What is podiatry?
Podiatry is the field of healthcare specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the foot and ankle and aspects of the lower limbs.
When the foot hits the ground, each component of the foot and ankle and lower limbs is affected by this motion. Podiatrists are experts in this interaction of body joints, which is known as biomechanics.
Podiatrists at the London Foot and Ankle Centre work in partnership with our team of consultant orthopaedic surgeons to ensure each patient is thoroughly assessed, diagnosed and optimum treatment is selected.
Initial consultations are often with our orthopaedic surgeons, although patients can ask for a referral straight to a podiatrist.
Following an assessment by a surgeon, the majority of patients will subsequently be seen by one of our podiatrists to undertake a clinical assessment which may include a gait analysis. In some cases, conservative treatment by a podiatrist may be effective without surgery.
Many foot and ankle problems are stress injuries, caused by inappropriate footwear and poor gait when running or walking. These injuries can often be treated by podiatry, using a combination of orthotics, appropriate footwear and activity modification.
Our podiatrists, working closely with our physiotherapists, provide advice on appropriate footwear, core stability and stretching exercises, as well as prescribing orthotics.