Musculoskeletal Podiatry in Leeds
We are a leading practice of Podiatry in Leeds, Yorkshire.
Nearly half of people aged over 50 complain of ongoing foot and ankle pain, the majority of which impacts on daily activities. In all adults between 20-40% have had some type of foot pain in the last month. Nearly 75% of these cases will be musculoskeletal pain as a result of muscle strains, ligament injuries, tendon degeneration and arthritis. Foot pains and dysfunction often co-exist with other lower limb and back pains. Podiatrists trained in musculoskeletal practice are able to identify the cause and origins of lower limb dysfuntion to resolve a multitude of conditions that can make walking, running and standing an unpleasant experience. Treatment can involve manipulation, mobilisations, exercise programs, shoe advice, shoe adaptations and foot orthoses (orthotic devices). We frequently liaise closely with other health practitioners for a multi-disciplinary approach, which is often an essential part of long-term managerment: for example to help spinal posture.
- What can musculoskeletal podiatry help?
- Podiatry in Leeds at the Good Health Centre
- Podiatry treatment, biomechancis and gait analysis
- What to expect
- Podiatry for Children
- Other services
- Training and regulation
- Find out more
What can musculoskeletal podiatry help?
Podiatry can provide symptom relief in many situations by improving foot function thereby improving walking, standing, dancing and sport injuries. Conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathies, shin splints, knee compartmental degeneration, runners and jumpers knee (iliotibial band syndrome & patellofemoral joint pains), metatarsalgias (including Morton's neutalgia), stress fractures, trochanteric bursitis and tibialis posterior injuries are just some of the common pathologies that can be helped by a podiatrist.
- BIOMECHANICS is the study of how biological materials behave under stress and strain. The clinical application of this knowledge is an area of particular expertise of the podiatrist. The foot is the only human body part that recurrently impacts the ground making it a rather unique stucture. The foot often has to compensate for poor function or posture higher up the body, causing abnormal motions in the foot and ankle. These compensations can result in over strains and injuries. Equally foot dysfunction can cause other joints of the spine, pelvis, hip and knee to work in poor alignment creating pathologies within these other joints as well as in the foot.
- GAIT ANALYSIS examines motions of the body in walking or running for abnormalities. Taking pressure from one foot in one step is not adequate, as research has clearly shown. Whole observation of the body in motion by a trained podiatrist is a good starting position, but we like to have quantitive data when we can. We therefore use an electonic walkway (Gaitrite) that allows an assessment of symmetry left to right for such details as stride length, angle of gait and how long one foot takes all the body weight in gait. For pressure analysis we use an in-shoe system known as the FScan. To date this is the most advanced gait laboratory in a private facility in Yorkshire.
Podiatry in Leeds at the Good Health Centre
Andrew Horwood
Jill Halstead-Rastrick
Podiatry Treatment
Podiatrists can often diagnose your pathology by careful history taking and clinical examination. However, sometimes it is necessary to arrange diagnostic images.
Our podiatrists work closely with foot surgeons and doctors who specialise in musculoskeletal pain to arrange such images.
Treatment can involve manipulation, which involves short sharp joint thrusts, muscle and tissue stretches, and pressure and massage techniques. Manipulation can often produce a 'cracking' or 'popping' noise which is just the joint fluid expanding into the space released by treatment.
Treatment can often involve the use of insoles to realign, cushion or offload structures. Stretching and stregthening exercises are often essential to correct or overcome dysfunction.
Making sure the right footwear is worn for the right occasion is often a key issue, one usually more of a problem for the ladies than the men!
What to expect
At your first appointment we will try and establish the pathology and mechanism of injury. We will examine your feet, legs, pelvis and spine alignment in stance and gait.
Ideally we like to see runners actually running naturally and this usually means outside. Therefore, please wear clothes that allow easy visualisation and access to the feet, legs and pelvis (avoid long skirts and dresses). Runners should bring or wear jogging pants or shorts as well as bringing their running shoes.
Initial consultations last approximately 45 minutes and at the end of which we should have tailored a treatment plan, some of which we can start straight away. Most treatment plans will need between four and six visits, but some conditions may need long-term care.
After manipulation and stretches you can feel a little sore and stiff after treatment although this tends to last no more that 24-48 hours.
Insoles and other supports can also feel odd for a few days and can initially cause a few new symptoms. This is rarely more than for a few days.
Podiatry for children
Known as podopaediatrics, our podiatrists are experienced in dealing with childhood conditions such as Sever's Osgood Schlatter's growing pains, and painful flat feet. We can examine and advise parents about childhood walking patterns; in and out-toe gaits, persistent toe walking, and flat feet. In most cases childhood problems do not need extensive treatment. However, knowing when and when not to treat children is very important. Commonly simple advice can help children grow with good posture and help avoid musculskeletal pains in the future.
Other Services
Jill Halstead-Rastrick is pleased to offer medical chiropody and advice on general foot health. Many skin lesions such as corns and callus can be resolved using biomechanical principles and shoe advice, allowing improvement and reducing the need for repeat care.
Training and Regulation
Podiatry is a three to four year BSc Honours degree program underpinned by extensive clinical training in the NHS.
The Health Professions Council regulates all podiatrists. The term Podiatrist can only be used by practitioners registered with the Health Professions Council who keep a list of registered that can be checked by the general public.
