The Achilles Tendon which Is also named the Calcaneal Tendon is a
very durable, strong band of tissue. It connects the calf muscles to
the heel bone, and it is the strongest tendon in the human body, capable                           of holding up to 3 times its body weight! The tendon can become inflamed                     due to overuse or injury. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to                             injury and often causes pain, swelling and irritation.

 

Achilles Insertional Calcific Tendinosis is a condition that can develop                                          usually by overuse of the tendon. Repetitive mechanical stress
can lead to microtears in the Achilles tendon, as well as collagen
degeneration. Over time the tendon can become damaged and the
fibres of the tendon can harden, which can often lead to bone spurs.
The condition can be caused due to a few different factors including: a
sudden increase in the intensity or type of exercise. This could simply be
from increasing running distance, or changing from a low impact sport to a
high impact sport.

 

Furthermore, this condition can also be exacerbated by having tight posterior
leg muscles (calf muscles). This stems from the Achilles being constantly.                                     under more pressure and therefore putting strain on it and the surrounding                         structures and tissues.

 

Common symptoms of the condition are having stiffness and pain along
the Achilles tendon, that is made worse during weight-bearing and strenuous
activity. This pain often continues into the next day and is usually quite
severe. Oedema (swelling) can sometimes be visible around the
Achilles, calf, and into the back of the heel. Thickening of the tendon is
also another common symptom, as well as having bone spurs from the
calcaneus which can irritate the Achilles.

 

Here at the Sussex Foot Centre we can diagnose the condition quickly and                              clinically using our Ultrasound. This allows us to look at the tendon as well as the
tissues and bones which surround it. We are able to see in real time if there is any
calcific bone spurs, and if the tendon is enlarged or damaged in any way.

 

We always recommend that patients who have AICT should wear
Orthoses or Insoles to ensure their foot is being held in an optimum position. As
well as taking the strain off the Achilles tendon, supporting the
surrounding structures and taking the load off. This helps to aid healing
and a reduction in pain and inflammation.

 

Additionally, another treatment option is a Corticosteroid Injection. This
treatment is when corticosteroid (steroid) is injected into the tissue
around the Achilles. This helps to reduce inflammation and pain in the
area, it is carried out under ultrasound guidance. If you have tried other
methods and are still experiencing pain and discomfort, then a
corticosteroid injection may be a good option for you.

 

If you would like to hear more about how we can treat Achilles
Insertional Calcific Tendinosis and other lower limb related conditions,
then please do not hesitate to contact The Sussex Foot Centre! We
would love to meet you!

 

 

 

Plantar Fasciitis is a common condition treated at The Sussex Foot Centre. The
Plantar Fascia is a large band of tissue which is situated along the bottom of
the foot. Medical research states that Plantar Fasciitis affects up to 10% of the
population. It is therefore something that we see a lot of, here at the clinic!

 

There are many treatment options which can be implemented to help treat
this and to relieve your symptoms. The pain in your foot may have become worse
due to increased or changed activity levels during lockdown, or indeed through a change of
footwear.

 

Individuals who are active and, specifically, those individuals who partake in
running are mostly affected by the condition, as this high impact sport can put
pressure on the fascia and create inflammation and pain. The
condition can, therefore, affect a person’s quality of life and stop them from doing certain
hobbies or activities.

There are many different types of treatment options we can use, depending on
the severity and the personal choice of the patient. Orthotics, muscle
Stretching Regimes, Corticosteroid Injection and Shockwave Therapy are all
ways of treating the condition here at the Sussex Foot Centre:

 

Bespoke Orthotics:

Orthotics can be prescribed. The word ‘ortho’ comes from Latin meaning
‘straight’. These inserts are bespoke and fitted to your specific foot type, shape
and individual requirements. They correct your foot position, allowing your
foot and ankle to function at their optimum.
Clinically we have found that a high number of patients suffer with this
condition due to their feet being overpronated, which is the podiatric term for
having flattened arches. This can put extra stress and pull on the plantar fascia,
which in turn creates pain. Additionally, patients who have feet with
particularly high arches can also be affected due to being more unstable when
walking. These devices are very discrete and can be changed between shoes!
Shockwave Therapy:

 

Shockwave Therapy: 

A treatment for Plantar Fasciitis which is offered at the clinic is Shockwave
Therapy. This is a treatment option where high energy sound waves are passed
through the bottom of the foot to help blood flow and help with cell
regeneration. This helps to repair the micro tears in the tissues which can
occur with overuse and injury. Shockwave can be used alone or in conjunction
with orthotics to help reduce symptoms and pain levels of Plantar Fasciitis.

 

Steroid injection:

This treatment is when corticosteroid (steroid) is injected directly into the
Plantar Fascia. This helps to reduce inflammation and pain in the area, it is
carried out under ultrasound guidance. If you have tried other methods and
are still experiencing pain and discomfort, then a corticosteroid injection may
be a good option for you.

 

Here at Sussex Foot Centre, our specialist chiropodists and podiatrists offer the very best in podiatric care for our patients across Sussex, Surrey, Kent & Hampshire. From our revolutionary laser treatment for fungal nail, to treating plantar fasciitis we offer a range of assessments, diagnostics, and treatments . To book an appointment, contact a member of our team today.

 

We are thrilled to announce that Luxe Life Magazine has named us as the Best Podiatry and Chiropody Practice in South East England. We would like to say an enormous thank you to all our patients who have voted for us, and to all our staff for their tireless hard work.

 

In their press release, Luxe Life have noted that, “Sussex Foot Centre is a family-run chiropody and podiatry practice, which is dedicated to providing an exceptional standard of care and patient experience. Our professional podiatrists offer a wide range of services including, diagnostic ultrasound, routine foot-care, and minor surgery. We are experienced, we are compassionate, and we always strive for the best outcomes for our patients.Our mission is to get your feet and lower limbs in the best condition possible. We want you to be at and feel at your very best. We work to make you comfortable, pain-free and able to enjoy life to the full”.

If you would like to book in for any of our (now) award winning Podiatry and Chiropody services and treatments, please follow the link below, our call our admin team on 01444 453874. 

 

Here at Sussex Foot Centre, our specialist chiropodists and podiatrists offer the very best in podiatric care for our patients across Sussex, Surrey, Kent & Hampshire. If you would like to book in for any of our (now) award winning Podiatry and Chiropody services and treatments, including our revolutionary laser treatment, please contact a member of our team today

 

 

 

 

With just a few appointments, we will be able to say goodbye to those unsightly winter feet, and sort out those cracked heels, dry skin, and thick nails.

In addition to many of the sophisticated procedures that we offer at the Sussex Foot Centre, we are also more than happy to take things back to basic.

We realise that many of our patients come to us, primarily because they want their feet to look and feel great! In the clinic, we also have a number of specialist creams which are available to buy, that you simply can’t purchase over the counter elsewhere.

If, however, you are unable to get into clinic at present, we you may want to follow some of these simple tips to help with troublesome and unsightly winter feet! These tips are kindly provided by the College of Podiatry.

 

• Wash Your Feet Every Day. Use warm, soapy water and take care to dry your feet well, especially between your toes — this will help to prevent fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot.
• Do Regular Calf Stretches. Get into. routine of doing these every day to help eep your feet supple and to improve flexibility.
• Pay Attention To Your Socks. Wear well-fitting socks and change them every day to avoid sweaty feet.
• Trim Your Toenails. Use proper toenail clippers — and cut them straight across, not too short and not down at the corners, as this can lead to ingrowing toenails.
• Keep Your Feet Moistruised. If the skin on your feet is dry, put moisturiser on your feet before you go to bed, avoiding between the toes (this can lead to fungal infections).
• Wear The Right Footwear. It is important to make sure your shoes are the right size for your feet. Buy footwear in the afternoon when your feet are at their largest. Get your feet measured if you are unsure of your size.
• Rotate Your Shoes. Try not to wear the same shoes two days in a row, to reduce your chances of developing a fungal infection.
• Vary Your Heel Height. Keep high heels for special occasions, as regular use can damage your feet.
• Check Your Feet Regularly. Giving your feet the once over every week will help you spot any possible problems quickly.

Here at Sussex Foot Centre, our specialist chiropodists and podiatrists offer the very best in podiatric care for our patients across Sussex, Surrey, Kent & Hampshire. From our revolutionary laser treatment for fungal nail, to cortisone injections, we offer a range of assessments, diagnostics, and treatments . To book an appointment, contact a member of our team today.

 

 

The following advice has been issued to us from our governing body, the College of Podiatry. We want to ensure all patients that we are diligently adhering to all of the following, to ensure both your safety and our own.

Guidance Issued by the College of Podiatry

This guidance still applies following the PM’s announcement on 23rd March at 8.30pm and is relevant where ever you work including home visits.

As a result of COVID-19 the NHS system will be under significant strain. Podiatrists and Podiatric surgeons are key to the successful management of foot & lower limb pathology that will help avoid unnecessary visits to acute hospitals and in some cases admissions.

Supporting the management of high-risk foot patients, to help avoid complications such as ulceration and specifically infection is essential.

With this in mind we have issued the following advice to members:

1. If you show any of the signs of COVID-19 infection you must self-isolate for 7 days, if any of your household show symptoms you must self-isolate for 14 days.

2. Podiatrists in private practice, who are vulnerable themselves as outlined by the Government should follow this advice and strongly consider self-isolation.

3. All routine and non-urgent treatments and assessments should be delayed until further notice for patients with low-risk feet. Alternatively, they can be offered a remote consultation as per COP guidance.  See NHS England/Improvement guidance on prioritisation within Community Health Services

4. Patients with high-risk feet or urgent need can still be treated especially if they are at risk of breakdown or infection. This would also include those that are in a vulnerable category or are over 70.  Please undertake a risk assessment on each patient. Document your clinical reasoning to treat or not to treat in the patient record.

We have produced a decision tree to help members to triage their patients which can be used in conjunction with this guidance and the FDUK guidance.  Make sure all decisions are recorded in the patient records.

5. When treating patients, you should be following the College of Podiatry Infection Control Standards as a minimum.

6. If a patient requires urgent Podiatry treatment but has or is suspected of having COVID-19 you must not treat them in Private Practice and you should advise them to call 111.

7. Ideally limiting distance (2 metres minimum from their face) and length of time spent with patients limits the spread of the disease. Noting when visiting someone’s house there may be others present and they should be advised not to be near you when you are treating the patient i.e. asking them to be in another room if possible.

 8. If any private patient with a high-risk foot presents with an infection, engage with your local NHS podiatry service immediately. See the College of Podiatry special advisory group Foot in Diabetes UK guidance on lower limb prevention, published 23 March 2020

9. Between contacts, all surfaces and door handles should be cleaned with antibacterial and viricidal spray.

10. We would remind clinicians you should not wear your uniform to and from clinic and launder immediately on arrival home.  If you do not wear a uniform then other clothing should be worn for travel and change into “work clothes” on arrival.  This should then be removed at the end of the clinic and washed immediately return home.

11. Waiting room chairs should be spaced apart and it is recommended appointments with different clinicians are staggered. This means that multiple patients are not congregating in the waiting room if possible.

12. Prior to the day beginning all patients booked in should have been screened. This relates to their health, presenting complaint and risk to assess if their appointment is required.

13.  When doing home visits ask other members of the family to be in another room. We will also keep appointments to as short as possible.

Foot Pain: This blog provides general information about foot pain, and a few exercises you can do from home during lockdown.

How does the foot work?

The feet are made up of 26 bones and more than 33 joints arranged in columns and arches that vary in stiffness and flexibility.

The back of the foot is made up of the heel bone and the ankle. The joint that holds them together allows the foot to move from side to side. The heel is connected to the calf muscles in the lower leg by the Achilles tendon, which is the most important tendon for movement.

The middle of the foot is made up of five bones. These form the arch of the foot. These bones are connected to the front and back of the foot by muscles and the arch ligament (the plantar fascia). They act as a shock absorber when we’re walking or running.

The front of the foot is made up of the toe bones, which are connected to five long bones by joints. The joints in the toes don’t move very much.

What can cause foot pain?

There are many different causes of foot pain, but the following are two common conditions:

Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation at the site where the fascia (a tough band of fibrous tissue) attaches under the heel bone. It’s the most common cause of discomfort around this area.

Plantar fasciitis frequently affects people with inflammatory arthritis but it can also occur in people without arthritis. Research has shown that plantar fasciitis is sometimes caused by the shortening of the Achilles tendon and that exercises to lengthen it may help.

Achilles tendinitis

Achilles tendinitis is an inflammation of the Achilles tendon at the back of the ankle. It can occur as an over-use injury in people who take part in excessive exercise or exercise that they’re not used to, but it’s also quite common in people who have some types of arthritis.

Simple Exercises To Do From Home

Achilles tendon and plantar fascia stretch

Loop a towel around the ball of your foot and pull your toes towards your body, keeping your knee straight. Hold for 30 seconds. Repeat 3 times on each foot.

Plantar fascia stretch

Sit down and rest the arch of your foot on a round object (e.g. a tin of beans). Roll the arch in all directions for a few minutes. Repeat this exercise at least twice daily.

Towel pickup

Sit down with a towel on the floor in front of you. Keeping your heel on the ground, pick up the towel by scrunching it between your toes. Repeat 10–20 times. As you improve, add a small weight such as a tin of beans to the towel.

Sitting plantar fascia stretch

Sit down and cross one foot over your other knee. Grab the base of your toes and pull them back towards your body until you feel a comfortable stretch. Hold for 15–20 seconds. Repeat 3 times.

Wall push

1. a)  Facing a wall, put both hands on the wall at shoulder height and place one foot in front of the other. The front foot should be approximately 30 cm
   (12 inches) from the wall. With the front knee bent and the back knee straight, bend the front knee towards the wall until the calf in your back leg feels tight. Relax and repeat 10 times.

1. b)  Repeat a) but bring the back foot forward a little so that the back knee is slightly bent. Repeat the 10 times.

What To Do After Lockdown?

These treatments are, of course, designed to help alleviate pain. If, however, you find the pain to be persistent, we would strongly recommend booking an appointment at the Sussex Foot Centre. Our specialist chiropodists and podiatrists offer the very best in podiatric care for our patients across Sussex, Surrey, Kent & Hampshire. We will be able to work out a treatment strategy which works for you. If you have any questions relating to this, please email thomas@sussexfootcentre.co.uk.

Ever since this crisis began, we at the Sussex Foot Centre have taken all measures necessary. We have done this to protect the health and wellbeing of both our patients and ourselves also.

Our decision to remain open has been continually assessed in light of advice from the Government and the College of Podiatry. As of today, 25th March, the Government has stated that Podiatry and Chiropody clinics can remain open.

The release states that exceptions to the closure of businesses and premises are: Medical services (such as Dental Surgeries, Opticians, and Chiropody and Podiatry Clinics).

Our decision to remain open has also been taken with the assurance and the confidence that we can provide a sterile and hygienic setting for our patients.

We understand just how much our patients rely on us, as many present with a host of complex needs. Because of this, we are determined to continue treating those at high risk of foot infection. We will also treat those who require emergency appointments. We will also be providing any online and telephone advice.

By doing this, we are thus providing crucial preventative care, which will ultimately keep our most vulnerable patients out of hospital and away from harm.