Podiatry

What is podiatry?

Podiatrists are experts in foot and ankle health, helping people manage pain, recover from injuries and stay active at every stage of life. At Leap Health, our podiatrists assess, diagnose and develop personalised treatment plans for a wide range of foot and lower limb conditions, helping you return to the activities you enjoy.

Whether you’re experiencing persistent heel pain, a sports injury, discomfort when running or concerns about your child’s feet, our team can help identify the cause of your symptoms and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

We work collaboratively with your wider healthcare team, including your GP, orthopaedic surgeon, rheumatologist, physiotherapist, osteopath or chiropractor, to support the best possible outcomes for your health and mobility.

Foot and ankle conditions we treat

Our podiatrists work with people of all ages and activity levels, treating a range of foot, ankle and lower limb conditions, including;

Heel pain and plantar fasciitis

Heel pain can make walking, exercising and getting out of bed in the morning uncomfortable. Our podiatrists assess and treat plantar fasciitis (also known as plantar fasciopathy), along with other causes of heel pain. If you’ve been wondering, “Why does my heel hurt when I run?”, an assessment can help identify the cause and guide your recovery. Treatment may include load management, exercise advice, footwear recommendations, hands-on treatment and orthotics where appropriate. Recovery time varies depending on the cause, severity and duration of your symptoms.

Sports and running injuries

Whether you’re a recreational runner, footballer, dancer, gymnast or regular gym-goer, foot and lower limb pain can interfere with your training and performance. Our podiatrists can assess and manage a range of sporting injuries, including:

Achilles tendinopathy and Achilles tendon pain
Shin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome
Ankle sprains and rehabilitation following an ankle injury
Running-related foot pain and overuse injuries
Stress fractures of the foot, which require appropriate assessment and medical management
Morton’s neuroma, which can cause burning pain, tingling or numbness in the ball of the foot
Runner’s knee, patellofemoral joint (PFJ) pain and foot-related knee pain, where foot mechanics may contribute to symptoms.

Our focus is on identifying contributing factors, managing symptoms and helping you return to your chosen activity safely.

Children’s foot pain and development

Children can experience foot and ankle pain as they grow, particularly when participating in sport and other physical activities. Our podiatrists assess children’s foot concerns, injuries and movement patterns, including children’s heel pain associated with Sever’s disease (calcaneal apophysitis). We can provide advice and management strategies to help children remain active and participate comfortably in the activities they enjoy.

Complex foot and ankle conditions

We also assess and manage longer-term and complex conditions, including chronic plantar heel pain, osteoarthritis and other forms of foot and ankle arthritis, persistent tendon pain and a range of nerve-related conditions.

Diabetic foot assessments

Diabetes can affect circulation, sensation and the health of your feet. Our podiatrists provide diabetic foot assessments, identify risk factors and help manage foot conditions associated with diabetes. We also work collaboratively with your GP and other healthcare professionals as part of a multidisciplinary approach to your overall health and foot care.

Skin and nail conditions

Our podiatrists diagnose and manage a variety of skin and nail concerns, including thickened nails, fungal nail conditions, corns, calluses and ingrown toenails. Where appropriate, treatment may include ingrown toenail surgery under local anaesthetic.

Custom orthotics and footwear advice

Orthotics are devices placed inside your shoes to help manage symptoms or modify the load placed on certain structures in your feet and lower limbs. Depending on your assessment, our podiatrists may recommend prefabricated or custom-made orthotics as part of your treatment plan.

You may be wondering, “Do I need custom orthotics for running?” The answer depends on your symptoms, activity level, foot function and individual needs. Custom orthotics aren’t necessary for everyone, and our podiatrists can help you understand which options, if any, may be appropriate for you.

We offer a range of orthotic options to suit different conditions, footwear requirements and budgets, alongside practical advice about selecting suitable shoes for everyday activities and sport.

What happens at a podiatry appointment?

Your appointment begins with a discussion about your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle and activity goals. Your podiatrist will assess the relevant areas and explain their findings, diagnosis where possible, and recommended management options.

Depending on your condition, treatment may include:

Education and advice about your condition
Exercise and rehabilitation recommendations
Footwear and training advice
Hands-on treatment where appropriate
Gait analysis or running assessment where indicated
Prefabricated or custom-made orthotics where beneficial
Referral to another healthcare professional for further investigation or treatment when required.

Our goal is to help you understand your condition, make informed decisions about your care and return to your desired activities with confidence.