What is Podiatry?

Podiatry (also known as Chiropody) is the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of the feet.

Podiatrists are highly skilled professionals who have been trained to prevent, diagnose, treat and rehabilitate conditions of the feet and lower limbs. The Podiatry clinic at Teddington Osteopaths offers foot care for children and adults including:

Foot pain​ & heel pain eg planter fasciitis

Nail surgery under local anaesthetic

Corns and callus​

Ingrown toenails​

Fungal infections​

Thickened nails

Diabetic care/assessments​

Chilblain advice

Foot ulcerations/breakdowns

Biomechanical assessments for adults and children

Quality custom orthotics as well as simple insoles and redistribution padding

Verrucae

What is the difference between Podiatry and Chiropody?

Podiatry is just the new name for Chiropody. The name was changed in 1993 as the international recognised name for a foot specialist. But many people in Britain (including many of our patients) still use Chiropody.

What’s Onychocryptosis
(Ingrown Toenail)?

Ingrown toenail is when the sides of the toenail grow into the skin around the nail. This can cause pain, swelling and redness and, if left untreated, can cause infection. Usually the big toe is affected but it can occur on any toe.

Ingrown toenail can affect anyone but it is more commonly seen in teens and in older people.

We would advise that you seek professional advice to avoid the risk of infection and certainly if you suspect that the area is already infected. You should seek professional advice immediately if you have diabetes and think that you may have ingrown toenail.

Surgery may be recommended if ingrown toenail is persistent and severe.

Why is foot care so important if you have diabetes?

Diabetes (Type I and II) can cause nerve and blood vessel damage from high glucose levels in the blood, which leads to decreased sensation (neuropathy) and reduced blood supply within the lower limb and foot. The changes are gradual, but it is important to check feet regularly in order to prevent problems from becoming worse.

What is biomechanical assessment of the lower limb?

Biomechanics is the assessment of feet and lower limbs in order to understand how well your feet and lower limbs function. Patricia Avery, podiatrist, will examine the joints of your lower limbs and undertake a gait analysis, looking at the way you walk, in order to identify links between any symptoms you may have and the position and function of your feet and lower limbs.

Treatment Plans

Options for treatment include prescribing custom orthotics and insoles, recommending exercises, footwear advice and mobilisation techniques. Poor movement patterns can lead to painful injuries developing, so it is important that these are addressed early on.

Children’s Orthotics

As children’s feet grow, we can provide an Outgrow Protection Program Insurance which accommodates younger patients by offering one free orthotic replacement per 2 year contract period for orthotics which have been outgrown by children under the age of 18.

Podiatry for children

Podiatry for children, also known as Podopaediatrics can deal with many childhood conditions such as Severs, Osgood-Shlatters, growing pains, painful flat feet, toe walking, intoeing gait and general conditions such as in-growing toenails and infections.