Musculoskeletal Foot Related Lower Limb Problems

Compleet Feet Podiatry are experts in treating foot related lower limb problems. Podiatrists understand the anatomy and functionality of the foot more than other specialists. We identifying etiological causes/ reasons why a patient has a lower limb related anatomical pain or a problem. This is not normal routine Podiatry. Not many podiatrists have this specialist developed skill set. We can accelerate healing outcomes after surgery or more importantly negate the need for surgical intervention.

We have the latest in efficacious MSK treatment technology and practices. New in 2023, to both the Alton and Havant clinics is the instalment of the acclaimed Podiatech Sidas in-house orthotic manufacturing system. Bespoke orthotics can be manufactured on the day of consultation and assessment.

At Alton we have a dedicated MSK suite and laboratory.

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Some answers to our most asked questions

MSK Biomechanical Assessment

A musculoskeletal (MSK) biomechanical assessment is a specialist podiatry appointment. It is designed to help identity and treat foot related lower limb pain. Compleet Feet are fortunate to have MSK trained podiatrists. This is a complex area of foot care which is quite specific to podiatrists to treat and understand above other health professionals. Not all podiatrists can undertake an MSK biomechanical assessment.

Podiatrist will examine both legs and lower back in relation to lower limb function and alignment. The neck and positioning of shoulders is also examined, as is uneven arm swing. We encompass the whole body in our assessments. A treatment plan will be instigated to achieve a satisfactory resolution or improvement of the presenting issues.

Musculoskeletal Foot Problems Can Cause Pain Upstairs!

Example: A stiff neck could be as a direct result of having stiff big toes, thus leaning forward to get forward momentum during gait or from a limb length shortening, and a head tilt.

“Your feet are your foundations, and if you don’t have good footings you will get subsidence upstairs”

Positioning of feet has a direct effect on function of joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons. The body can accommodate and compensate for small structural anomalies, but over time unwanted pathologies can occur. Abnormal wear and tear can develop. Individuals can become prone to injuries. Simply by altering the position of the foot can make a significant difference. Wearing of a specialised insole termed orthotic may be recommended as a preventive or curative measure.

Example: A flat foot, collapsing arch can lead to joint degenerative problems and lower back pain. Abnormal wear and tear resulting in a joint replacement procedure.

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Compleet Feet can accelerate post surgery and treatment outcomes. Often continuing pain hinders healing and the return of normal or improved function. It is hard to work through pain to do required exercises e.g. post joint replacement. When the prescribed pain ‘killers’ cease to be effective or cause unwanted gastric issues, a cycle of recalcitrant pain can develop which halts progress. Stiffness, loss of optimal function can result.

Our clinic has a range of high-tech equipment to include pain lasers, shockwave therapy to help. We also have many simple solutions which can make a massive difference.

Time is of the essence. Don’t wait or put too much reliance on physiotherapy, when podiatry can offer a more focused approach. Standard ultrasound has been proven to have limited effectiveness and recommended exercises do not suit all. Alignment is more important.

We work in a more focused way than physiotherapists who often work to a standard script of ultrasound and exercises.

Podiatech Sidas Thermo-Manufactured Orthotic Insoles

At Compleet Feet we use the acclaimed Podiatech Sidas orthotic in-house manufacturing system. This technology allows us to fabricate affordable custom bespoke orthotic insoles in clinic. No need to send off to a laboratory. Quick turn around, good anatomical fit to an individual’s foot morphology. Better compliance and increased supportive, corrective functionality. Patients can either have an MSK Biomechanical assessment or choose not to. Not all our customers need to have an assessment, when they are simply looking for comfortable orthotic insoles to wear in footwear.

What is an MSK Biomechanical Assessment?

A detailed assessment to include history, examination and diagnosis. Foot and lower limb posture and alignment are assessed.
Functional abnormalities are identified, treatment plan made and implemented.

What is Biomechanical Treatment Plan?

Compleet Feet offer 3 levels of MSK biomechanical treatment plans. Each includes a follow-up review to assess if treatment plan is working and to offer additional treatment.

How does the issues of insoles/orthoses help?

Improving the alignment of the foot/ feet. Support and control movement in the foot. Facilitate the correct functioning of the foot. Re-distribute weight-bearing pressures through the foot. Deflect pressure/ off-load painful areas. Control/ stop unwanted positional and functional stresses up the kinetic chain into leg.

What do I need to bring along to my appointment?

New patients are asked to bring along a pair of shorts or clothing that can be adjusted so knees can be seen during gait analysis. We also ask patients to bring along a selection of current footwear and old shoes which may be broken down. If patients have orthotic insoles these need to be brought to appointment too.

What foot conditions do you treat?

All forefoot conditions:

Degenerative joint conditions e.g. hammer toes, bunions, bursitis, capsulities
Nerve involvements e.g. Morton’s neuroma
Stress fractures
Muscle weaknesses
Painful corns, callosities resulting from poor function or alignment

Mid- foot conditions:

Plantar fasciitis/ arch pain, ‘dropped arches’, tendon ganglions
Degenerative joint conditions
Subluxed cuboids
Styloid process pain/ stress (base of 5th metatarsal)

Ankle and Rearfoot Conditions:

Weak/ unstable ankles
Post-ankle sprain/ injury pain
Degenerative arthritis
Posterior Tibial Tendon dysfunction issues
Positional/ alignment issues
Tendo-achilles problems
Severs Disease
Heel pain
Posterior heel ‘bumps’/ Haglands Deformity

What Lower Limb Conditions do you treat?

Shin splints
Calf strains
Knee pain/ injuries
Hip pain
Hamstring issues
Hip pain
Lower back pain
Post surgery rehabilitation

Do you treat Sport/ Dancing Injuries?

Yes, we treat all sporting activity and dance related presenting problems.

Do you treat Sport/ Dancing Injuries?

Yes, we treat all sporting activity and dance related presenting problems.

Post Surgery Rehabilitation

Our clinic has a range rehabilitation and pain relief treatments:

Laser pain relief therapy – lasers can switch-off pain receptors
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy – NICE recommended
Mobilisation/ manipulation
Functional footwear
Orthotics and shoe/ insole adjustments

Ostenil® Injections for Painful Joints

Ostenil® is a treatment for the symptoms of osteoarthritis, for painful joints with degenerative changes. It has been used for the knee for many years, and more recently in smaller synovial joints of the foot like the ankle and big toe. Despite supporting scientific evidence, it is not commonly used within the NHS but has been used privately, within sports medicine and podiatry with great effect.

Ostenil® is an injectable solution of naturally occurring hyaluronic acid. It helps to replenish and restore production and concentration of synovial fluid. By effectively lubricating the joint, freedom of movement is improved and pain levels reduced. Injections of Ostenil can negate need for surgery. It is reciommended to have 3 injections at weekly intervals for optimal results.

A thorough consultation is required. It is not suitable for chronic joint pathologies and inflammatory arthritic conditions e.g. RA.

Do you treat children?

Yes, we treat children.

MSK Biomechanical Assessment Costs and Packages

Compleet Feet use the Podiatech Sidas system to manufacture semi-bespoke orthotic insoles. This is a reputable brand favoured by many podiatrists who specialise in in-clinic orthotic manufacture. Podiatrists can produce high quality cost effective orthotics. These are more comfortable than pre-fabricated insoles and cheaper than prescription laboratory ones.

Benefits of Podiatech Sidas Orthotics:

Affordability
Fit like a glove to the anatomical contours of the foot
Can be manufactured and fitted on the day without having to wait 3-6 weeks for manufacture.
Can be easily modified in clinic
Shaped to fit footwear

Sidas Orthotic Manufacturing and MSK Assessment Appointments

All costs reflect appointment time, experience of podiatrist, materials and resources used.

Podiatech Sidas Orthotic Manufacture/ No Assessment

Patients requiring thermomoulded orthotic insoles without the additional cost of an assessment. Podiatry advice, but no gait analysis or in-depth evaluation of problem(s). Suitable for individuals who are looking for comfort and functional orthotic insoles to take stress out of feet and improve performance. Cost reflects time involved and orthotic materials.

30 minutes £150 as recommended by Sidas UK

Podiatech Sidas Orthotic Manufacture and MSK Assessment

A longer more involved appointment to assess and diagnose biomechanical problem(s). In-depth evaluation of presenting issues to understand and diagnose what it is a patient exactly requires. Gait analysis, joint and soft tissue function examination, exercises, footwear advice etc. Thermomoulded orthotic manufactured during appointment.

60 minutes £220 Senior MSK Podiatrist

40-60 minutes £250 Consultant MSK Podiatrist

Please be aware cost of moulded orthotics may vary due to complexity of prescription required and materials used. Rigid more hard hard wearing orthotics are more expensive.

MSK Biomechanical Assessment Only

An involved appointment to assess and diagnose biomechanical problem(s). In-depth evaluation of presenting issues to understand and diagnose what it is a patient exactly requires. Gait analysis, joint and soft tissue function examination, exercises, footwear advice etc. Podiatrist will decide if orthotic insoles are required or not. Either simple footwear/ insert modifications or issue of pre-fabricated off-shelf orthotics. Pre-fabricated orthotics vary from £40-75.

45 minutes £80 Senior MSK Podiatrist

30-40 minutes £100 Consultant MSK Podiatrist

Custom Orthotic Package

Laboratory prescribed and manufactured custom orthotic insoles. Comes as a package price of £500. Consists of 3-4 appointments with Katrina Waller, Consultant Podiatrist. Includes MSK assessment, taking foot impressions, fitting and review.

Custom orthotics are for patients with more complex requirements, and those individuals requiring long lasting, functional insoles.

Why are MSK Biomechanical Assessments Expensive?

An MSK biomechanical assessment is an advanced podiatry appointment requiring considerable expertise to identify and treat an issue. It takes considerable training and practice in this area of podiatry to be able to effectively treat patients. The cost charged reflects that expertise and experience. It also reflects time allocated for appointment and any resources, technology, materials used in clinic. Compleet Feet’s prices are set in accordance with other UK Podiatry Clinics.

Foot Mobilisation and Manipulation

We combine foot mobilisation and manipulation techniques taken from physiotherapy and osteopathy to help restore movement and function in the foot and ankle. We have a thorough understanding of foot anatomy and function to resolve niggling aches and pains which don’t respond to other treatments. Maybe a joint articulation is stuck or out of alignment which will have a knock- on effect to gait. After a treatment, your foot (feet) will feel more relaxed, with increased movement around the joints and reduced pain.

What problems benefit from Foot Mobilisation?

Aching feet
Stiff joints
Flat feet
High arched feet
Bunions
Knee pain
Problems adjusting to orthotics

What does foot mobilisation do?

Unlocks stuck joints
Reduces pain in both joints and structures that cross the joints
Improves movement patterns immediately
Changes neurological input and output from a joint

Is it a one-off or do I have a course of treatments?

Can be used as part of your podiatry biomechanical treatment programme
Applied as a course of 3-6 treatment sessions

Still got some questions?

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Cost

Clinic Prices for MSK Biomechanical Assessments

As from 1st February 2023. New prices reflect increases in inflationary costs.

Alton

MSK Biomechanical Assessment

Adults/ Children

From £80- 100

To avoid confusion to know what assessment you require please contact clinic direct. Do not book online.Book Now

Podiatech Sidas Orthotic Manufacture Only

Adults/ Children

£150

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Biomechanical Assessment and Sidas Orthotic Manufacture

Adults / Children

£220 - £250

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PATIENTS MUST BE AWARE THAT MOST MSK LOWER LIMB FOOT RELATED PROBLEMS WILL REQUIRE SOME FORM OF ORTHOTIC ADJUSTMENT. Additional costs for any orthotic insoles or materials issued will be incurred.