A Podiatrist’s guide to choosing the right running shoes 

A Podiatrist’s guide to choosing the right running shoes 

30, 11, 23

Choosing the right running shoes is essential for comfort, performance and injury prevention. There are many things to consider including your running surface (for example cross-country versus pavement or trail running) and distance can also play a factor too.

With so many choices available, it can be overwhelming and hard to know where to start. 

We’ve put together these handy tips to consider when you’re buying your next pair of running trainers.

1. Understand your foot type

Your first step is to book a running assessment with us. We will determine if you have a neutral, overpronation, or underpronation (supination) foot type and advise on the best type of running shoe and cushioning for you. 

We do this by observing your gait and form n the clinic with 3D technology to track your movements on our treadmill.

Book your gait analysis here.

2. Lean into expert advice 

Be fussy and take your time when choosing running shoes. The experts in running shoes at your local store can guide you to the right pair based on your needs and running style.

3. Try on shoes later in the day

This will ensure the fit is right and accounts for any foot swelling. 

Different socks can affect how the shoes feel so stick to your usual pair for an accurate assessment.

4. Use the ‘thumb-width’ rule

Aim for a finger’s width between your longest toe and the shoe end. This prevents cramping, nail damage and allows natural foot movement.

5. Don’t skip local retails for online deals

Supporting local keeps expertise alive and you’ll often get a much better service. Cheap, online deals may seem tempting but local shops provide invaluable knowledge for your foot health. 

Shopping local also supports the community, creates jobs and often has a smaller environmental impact. 

There are plenty of great local retailers near Active Life Poditry’s clinic in Fulham and Putney. Or, if you’re venturing a little further out – give our friends at Up and Running in Richmond a visit. Active Life Podiatry customers will get 10% off in-store by quoting ALP10

Book your gait analysis as a standalone assessment or an add-on to your routine appointment by calling our team on 020 7381 6682

 

View our services or head over to the booking page to book your appointment today.

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We are here to help you to #TakeSteps

  • To an active recovery following injury
  • To active, healthy feet for your family
  • To a personal best
  • To an Active Life
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John’s going back to school

John’s going back to school

15, 09, 23

Clinic Director and Owner, John Durkin returns to Brunel University to complete a postgraduate certification in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound of the Foot & Ankle. 

Whilst John promises this is his last university stint, we dig a little deeper into what the next year has in store for Active Life’s Clinic Director.

This blog explains what the qualification is, how it works and who may benefit..

What are you studying and is this a widely offered treatment?

The course specialises in ultrasound imaging, a diagnostic tool which sends out high frequency sound waves to the tissues and these rebound at different rates and from this an image is formed.

The course enhances anatomy knowledge and specific pathologies of the foot and ankle. Ultrasound scanning gives a good picture of injury and conditions without causing any pain or side effects that happen with x-rays which emit radiation.

It is highly specialised and only a few podiatrists have this skill/qualification.

We are one of very few centres that can offer this service. Fellow Active Life Podiatrist Marc Barton has previously completed the course and offers ultrasound scanning, and it’s popular with patients who are experiencing pain. 

 

What qualification will you get?

A Postgraduate certification in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound of the Foot & Ankle. This lets patients and fellow healthcare providers know that a high level of competency has been achieved which can be extended into a Masters level qualification.

What will the course do for your patients?

Many of our patients see us for many problematic and painful conditions that may be ongoing like plantar fasciitis or they may have a sudden injury such as a sprain; ultrasound can greatly assist in the diagnosis, location and extent of the problem thus enabling better management and outcomes for our patients. 

Why is it important for you to keep learning?

The world of healthcare and in particular podiatry is constantly evolving, with fantastic new treatments and knowledge that are helping in patient care. We pride ourselves as providers of top quality podiatric care and therefore we must and will continue to keep abreast of latest developments.

What do your family think about you going back to Uni?

My family think I have FOMO by going back to Uni as our daughter (aged 18) is just about to start her studies – sadly not in Podiatry!

Book your musculoskeletal ultrasound as a standalone assessment or an add-on to your routine appointment by calling our team on 020 7381 6682

 

View our services or head over to the booking page to book your appointment today.

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We are here to help you to #TakeSteps

  • To an active recovery following injury
  • To active, healthy feet for your family
  • To a personal best
  • To an Active Life
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The Doppler Assessment

The Doppler Assessment

10, 09, 23

Brand-new treatment at Active Life Podiatry

Always on the frontline of innovation, the team at Active Life Podiatry are pleased to offer vascular assessments, part of which involves using the latest ultrasound Doppler equipment alongside their extensive list of lower limb specialist treatments.

This blog explains what the assessment is, how it works and who may benefit..

Why do Podiatrists use Doppler?

To assist in measuring blood flow to the foot and ankle, which might be compromised – a condition called Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD).

What does ultrasound Doppler do?

The Doppler effect or Doppler shift is the apparent change in frequency of a wave in relation to an observer moving relative to the wave source. It was discovered by Christian Johann Doppler.

A Doppler ultrasound is a noninvasive test that is used to accurately measure the blood flow through your blood vessels (arteries) by bouncing high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) off circulating red blood cells.

Why did you decide to introduce the treatment at Active Life Podiatry?

We have been using a simple ultrasound Doppler for some time – but new technology means we can now visualise the readings and also assess blood flow to the toes – not just the foot.

How long does a Doppler assessment take?

We advise that this should be done as a stand-alone appointment which takes 20 minutes.

Is the procedure painful?

This treatment isn’t painful, although you may feel a momentary pressure around your arm and ankle when the cuff is pressurised.

What does it mean if a Doppler test is positive?

A test is not as simple as positive or negative – but if your blood flow is reduced then we will inform you and if necessary, advise your GP who will then take appropriate action and treatment.

Who should have this assessment?

The Doppler assessment is advised for those patients who have diseases or conditions which may affect blood flow. People with diabetes or patients that smoke, or don’t not take frequent exercise, or if you have had recent trauma to the leg/s may be at risk of PAD. Warning signs are cold, clammy feet, swelling of the feet/ankles, unhealing sores or wounds.

If any of the above apply to you or, if in doubt please contact us or ask us during your routine appointment.

Book your Doppler assessment as a standalone treatment or an add-on to your routine appointment by calling our team on 020 7381 6682

 

View our services or head over to the booking page to book your appointment today.

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We are here to help you to #TakeSteps

  • To an active recovery following injury
  • To active, healthy feet for your family
  • To a personal best
  • To an Active Life
Book now

Chiropody vs Podiatry: The Modern Foot Care Specialist

Chiropody vs Podiatry: The Modern Foot Care Specialist

01, 08, 23

Chiropody vs Podiatry: The Modern Foot Care Specialist

When it comes to foot and lower limb treatment podiatry and chiropody are often used interchangeably. 

Chiropody originates from the Greek words “chiro” (meaning hand) and “pod” (meaning foot), emphasizing the manual aspect of foot care. 

The term “Podiatry” originates from “pod” (meaning hand) and “iatros”, which means “physician” in Greek. The change reflects the evolution of the podiatric profession as a recognised branch of modern medicine.

These two branches of medicine have virtually no differences in terms of education, scope of practice, and professional classifications. In this blog, we delve into the differences between podiatry and chiropody, the history and their roles in promoting foot health and overall well-being.

Podiatry is a medical profession focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of foot, ankle, and lower limb disorders. Podiatrists are extensively trained medical practitioners. Their comprehensive education covers both general medicine and specialised knowledge in podiatric medicine.

Reason for the change

The term chiropody has been traditionally used in the UK, and the term podiatry is recognised and used more internationally.

The UK adopted the term podiatry circa 2000 and it’s been used as the primary term ever since. 

Whilst there is still a use of both names, chiropodists are becoming more frequently referred to as podiatrists.

Scope of practice

Both podiatrists and chiropodists are highly trained medical professionals with extensive knowledge in podiatric medicine, allowing them to diagnose and treat a wide array of foot and ankle conditions, including complex surgical procedures.

They also carry out more basic foot care, such as routine nail trimming, callus removal, and general foot health advice.

Changing roles

As the world of modern technology has evolved, so has a podiatrist’s role. Skilled podiatrists are able to diagnose and carry out complex foot procedures and some surgeries, as well as musculoskeletal treatments and analysis.

What does a podiatrist do?

  • Podiatrists prevent, diagnose and treat feet and lower limb issues. At Active Life Podiatry our highly skilled team offer a range of services including:

    Routine Podiatry 

    • Ingrown or infected toenails
    • Fungal infections 
    • Involuted nails
    • Damaged nails 
    • Callus removal 
    • Verruca removal 
    • Painful corns 
    • Minor foot surgery

      Biomechanics and injury 

      • Biomechanical assessment 
      • Gait analysis 
      • Laser therapy 
      • Dry needling 
      • Acupuncture 
      • Injection therapy 
      • Foot and ankle mobilisation 

      Children’s Podiatry 

      • Ingrown or infected toenails
      • Fungal infections 
      • Involuted nails
      • Damaged nails 
      • Callus removal 
      • Verruca removal 
      • Painful corns 
      • Minor foot surgery 

      Children’s Injury Clinic 

      • Children’s biomechanical assessment 
      • Children’s mobility 
      • Developmental issues 
      • Children’s foot checks

        Orthoses

        We design and produce tailor-made orthosis or orthoses (such as insoles or shoe inserts) to support the foot, realign the feet, and correct gait problems or imbalance, as well as other walking or running pattern issues.

        Our orthotics are made in house for adults and children.

        To see a full list of our services, discover our price list or book your appointment with our expert team today. 

        So what’s the difference?

        In short – none! Both professions share a commitment to foot health and regardless of the title, seeking regular foot care from a qualified specialist is essential in maintaining healthy, happy feet.



To see a full list of our services, discover our price list or book your appointment with our expert team today. 

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We are here to help you to #TakeSteps

  • To an active recovery following injury
  • To active, healthy feet for your family
  • To a personal best
  • To an Active Life
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How to get your feet Summer ready

How to get your feet Summer ready

25, 04, 23

Get Summer ready with Active Life

Summer may seem a way off with all this recent rain, but it can take longer than you may think to get your feet Summer ready.

 Did you know the verruca virus can gain entry into the soles of your feet through sweat ducts. It can take anything from 2 weeks to 3 months for the verruca to visibly appear.

And fungal nails usually start because any untreated fungus on the skin (Athletes foot) can gain entry to the nails through damage to the nail bed. Early treatment is essential to prevent nail fungus which is unsightly and difficult to treat.

 As sandal season approaches, it’s important to take care of your feet at home and in the clinic.  

At home, soak your feet regularly in warm water for 10 – 20 minutes and giving them a little massage whilst you moisturise after will help with circulation and hydration. Keeping your toenails cut straight and not too short will help prevent ingrown toenails.   

If you’re worried about a foot condition, talk to one of our specialists today and we can get you tip top for Summer.

1. Your shoes matter

Wearing flip flops, flat shoes and sandals can cause problems including plantar fasciitis due to providing no arch support. Customised flip flops offer control and support, similar (although not as effective) as an orthosis. Book in for your customised consultation today

2. Get your skin and nails properly checked

Holiday swimming pools can be full of nasty bacteria and infection. Prevention is better than cure and a routine appointment will put your mind at rest as well as treat any infection early 

3. Hydrate your feet

Apply a specialist cream regularly to treat or prevent cracked heels. For mild cases of dry skin, you can exfoliate at home, followed by a moisturising foot cream. We recommend CCS foot care and keep the clinic stocked up. You can purchase through our Parsons Green HQ 

4. Sweaty feet can lead to infections

The soles of our feet contain more sweat glands than any other part of our body. Sweaty feet are more prone to fungal infections which can not only be unsightly, but can be painful and itchy too. These can be treated in clinic, or with our range of products available to purchase directly over the counter

5. Don’t forget your sunscreen

Every year, we see lots of people with sunburnt feet. This is not only painful and can cause blistering (which makes you more prone to infection) but it can also increase your chances of skin cancer. So don’t forget your feet when you’re applying sun cream. The higher the SPF, the better!

It’s always a good idea to get your feet checked properly. Active Life Podiatry offers a range of podiatry and chiropody treatments to keep you in top condition all year round.

We hope you found this blog useful, but as always, if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to give the team a call on 020 7381 6682  or complete our booking form to request a callback.



Need a helping hand getting your feet Summer ready? View our services or head over to the booking page to book your appointment today.

Book now

We are here to help you to #TakeSteps

  • To an active recovery following injury
  • To active, healthy feet for your family
  • To a personal best
  • To an Active Life
Book now