Vasou Podiatry - SERVICES

At Vasou Podiatry patients always comes first!

We provide a wide range of high quality services tailored to each person's individual needs. With a friendly and approachable way of doing things here at Vasou Podiatry, we make you feel as comfortable as possible whilst helping to get you back on your feet. Anyone, including those with Diabetes are welcome to attend for foot health checks, appropriate foot care and foot health management. With skilled clinicians, capable of assessing and treating people of all ages with or without health problems, attending with any manner of foot and lower limb issues. Whether you are in need of nail surgery, looking for insole or orthoses or just need your hard skin removed to make your feet comfortable again, we can help you get back to your normal life.

Biomechanics and Sport Injuries

BIOMECHANICAL ASSESSMENT

A biomechanical assessment is when we examine the way your lower limbs work, checking for abnormalities and possible causes of pain in the foot, ankle, knee and back.

Very few people are completely symmetrical and this affects the way they stand and move. They may also have additional problems including particularly high or low arches in the feet, one leg longer than the other, or a sports / muscle injury. In some cases, people adapt to abnormalities without any problems; however, for other people they can cause pain as the joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons are put under extra stress when they move. In high impact and explosive activities such as football, tennis, basketball running etc. the load on these structures increases and as a result minor abnormalities may result in an injury.

What does the test involve?

A biomechanical assessment takes approximately one hour. We advise you to wear shorts so that we can see your knees and lower limbs as you move. The examination is divided into two sections:

A static assessment during which we will take various measurements of your foot, knee, hip and pelvis while you stand up and lie down.
A dynamic assessment (2D video Gait Analyses) during which we will video you as you walk and run using a treadmill so we can analyse your gait (the way you move).

Once we’ve identified the problems that are causing the pain, we can advise on a suitable treatment plan tailored made to each person’s individual needs which may include stretches, exercises, gait retraining, shoe advice and special insoles for your shoes.

Ussually this assessment is intergrated along with Gait Analyses.

SPORTS INJURIES

The human foot is a complex structure that is designed to convert the rotations of the leg and arms into efficient forward motion. Normal walking places a great deal of stress upon the foot as it accepts the body weight form above and it attempts to adjust to varying changes in the walking surface. Jogging and running produce even greater stresses (about 3 time your body weight) and, when normal foot function is not present, overuse breakdown in the lower extremity is likely to repeatedly occur.

A podiatrist can help an athlete achieve superior performance, not only by treating sports injuries such foot / ankle strains or sprains; plantar fasciitis (pain at the bottom of the heel); Achilles tendinitis; knee pain; shin splints; stress fractures; bruised and ingrowing toenails; friction blisters, but also by working with the athlete and other specialists to improve foot, leg and spinal alignment with the use of physical therapy and orthotics. Minor aches and pains that are attended to early can prevent more serious problems later.

Podiatrists work with athletes at every level of performance, from young children first learning the game, to weekend amateur sports enthusiasts, to world-class players in every sport. As podiatrists we can recommend proper warmup and cool-down practice or the best shoes for a given activity that will help prevent or speed recovery from sports injuries. By including input from dieticians, orthopedics, endocrinologists and other specialists, a podiatrist can provide every athlete with an individualized approach to effective training or rehabilitation from an injury.

At Vasou Podiatry we understand the special needs of the athlete at all levels of intensity and commitment.

Ussually this assessment is intergrated along with Gait Analyses and Biomechanical Assessment.

GAIT ANALYSES

Gait analysis looks at a person’s pattern or style of walking and/or running. It is used to diagnose posture-related or movement-related problems and enable effective treatment. It can also be used to help atheletes run with a more efficient gait, both in terms of injury prevention and efficiency.

Two dimensional gait analysis uses digital cameras and computerised software forms the mainstay of this assessment. The body is analysed comprehensively to shed light on the various imbalances which may be contributing towards the patients complaint. The information is cross referenced against the medical exam and biomechanical assessment is often incorporated into this test. Two dimensional gait analysis provides much useful data and is often sufficient to diagnose the cause for an injury.

After the gait analyses a full report with the findings and suggentions is provided to the patient.

BIOMECHANICS – PLEASE CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION

Diabetic Foot Check

DIABETIC FOOT CHECKS

The diabetic foot examination is designed for early detection of Diabetic Neuropathy and Peripheral Vascular Disease, both serious conditions that can lead to eventual amputation of limbs. If you have diabetes it is recommended that you should have a foot examination at least once a year, even if you do not have problems with your feet.

At Vasou Podiatry we are fully qualified to deal with any complications that rise from diabetes.

Our diabetic check consists of:

Neurological Assessment:

People with intermediate or high risk feet in diabetes usually have decreased sensation due to peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage). Peripheral neuropathy can be of two main types- sensory and motor. Sensory neuropathy affects the sensory nerves (those responsible for feeling) and can produce numbness, tingling or even increased sensitivity and pain in your feet. Motor neuropathy affects the nerves that control the muscles and can lead to muscle weakness, which in turn can produce deformity of your toes and feet. The neurological assessment includes a range of clinical tests.

By testing the perception of the different skin senses such as temperature, vibration and light touch we can monitor and predict future problems. These combination examinations play a very valuable part in the prevention of serious foot problems.

At Vasou Podiatry, we use the most widely recommended tests for neuropathy – the monofilament test, tuning fork test a. If you can’t feel the monofilament you will not be able to detect a foot injury in that area of your foot and will need to take special precautions to protect that area.

Vascular (Circulation) assessment

Diabetes can also cause peripheral arterial disease (PAD), previously referred to as peripheral vascular disease (PVD). Peripheral arterial disease can result in reduced blood flow to your feet and legs which can cause pain in the feet or legs with walking or even when at rest. People without diabetes can also develop PAD, particularly when there is a history of smoking.

At Vasou Podiatry we are able to assess the condition of the body’s blood vessels by the use of a doppler (ultrasound listening equipment). We can also look for clinical signs and skin condition that may indicate some circulation concerns.

Foot Health Check:

The foot health check provides a comprehensive examination of your feet, and is ideal for regular monitoring of foot health.

DIABETIC FOOT CHECKS – PLEASE CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION

General / Routine Foot care

GENERAL / ROUTINE PODIATRY

Chiropody is the practice of general foot care – think of it as a thorough, attentive MOT for your feet, refreshing and revitalising what is typically the most neglected part of your body.

Routine Podiatry / Chiropody

Your first appointment will involve an extensive foot health assessment, along with a full review of your medical history, allergies, medication, and details of any previous chiropody treatments.

We begin by examining your feet and lower limbs, looking closely at the skin, nails and alignment. All patients have a vascular assessment using Doppler to check blood flow and see if you suffer from poor circulation. We’ll also ask whether you have any specific concerns you’d like addressed.

You will then have appropriate treatment which may include trimming nails, removing corns, reducing hard skin, dealing with cracked heels etc.

If you require a specialist chiropody treatment we can usually begin this at your first appointment, with your consent, and we’ll arrange follow-up appointments if necessary. Then we’ll send you away with a treatment plan, along with some useful advice for keeping your feet in optimal condition.

Because everybody who attends our clinics has slightly different needs, we assess each patient on an individual basis, so your treatment may vary slightly depending on your requirements.

Nail Cutting

Many people just can’t get down to their feet themselves, for example if the nails become too thickened, or if you have back trouble or arthritis.

At Vasou Podiatry our podiatrists offer to trim your nails and advise you on how to keep them healthy in the future.

Foot Health Check

The foot health check provides a comprehensive examination of your feet, and is ideal for regular monitoring of foot health. Our podiatrists will advise you about home foot care and how to maintain your feel healthy. This check up provides a comprehensive examination to help you maintain healthy feet and re-assure you.