pm Monday-Saturday: 020 7164 6607

Insurance and Fee’s:

We accept most major private medical insurance companies including BUPA, Vitality, WPA, Cigna, AVIVA and Simply Health. A full list of our consultation fee’s including self-pay can be found here:  Insurance and Fee’s. Our Podiatry team are health care professional council registered, meaning they are required to maintain professional standards and continued professional development. As an organisation we have invested in the latest diagnostic technology in order to help our podiatry team, help you. We have onsite diagnostic ultrasound available at Maidenhead and Earlsfield clinics. Infra-red pressure analysis available at Maidenhead and Earlsfield clinics with treadmill examinations.

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High heels and your feet: Our top tips!

High heels are one of the most common types of footwear out there, but wearing high heels the wrong way can result in soreness, pain and even damage to your feet. If you want to make sure that your heels aren’t hurting your feet in the short or long term, make sure you consider these top tips that will help keep your heels from hurting you.

Tip #1: Don’t wear high heels too long

Whenever possible, make sure that you aren’t wearing high heels for more than 3 to 8 hours at a time, with 8 hours being the absolutely maximum consecutive period you should wear them. If you must wear them for longer–such as all day at work–then choose heels with a shorter heel and a wider style, as these will not be as harsh on your feet.

Tip #2: Make sure there is a half inch of space in the toe

Don’t wear high heels that pinch your toes! Your heels should have about half an inch of space in the toe, as this will give your feet enough room in the shoe to avoid unnecessary friction. This may be difficult with high heels that have a thin design, but try your best not to wear narrow high heels for too long.

Tip #3: Avoid heel heights over 5cm whenever possible 

The highest your heel should be is about 5 cm; any higher than this and you increase the chances of falling while wearing the shoe, while also increasing the amount of pressure the shoe has on your feet. Whenever possible, avoid wearing shoes with heels higher than 5 cm; or if you must wear them, keep them on for a limited time and exercise caution while walking.

Tip #4: Take shorter strides when wearing heels

Wearing heels increases your chance for tripping and stumbling, but you can reduce this risk by taking smaller, shorter strides when you walk. A shorter and smaller step will make it easier for you to control your steps and reduce the chances of getting the heel caught on the ground or otherwise causing the shoe to buckle.

Tip #5: Bring flats or slip shoes in case your feet hurt too much

If you plan on wearing new heels for the first time or you think the heels might get uncomfortable, make sure you bring along a pair of flats or slip shoes that you can change into when it gets to be too much. It’s better to deal with the brief awkwardness of stashing your heels in your work desk or tossing them into your backseat in the middle of an event than to have to manage the pain and frustrating that comes with wearing painful shoes for too long.

Remember, wearing high heels is perfectly fine, as long as you practice common sense tips to protect your feet from getting hurt while wearing them. 

Clinic locations:

Appointments are available at all clinical sites  *On-site diagnostic ultrasound is available at Earlsfield and Maidenhead clinical locations.

How to book:

Click the following link to schedule your consultation online 24/7:  BOOK ONLINE.  Alternatively, speak to our friendly booking team between 9am-5pm Monday-Saturday: 020 7164 6607

Insurance and Fee’s:

We accept most major private medical insurance companies including BUPA, Vitality, WPA, Cigna, AVIVA and Simply Health. A full list of our consultation fee’s including self-pay can be found here:  Insurance and Fee’s. Our Podiatry team are health care professional council registered, meaning they are required to maintain professional standards and continued professional development. As an organisation we have invested in the latest diagnostic technology in order to help our podiatry team, help you. We have onsite diagnostic ultrasound available at Maidenhead and Earlsfield clinics. Infra-red pressure analysis available at Maidenhead and Earlsfield clinics with treadmill examinations.

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How to care for your feet as a diabetic!

Living with diabetes can be difficult and as much as you watch your sugar intake, you also must take care of your feet as you continue to live with the disease. Diabetes is known for hurting the blood supply to your feet and can cause pain and slow healing. There are numerous things you can do to protect your feet while factoring in your diabetes and your lifestyle.

Foot care for diabetics:

The very first thing you should do is find a local podiatrist. By seeking a professional opinion about how to best car for your foot from a foot doctor you will begin to gather as much information as possible about how to structure the rest of your life. Then you should work to keep your feet clean and free of infection. If you have any blistering or damage be sure to treat any and all wounds with the utmost care. Band-Aids, rubbing alcohol, and protective socks will become major parts of your foot care. If you are someone who wears there shoes a little too tight, you are going to have to go up a pair, as the constant rubbing can be very damaging to your newly sensitive feet. Be sure to swap out any pair of shoes that might be even slightly ill-fitting. Never walk barefoot anywhere. The bottoms of your feet are highly susceptible to infection and cuts.  Finally, be sure to consistently cut and file your toenails as to not let infections or fungi begin to live under your nails.

Butt out! It’s time to ditch the cigarettes

As a diabetic you know not to smoke, and well, ever since you were a child they have been giving you a laundry list of medical reasons not to smoke. Smoking is another habit that will hamper your blood circulation on top of your diabetes. Do not make it harder for your blood to reach your feet. Find a patch or quit cold turkey so that you can give your feet (and lungs) a much needed break. 

You diet helps here too!

Keeping your blood sugar in line and making sure you are consuming a nutritious diet are keys in protecting your feet from some of the worst side effects of having diabetes. You need to constantly monitor yourself so that you are aware as to just why your feet are bothering you so badly. 

When to see your podiatrist or medical professional

Since your healing process will be much slower as a symptom of your illness, any time you receive a blister that is lingering you should see a medical professional immediately. This goes the same for any injury as well. If your feet change color or you have difficulty in feeling them, you should seek out medical assistance. If a wound were to break the skin and any discharge should be seen leaving the wound, that is another instance in which you should seek help.

Clinic locations:

Appointments are available at all clinical sites  *On-site diagnostic ultrasound is available at Earlsfield and Maidenhead clinical locations.

How to book:

Click the following link to schedule your consultation online 24/7:  BOOK ONLINE.  Alternatively, speak to our friendly booking team between 9am-5pm Monday-Saturday: 020 7164 6607

Insurance and Fee’s:

We accept most major private medical insurance companies including BUPA, Vitality, WPA, Cigna, AVIVA and Simply Health. A full list of our consultation fee’s including self-pay can be found here:  Insurance and Fee’s. Our Podiatry team are health care professional council registered, meaning they are required to maintain professional standards and continued professional development. As an organisation we have invested in the latest diagnostic technology in order to help our podiatry team, help you. We have onsite diagnostic ultrasound available at Maidenhead and Earlsfield clinics. Infra-red pressure analysis available at Maidenhead and Earlsfield clinics with treadmill examinations.

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How to diagnose and treat Plantar Fasciitis!

Plantar Fasciitis may not be something you have heard much of, yet it’s a very common condition that impacts around 1-2 people per 10. So around 10-20% of us !

This is a condition that causes the bottom of your heel to hurt, sometimes incredibly painfully. ​Today, we will be going over our methods on how to diagnose, treat, and understand the science behind this.

Fun fact! The name ‘Plantar Fasciitis’ is derived from the word ‘plantar fascia’, which is a broad ligament that basically supports your feet and helps you walk.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF PLANTAR FASCIITIS?

The most obvious symptom is pain at the bottom of the heel.

This pain can impact everyone in different ways, though it is common for the condition to get worse in the morning and incredibly painful after rest.

A very notable thing to emphasize is that people usually only feel the pain ​after ​exercise, and not during it; this is a rather difficult symptom to determine, and also makes it easier to ‘overwork or damage’ your feet unknowingly.

If you ever think you may be developing Plantar Fasciitis, don’t hesitate to see a Podiatrist for a physical check-up. Diagnostic ultrasound and MRI scans can be undertaken by a specialist Podiatrist.

WHAT CAN CAUSE THIS CONDITION TO OCCUR?

Heel pain is usually multifactoral and arguably the most common one is that you’ve constantly overused the plantar fascia, or torn, your ligament causing it to become irritated and damaged.

Additionally, obesity or overweight people are more likely to start developing this condition as the plantar fascia takes more load and stress.

Strangely enough, you can also start suffering from this when you are ​too ​active ‒ mainly if you’re a runner due to overuse.

HOW CAN YOU TREAT THIS?

We’d strongly advise going to see a qualified podiatrist. Early treatment is always important to resolve symptoms quickly.

One major tip would just be to take it easy; doing regular stretching exercises while avoiding putting too much strain on your feet can already help a ton. Additionally, it might be worthwhile to invest in some arch supports or casts. Here is a little more information about orthoses below:

Clinic locations:

Appointments are available at all clinical sites  *On-site diagnostic ultrasound is available at Earlsfield and Maidenhead clinical locations.

How to book:

Click the following link to schedule your consultation online 24/7:  BOOK ONLINE.  Alternatively, speak to our friendly booking team between 9am-5pm Monday-Saturday: 020 7164 6607

Insurance and Fee’s:

We accept most major private medical insurance companies including BUPA, Vitality, WPA, Cigna, AVIVA and Simply Health. A full list of our consultation fee’s including self-pay can be found here:  Insurance and Fee’s. Our Podiatry team are health care professional council registered, meaning they are required to maintain professional standards and continued professional development. As an organisation we have invested in the latest diagnostic technology in order to help our podiatry team, help you. We have onsite diagnostic ultrasound available at Maidenhead and Earlsfield clinics. Infra-red pressure analysis available at Maidenhead and Earlsfield clinics with treadmill examinations.

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How to deal with sweaty feet!

Sweaty feet can surprisingly be a terrible thing to experience. With over 250,000 sweat glands, it can get really unpleasant to deal with this issue.

But why does this even happen? Well, sweating is a critical process our body undergoes to cool ourselves down, and control body temperature. Almost every single body part does this, including our feet!

Did you know there is a condition called plantar hyperhidrosis ​that causes the excessive sweating of the feet? A staggering 5% of the world population suffer from this.

We aren’t trying to scare you, but if left untreated ‒ you can contract diseases, blisters, infections, and other nasty things! Today, we are going to share some of our methods.

WASH YOUR FEET DAILY

Dedicate some of your time every day to washing your feet and drying in-between the toes. This completely wipes out any bacteria lingering around, and also stops terrible foot odour from emerging.

PICK THE RIGHT SOCKS

Change your socks daily, especially if you usually wear closed-toe shoes. Make sure to avoid manmade or synthetic materials, since this can trap moisture and lead to odour-related problems.

APPLY FOOT DEODORANT OR ANTI-PESPIRANT SPRAY

Deodorants can deal with the foul smell, stop incessant sweating, ​and​ protect your feet from bacteria.

SOAK AND DRY YOUR FEET

Foot soaks can work wonders; they can actually kill all sorts of parasites!

After drying your feet look in every nook and cranny! You should also make a point to keep your shoes as dry as possible.

WEAR APPROPRIATE SHOES

Getting shoes made out of natural materials (avoid plastic in particular!) is a simple yet effective solution ‒ this is because such substances allow some ‘breathing room’ for your feet.

USE POWDERS

Applying an anti-fungal foot powder can help absorb excess moisture. According to Doctor Stephen Weinberg, roll-on products are more effective than sprays.

If you don’t have such powders on hand, there are many alternatives you can use.

Want professional help?

Appointments are available at all clinical sites  *On-site diagnostic ultrasound is available at Earlsfield and Maidenhead clinical locations.

How to book:

Click the following link to schedule your consultation online 24/7:  BOOK ONLINE.  Alternatively, speak to our friendly booking team between 9am-5pm Monday-Saturday: 020 7164 6607

Insurance and Fee’s:

We accept most major private medical insurance companies including BUPA, Vitality, WPA, Cigna, AVIVA and Simply Health. A full list of our consultation fee’s including self-pay can be found here:  Insurance and Fee’s. Our Podiatry team are health care professional council registered, meaning they are required to maintain professional standards and continued professional development. As an organisation we have invested in the latest diagnostic technology in order to help our podiatry team, help you. We have onsite diagnostic ultrasound available at Maidenhead and Earlsfield clinics. Infra-red pressure analysis available at Maidenhead and Earlsfield clinics with treadmill examinations.

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Your shoes and foot pain!

Your shoes could be the culprit for your foot pain! Wearing shoes beyond their life span, the wrong style of shoe, or an incorrect shoe size can impact the health of your feet!

Keep in mind:

Your trainers may wear out after 400 or 500 miles of running or walking and no longer provide the support you need.

High heels and shoes without proper arches or support (like flip-flops) can damage your feet !

Your feet can change in size during your lifetime (even when you’re an adult) 👣

Consider purchasing new, well-fitting shoes to help your aching feet. Shoes that provide proper arches can give your feet new life. Also, wear shoes that work for whatever activity you’re engaging in. For example, wear trainers made for exercising when exercising.

Learn about in-shoe medical devices / orthoses to relieve foot pain:

Clinic locations:

Appointments are available at all clinical sites  *On-site diagnostic ultrasound is available at Earlsfield and Maidenhead clinical locations.

How to book:

Click the following link to schedule your consultation online 24/7:  BOOK ONLINE.  Alternatively, speak to our friendly booking team between 9am-5pm Monday-Saturday: 020 7164 6607

Insurance and Fee’s:

We accept most major private medical insurance companies including BUPA, Vitality, WPA, Cigna, AVIVA and Simply Health. A full list of our consultation fee’s including self-pay can be found here:  Insurance and Fee’s. Our Podiatry team are health care professional council registered, meaning they are required to maintain professional standards and continued professional development. As an organisation we have invested in the latest diagnostic technology in order to help our podiatry team, help you. We have onsite diagnostic ultrasound available at Maidenhead and Earlsfield clinics. Infra-red pressure analysis available at Maidenhead and Earlsfield clinics with treadmill examinations.

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