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How a Podiatrist can treat Plantar Fasciitis

by Business

Welcome back to our blog! We hope you’ve been enjoying our mini post series all about Plantar Fasciitis. In today’s post, we’ll be telling you all about how a Podiatrist can treat Plantar Fasciitis.

If you’ve missed our previous posts, you can find them here to catch up:
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
5 tips to get relief from Plantar Fasciitis at home

So, now you’re all clued up on what Plantar Fasciitis is, and how you can treat it at home – what happens if you still can’t seem to get any relief?

This is where your local Podiatrist will become your new best friend!

A healthcare professional, a Podiatrist is a specialist in diagnosing and helping to treat conditions and issues of the feet and lower limbs. So whether you’re struggling with a verruca, have an ingrown toenail or have Plantar Fasciitis, a Podiatrist will help get your feet feeling fabulous again. 

Girl standing on painted yellow smiley face with arrow pointing to the smiley face

Here’s how a Podiatrist can treat Plantar Fasciitis.

1. Giving you a diagnosis

Your Podiatrist will usually be able to diagnose Plantar Fasciitis by asking you about your symptoms, and giving you a foot examination. Sometimes they might check your BMI to ensure you’re within a healthy weight (as obesity can make you more likely to experience Plantar Fasciitis). They may also refer you to have an X-ray, or an ultrasound to rule out any other causes.

2. Recommending the best at-home self care to try

Podiatrists are true experts in all things feet, and have plenty of home-care tips and tricks to help you get the pain relief you deserve. Click here to read our previous post to check out five of our top tips for at-home relief. 

3. Showing you pain-relieving exercises

Along with the tips above, your Podiatrist will show you the most effective exercises to help you find relief. 

A great source of information for effective exercises comes from BUPA:

“Achilles tendon and plantar fascia stretch
Keep a towel by your bed. Before you get up, loop a long towel around the ball of your foot and pull it. Keep your leg straight. Hold this for 30 seconds. Repeat this three times for each foot.

Wall push
Stand facing a wall, with one foot in front of the other. Your feet should be shoulder width apart and facing the wall, with your front knee bent and your back knee straight.

Place both your hands on the wall, shoulder width apart. Lean towards the wall by bending your front knee. You’ll feel the stretch through your calf in the back leg. Hold for 30 to 45 seconds, then relax. Repeat three to four times, two to three times a day.

The further the back leg is from the wall, the greater the stretch. So, you should start closer to the wall to begin and over time move the back leg further way from the wall.

Stair stretch
Stand on a stair, facing upstairs and holding onto the rail for support. Position your feet so that your heels hang over the end of the step, and your legs are slightly apart. Lower your heels, until you feel tightening in your calves. Hold this position for 20 to 60 seconds, then relax. Repeat six times.

Plantar fascia stretch
While you’re sitting down, roll your foot over a round object – such as a rolling pin, drinks can or tennis ball. Allow your foot and ankle to move in all directions. Carry on for a few minutes or until you feel discomfort. Repeat at least twice a day.

Another way to stretch your plantar fascia is to sit down, crossing one foot over your knee. Then, grab your toes and pull them back towards your body. Hold this for 15 to 20 seconds and repeat three times.”

4. Making custom-made orthoses

From insoles to heel and arch supports: did you know that Podiatrists can actually make custom-made orthoses for you? This gives you the perfect support within your footwear and helps to give you relief. Additionally, your Podiatrist might suggest taping your foot or even wearing a splint during the night. 

5. Referring you for further treatment 

Sometimes, further treatment for Plantar Fasciitis is needed. From steroid injections to shockwave therapy. If your Podiatrist feels this is necessary, they’ll refer you for further treatment and help you get the relief that you need. In extreme cases, surgery is sometimes offered as a very last resort.

Need a little help or advice for your Plantar Fasciitis? Give us a call today on 01226 759 660 or contact us here to book your appointment.

Two pairs of feet on a beach with sandy toes

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

by Business

In today’s blog post we’ll be answering a common question: what is Plantar Fasciitis?

With summer just around the corner, our thoughts are turning to those beach holidays with long sunset walks along the shore. Summer is certainly a time for getting out and about and having fun in the sun, but if you’re currently dealing with Plantar Fasciitis, it can really take that sparkly summertime feeling away.

With pain whether you’re resting or active, it can feel tricky to know what to do to get a little relief. But the good news is, we’re here to help you to feel more comfortable again.

Over the next few weeks we’re going to be taking a deeper look at Plantar Fasciitis to bring you our top tips on how to help prevent, treat, and get relief from this common orthopaedic issue.

Two pairs of feet on a beach with sandy toes

So, what is Plantar Fasciitis?

In short, Plantar Fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia – a part of your foot that connects your heel bone to your toes.

When this is inflamed, you’ll feel pain around the heel and arch of the foot, which may feel worse in the morning, or after resting for a long period of time.

What causes Plantar Fasciitis?

Often, it’s caused by repetitive motion or anything that puts a lot pressure on the arch of your foot. So, activities like running, jogging and walking, or consistent long periods of standing or being on your feet, can lead to Plantar Fasciitis.

You’re more likely to get it if:

  • You’re an athlete – particularly runners or jumpers
  • You exercise on hard surfaces
  • You stand for long periods of time
  • You’re wearing unsupportive footwear
  • You have high-arched, or flat feet

What are the main symptoms?

Symptoms can vary from patient to patient. Some of our patients feel a duller, milder pain that they can cope with. But some patients struggle with relentless pain that really hinders their day to day activities.

The most common symptoms include:

  • A dull and/or stabbing pain on the bottom of the heel
  • A dull and/or stabbing pain in the arch of the foot
  • A swollen heel
  • Tight Achilles tendon
  • Increased pain after exercise
  • Increased pain after longer periods of rest

How long does it last?

Plantar Fasciitis usually resolves on its own within 6-18 months without medical treatment. However, for some people, it can become a chronic condition that requires medical intervention.

What should I do if I get Plantar Fasciitis?

Luckily, there are lots of things you can do at home to relieve your symptoms which we’ll be sharing with you in next weeks post. But one of the best things you can do is to book an appointment with your local Podiatrist. We understand how terribly painful it is, and we have treatments available to help you get back up on your feet again.

Struggling with foot pain? Contact us today to book an appointment.

Christmas Gift Vouchers from Carmen Hancock Chiropody

by Business

Looking for the perfect gift for that special someone? Treat them to one of our Christmas gift vouchers to redeem on any of our in-clinic services.

Gift Vouchers from Carmen Hancock Chiropody

Treatments for heavenly feet

Our feet aren’t really something that we tend to give much thought to. That is until we have health issues that sweep us right up off of them. And not in the Christmas panto Prince Charming kind of way!

Looking after our feet is so important. After all, they need to last us a lifetime, so it makes sense to keep them healthy and happy!
Our Christmas gift vouchers can be used for General Chiropody right through to Cosmetic Podiatry, and everything in between. Whether they require specialist treatment as a diabetic or would like to be assessed and prescribed foot orthotics for comfort and relief, our gift vouchers can be tailored just for them.

Discover our services

Rewind and relax

Looking to gift a little R&R to that special someone? Our warm wax treatments offer therapeutic healing effects to soothe sore and aching joints. A thoughtful gift for anybody, but particularly those suffering from arthritis and rheumatic pain – especially in the colder winter months.

Or perhaps you have someone that would love a sports massage therapy treatment? Using deep tissue massage techniques, this specialist treatment soothes and massages away those aches and knotted muscles. Commonly thought upon as just for people who play sports, a sports therapy massage is actually beneficial for a number of people. Whether they’re suffering from DIY strains after putting those Christmas lights up again, or even pains from prolonged bad posture, this specialist treatment will bring much comfort and relief.

Gifting made easy

Ready to purchase your gift voucher? Great! Simply call our clinic on 01226 759 660 where Alex will be happy to assist you. Alternatively, please email us at info@carmenhancockchiropody and let us know your requirements.

Want to stay a little longer? Click here to read our previous blog posts. Blog – Chiropody Podiatry | Carmen Hancock

Treat your mum to our special offer on Warm Wax Therapy treatments this Mother’s Day!

by Business

It’s that time of the year again where everybody in the UK can appreciate the sentiment of a very special day: Mother’s Day!

There is one thing in this world that we all have in common – regardless of colour, religion or class – we all have, or have had, somebody in our life that we call our mum. Whether biological or adoptive, mother figures have been nurturing, encouraging and inspiring us from the age of time.

We celebrate Mother’s Day every year to give thought and thanks to that one person who gave us the joy of life. But what can we gift to that special person that will ever be enough to say thank you?

With Mother’s Day just around the corner on Sunday 31st March, it’s time to get our skates on and decide on the perfect present.

Warm Wax Therapy


Here at Carmen Hancock Chiropody, we’re no different to everybody else who struggles to find that wonderful gift that shows how much we love our mums. One day just isn’t enough to show our appreciation. So, with that in mind, we’ve put together a special offer throughout March and April so that you can treat your mum to a relaxing warm wax therapy treatment with a luxurious lower leg massage for just £25*

From easing aches and pains, to soothing eczema and psoriasis – this uplifting and reviving treatment can work wonders. Our mums spend their time running around and taking care of us, so allow us to take the load off her feet with a deluxe pamper.

To book a warm wax therapy treatment for your mum, simply call Alex on our reception and quote WAX25.

Wishing a very happy Mother’s Day to all of the wonderful women working hard to empower, encourage and inspire those around them!

*Terms and conditions apply. Please ask for more details.