Get To Know Antony Kontos – A Podiatrist At LFAC

Our team works closely with you from the initial consultation through to the end of your recovery. You’ll get to know your specialist well, but it helps to know who you might meet before your first appointment. 

We recently spent some time chatting to Mr Antony Kontos, our podiatrist, who spoke openly about his experience working in podiatry.

Mr Kontos has undertaken clinical teaching at University College Hospital, London and also lectured on courses at the Royal College of General Practitioners. He has also provided podiatric services to the City of London and Metropolitan Police.

He has extensive experience in all aspects of podiatry, including biomechanics, management of the diabetic foot and day-case podiatric surgery.

Why did you choose podiatry? 

There were a number of reasons why I chose podiatry.

A friend of mine‘s brother was a podiatrist near my home where I grew up in South Wales. He was someone who was very decent and whom I admired. He told me of the work that he used to do and I thought how gratifying that must be.

I also remember seeing an elderly lady who was pictured on the front page of the South Wales Echo soaking her feet in order to obtain some relief. There was a huge shortage of qualified podiatrists in the NHS.

Many members of my family are doctors and dentists, but none are podiatrists.

How do you become a podiatrist?

The profession today has developed immeasurably from the time I qualified.

It is, of course, a university based undergraduate training with a greater emphasis on evidence-based practice and clinical research.

After qualifying, there are many areas to sub-specialise in, such as sports medicine, surgery, care of the diabetic foot and a number of others. Masters and doctoral-level programs are available for those who want to pursue further academic learning.

What problems do you see on a day-to-day basis?

The most common problems seen in general Podiatric practice include:

These can include conditions such as plantar fasciitis, bunions or arthritis of different foot joints. Pain can also be related to the architecture of the foot, including high-arched or low-arched feet. Many of these conditions can be treated non-operatively by means of orthotics and injection therapy, especially if caught early.

I have diabetes – will you be able to help me?

Diabetes related foot problems can often pose the most significant challenges.

The condition can affect the sensation and circulation to the feet, along with influencing the shape of the foot itself. This means that often, a trivial injury to the skin may go unnoticed, ultimately leading to severe and deeper damage to the tissues of the foot. At London Foot and Ankle Clinic, we monitor and treat the effects of diabetes on the lower limbs and feet.

When should I visit the podiatrist?

Whatever the condition may be, if things are not improving with simple self-help remedies, patients should seek professional advice. Elderly patients, diabetics or those who may be immunocompromised should obtain an opinion from a podiatrist rather than attempt treatment themselves.

What successes have you had in your career?

Over the years, there have been many cases. One is fortunate that in clinical practice, success stories occur every day. Often, patients present with common complaints that cause an undue amount of pain and discomfort. Untreated, they can affect the quality of one’s life. Treatment by a skilled podiatrist can often lead to instant relief of symptoms. Getting the diagnosis correct in the first instance is key. Listening to the patient and taking a good history is essential.

Knowing when to get help cannot be understated. I remember a patient who presented with ill-defined dark discolouration underneath his big toe nail, which he had been told was either a fungal infection or bruising. To my eye, it did not look right, and additionally and crucially, he had pigmentation on the skin adjacent to the nail; he did, in fact, have a melanoma.