The Foot and Heel Pain Specialists Morden

The Foot & Heel Pain Specialists

The foot is the foundation of most athletic movements. Pain indicates that there is something wrong with either the interaction of internal structures of the foot or with the how the foot is interacting with external influences. How and when the pain occurs and the locations of the pain are the primary clues to what may be causing the pain.

Foot pain may be caused by many different things. Trauma, disease, or combinations of both are the most common causes of foot pain. Trauma is a result of forces outside of the body either directly impacting the body or forcing the body into a position where a single or combination of forces result in damage to the structures of the body. Poor biomechanical alignment may lead to foot pain.

The following are the main types of problems associated with foot and heel pain along with their symptoms:

• Corns and Calluses : Hard , dead , yellowish skin

• In grow toenails : Nail curling into skin causes pain, swelling, and in extreme cases, infection

• Bunions and bunionettes ((tailor’s bunion)

  : i. Metatarsus primus varus: The first metatarsal bone shifts away from the second and the big toe points inward.

  ii. Medial exostosis: This is a bony bump at the base of the big toe, which protrudes outward. Area next to bony bump is red, tender, and occasionally filled with fluid. Toe joint may be inflamed

  iii. Hallus valgus : This is a deformity in which the bone and joint of the big toe shift and grow inward, so that the second toe crosses over the big toe.

• Interdigital neuroma : Cramping and burning pain, or electric shock sensation. It is aggravated by prolonged standing and relieved by removal of the shoes and forefoot massage.

• Hammertoe or claw toe : Toes form hammer or claw shape. No pain at first , but pain increases as tendon becomes tighter and toes stiffen

• Metatarsalgia : Acute, recurrent, or chronic pain without a known cause.

• Sesamoiditis : Pain and swelling

• Plantar fasciitis : Pain is most severe with first steps after getting out of bed and then decreases and again increases with inactivity.

• Achilles tendinitis : Pain worsens during physical activities, after which the tendon usually swells and stiffens.

• Tarsal Tunnel syndrome : Numbness, tingling or burning sensations

• Flat Feet (PTTD) : First pain and weakness in tendon , then the arch flattens but is still flexible, the foot becomes rigid and possible painful at the ankle.

• High arches : High arches. Lower back pain

Although there are many causes of foot and heel pain, the two most common conditions we treat are plantar fasciitis and Metatarsalgia. We offer a free consultation where a thorough history and examination of the problem is done.

On your initial visit with us, we would take a thorough history and do a thorough examination of the problem that you have. Once we have determined that orthotics can help, we will show you samples of our tailor made orthotics and then we can help you decide what types of orthotics you need. We will then advise you of the exact costs involved. You are under no obligation to go ahead with the order and your consultation remains free.

If you decide to proceed with your orthotics, then we will proceed to take records of your feet.

Laser scanning is our preferred measurement technique and although not unique to us as a measuring device its use is excellent as a way of determining foot shape. However, it must be stated that a laser scan is merely a measuring device and it’s the tailor made orthotics where the unique manufacture comes into fruition. In other words, even ineffective orthotics can be made using laser measurement!! The technical work is carried out at our laboratory in the USA where the work is very advanced.

Although not always required, we do offer great after care services. Overall only 10% of the clients may need the aftercare visit and that too only a single repeat visit. There are some cases where multiple adjustments are needed especially with a complicated case.

All our after-care and adjustments are completely free within the first year and given by highly experienced Biomechanics Consultants or technicians. Our orthotics are designed to return your feet to their ideal position generally known as sub-talar neutral.  However (and this is where it gets complicated!) some clients have feet that they cannot cope with this position and we will need to re-assess this. Orthotic adjustment is generally a very poorly understood concept by practitioners in our field but we consider it absolutely vital. It is unrealistic to expect every client to adapt to their orthotics immediately without adjustment and the need for adjustment should never be looked upon as negative as this is never an indication of the final result.

• Our free consultation means that it costs you nothing to find out whether we can help you. We will not allow you to buy orthotics if we are not 100% certain we can help you.

• Our combination of unique methods of manufacture, coupled with laser scanning gives you an incredibly high chance of success

• Your journey to us will be a very worthwhile one, no matter how far you travel

• Our consultants have all suffered with foot pain at some stage, so you receive not only very expert help, but empathy and a willingness to go that extra mile to achieve your cure

Types of orthotics we prescribe

These are our most common models, but we do make other models for differing shoe and activity types

"Starter orthotics": Many clients showing rigid arches will not adapt to their perfect arch height immediately and inflammation and discomfort may be the result, taking some considerable time to wear off. We have developed an orthotic worn in the early days to help the arch and rear foot to adapt and help recovery.

These have proved incredibly successful and allow the foot to be raised in 2 stages by introducing it to its natural position by using a lower, more contoured and moveable arch for the early days. We then raise the foot to its permanent position around 6-8 weeks later when natural adaptation has taken place.

Classic : generally given for flat or formal shoes

Slim fit: - primarily for ladies high heels or court shoes, but can also be used in men's "Gucci"-type loafers or similar narrow shoes.

Comfort Control: designed for casual shoes or where metatarsal padding is required.

Action Track: a full-length orthotic primarily for trainers. There are many variations on this particular type

Golfer: designed to cope with the different terrains of a golf course. These have proved very popular with our golfers, healing pain and perhaps even improving their swing!

Walker: primarily for walking boots or shoes; great for those who love their long walks or hikes. Designed for maximum long distance comfort and an individual action that is loved by wearers of walking boots for those long hikes.
Slipper/indoor: generally designed for all types of indoor surfaces and "supportive" slippers.

Work (safety) boots: many industrial footwear types require adaptations to the orthotic prescription to enable them to cope with hard industrial flooring and long term standing

For a free consultation simply telephone the clinic on 0844 567 8889 and one of our friendly staff will make an appointment for you to visit at a convenient time. Our Biomechanics Consultant will assess your condition and give you information about why you have the problem, whether you will benefit from orthotics and how we are going to tackle the condition.

FAQ Sections

Here are some commonly asked questions and answers regarding foot and heel pain

Q: How much is the consultation?

A: The consultation is totally free and without obligation

Q: How many times do I have to visit the clinic?

A: In about 90% of the cases, just once. In few cases you may need to visit for our free after-care/adjustments.

 

Q: Where are the clinics located?

A: Our clinics are located throughout the UK. Call us on 0844 567 8889 to know your nearest location.

 

Q: How do you guarantee their effectiveness?

A: Our consultants vast experience, diagnostic skills, coupled with brilliant laboratory technicians mean we are able to offer a 100% money back guarantee in rare cases of failure.(subject to attending a minimum of four adjustment visits within the first year)

 

100% money back guarantee

We offer a completely free consultation where one of our highly experienced biomechanics consultants will assess your suitability for our orthotics. If after using our tailor-made orthotics and taking advantage of our free aftercare service within the first year, (if needed) your pain has not gone, we will refund your money in full. It's as simple as that!