Conditions Treated

The plantar fascia is a band of tissue running along the sole of the foot. When it becomes strained or inflamed, often through over-pronation, it causes heel pain that is typically worst first thing in the morning. Martin treats this conservatively, which may include orthoses, posterior leg splints, and injection where appropriate. In children a similar heel pain can be Sever's Disease. Left untreated, a heel spur can develop over time.

Ingrown toenails are initially treated as a routine treatment, with or without local anaesthetic. If needed, Martin may advise a Nail Wedge Resection — a minor procedure performed under local anaesthetic, involving chemical ablation of part of the nail (or, rarely, the whole nail) so it does not grow back.

Fungal Nails are caused by the same micro-organism as in athletes foot and often follows this condition. The organism is usually found on the skin as a natural defence. However when there is trauma to the skin and nails it can over-colonise these areas leading to athletes foot and fungal nails. Fungal nails are actually a nail bed infection, they present either in white crumbly patterns or streaks or in more severe infections yellow, brown or black thickened nails that often has a smell to it. We use the Lacuna method or micro hole drilling technique in the nails to facilitate entry to the nail bed making topical treatments at least 50% more efficient.

Verrucae are a localised skin virus often picked up in public changing rooms such as swimming pools, they present in various ways, such as circular with black dots in them, clusters or cauliflower appearance and all apart from clusters have a fibrous ring round them. In approximately 50% of cases they will disappear on their own within 6 weeks, however if they have been on your feet for longer then some treatment intervention may be necessary. Topical over the counter products can be useful such as strong acid paints and plasters but they should be around the 26% strength. Anecdotally you can also use Duct tape as there has been some research to show that the enzyme in the tape reacts with the viral tissue. Treatments carried out at the clinic vary from acid, cryo, needling to homeopathic, and will vary according to site, tolerance, age and medical conditions.

Achilles tendonitis is a condition where the tendon at the back of the lower leg and heel becomes tight. This can be due to over use as in running and sports or gym, general health conditions and faulty foot and leg mechanics. We would assess if there is anything related to this condition before recommending any treatments in the form of stretching and strengthening, acupuncture, orthotics, Physiokey, etc.

Ankle and Knee pain can be from various conditions such as arthritis, wear and tear of ligaments and cartilage, faulty biomechanics, injuries due to accidents or sports and also some developmental growth problems such as osteo-chondritis, osgood schlatters, hypermobility, abnormal pronation, infections, etc. A full and thorough examination and medical status would be carried out to determine whether you would need further intervention or referral for X-rays, scans or other professionals on the day.

Arch pain and arch strain are often caused by inflammation and structural imbalance in the foot, and are closely linked to the plantar fascia. Pain is commonly felt first thing in the morning. Martin assesses the underlying cause and treats accordingly, helping to prevent longer-term problems such as heel spur.

Arthritis comes in various forms but the most common types are Osteo and Rheumatoid. Osteo involves larger joints such as spine, hips, knees and ankles and is the wearing out of the cartilage in between the joints often leading to severe pain and eventually burning out in a fusion of the joints. Rheumatoid is an auto-immune condition and usually affects smaller joints such as the finger and toe joints causing inflammation infiltration of joints and swelling. Chronic rheumatoid can lead to problems with the heart. Osteo can be treated with acupuncture and Physiokey depending on the level of cartilage damage and often responds very well to treatment, but as in most conditions it may be necessary to have joint replacements as a last resort in osteo and prescription medicines for rheumatoid.

Biomechanics is the study of the movement of a body or parts of that body in motion, and the pathology of function of that body or part. For the lower limb it involves examination of postural problems from the lower limb, hips, knees and feet, on the couch and standing, and observation of gait. Martin then determines whether the patient needs orthotics, MSK treatments, exercises, or a combination of some or all of these. The assessment takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Corns and callous are treated as routine care at the clinic.

For diabetic patients, Martin checks circulation and neurological status via a series of tests.

These conditions can arise from different scenarios such as Spinal fusions, Slipped discs, Facet arthritis, Scoliosis, Arthritis, Bursitis, Cysts, Infections, general and sports injuries, sciatic nerve impingement, developmental problems in teenagers, developmental problems in young children, Connective tissue disorders such as Hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome etc. Some of these can have Biomechanical dysfunctional problems arising from lower limb gait issues and postural elements. A Podiatrist can assess whether any biomechanical dysfunction is present.

Metatarsalgia is a condition where there is pain in the metatarsal region of the foot or forefoot pain usually underneath but sometimes both, there are many conditions that can cause this including the following: Capsulitis, Osteo and Rheumatoid Arthritis, Plantar Plate dysfunction, fractures, Neuromas and other growths, Bone infections such as Osteomyelitis, Diabetic foot conditions, Osteoporosis, etc. Treatments will depend on diagnosis and can range from scans to oral and topical medicine, hot and cold contrasting, total contact boots or casts, devices and padding for shoes, manipulations and mobilisations of joints or tissues, Shock wave, laser, acupuncture and Physiokey.

Mortons Neuroma is a specific condition which doesn't always result in pain, but it is a fibrous growth on the nerve fibre between the metatarsals and usually between Metatarsal-Phalangeal joints 2-3 and 3-4, it is very often treated with steroid injections, acupuncture, ultrasound or as above Physiokey and laser. However in severe cases may need a small excision to remove it under local anaesthetic in a hospital environment as a day surgery case.

This condition usually occurs in the lower front compartment of the leg or Tibia and is generally from a compression of anterior (Front of) muscles in this region, it can result in a lot of pain, numbing sensations and in really severe cases circulation problems, which is when you should be sent to the hospital or seek medical intervention. Muscle compression or compartment syndrome as it is called can be measured with a device called a STIS pressure monitor system. Apart from Compartment syndrome there are other conditions such as Medial Tibial stress Syndrome where the protective sheath comes away from between the Fibula and Tibia bones. Causes of Shin splints are often associated with excessive forces from running and other sports involved with running on hard flat surfaces with no give. If you are involved in these sports, it is important to make sure you wear the correct trainers from a proper running wear shop and are assessed for them by experienced staff.

These range from Peripheral Arterial disease, Blood clots, Raynaud's, Chilblains, Varicose veins to venous insufficiency which can also lead to Oedema of the lower leg, Atherosclerosis, High cholesterol (although this is now being debated), Platelet disorders which lead to clotting problems, Lymphatic drainage issues etc. Neurological disorders such as Strokes, which can also have a vascular element, Parkinsons, Auto-immune diseases like Multiple Sclerosis, Myasthenia Gravis, Motor Neuron Dysfunction, Spinal nerve conditions, Complex Regional Pain syndrome etc can all affect your gait and the Podiatrist can help with general maintenance advice and devices for shoes whilst also monitoring lower limb vascular problems using devices such as Dopplers, Toe pressure cuffs, and other neurological assessments for diabetic neuropathy and foot function.