The Vale Hotel, Golf and Spa Resort

Podiatry
All Enquiries 029 20836700

Podiatry is primarily concerned with treating problems and injuries that occur due to altered foot function. Our Podiatrists will look at the relationship between your foot and leg and their working effect on the rest of your body. They will look at the causes of the injury and altered foot mechanics and, where appropriate, prescribe orthotics to improve the foot mechanics. It has been shown that a high percentage of lower back pain, hip, knee pain, shin and foot pain can, in some cases, be improved through improving altered foot function.

Visiting the Podiatrist

The Podiatrist will first take a detailed history of your condition together with any relevant past medical history. A physical assessment will then be undertaken to determine the clinical diagnosis of your problem. The patient's movement may be analysed, walking and running on a treadmill with a digital video camera from the rear and side view. The digital camera allows for freeze-frame analysis of specific points in the gait. Pressure plate gait analysis may also be used to provide objective data on a limb function and foot pressure distribution. From the results of this comprehensive analysis the podiatrist can paint a picture of the causes of the injury problems. These causes are usually a combination of factors, such as poor flexibility, strength and mis-alignment of the foot or lower leg. The main purpose of an orthotic is to place the foot in a position in which it can move naturally and remain stable. Therefore, the orthotic tackles only the mis-alignment problems.

Therefore, the podiatrist works closely at this clinic with the physiotherapists to ensure that a correct rehabilitation programme is implemented to correct any postural problems, improve core stability, strengthen the ankle muscles, increase flexibility and improve proprioception. If you don't do these things, the money spent on orthotics may be wasted. We look to manage the condition and prevent problems in the future.

Vale Healthcare

The Vale Clinic is part of Vale Healthcare. For more information about Vale Healthcare and their specialist sports injury, back pain, joint pain (incuding shoulder, knee, hip, foot and ankle, hand and wrist clinics), breast care and all of the above services call 029 2083 6700 visit Vale Healthcare at www.vale-healthcare.com