Podiatry

About

Podiatry focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of abnormal conditions of the feet and lower limbs.  A podiatrist specialises in the medical and surgical treatment of the foot, ankle and leg.  They work with patients to prevent and correct deformity, relieve pain, treat infections and keep people mobile and active.

Common Applications

Podiatrists are trained in the surgical correction of many deformities and acquired problems of the feet and lower limbs.  They specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of sprains, fractures, infections and injuries of the foot, ankle and heel.

Their work could treat anyone from athletes with sports injuries to elderly people with arthritis.

Common problems covered by a podiatrist include:

  • Bone deformities
  • Arthiritis
  • Bunions
  • Skin problems
  • Toenail conditions
  • Muscle pain and stress fractures in the lower leg

Treatment options

The type of podiatry care you receive will depend on your current condition and diagnosis. Your consultant will review your symptoms, giving a specialist opinion on whether further diagnostic tests or treatments are required.

Procedures often undertaken by our team of specialists will be discussed fully at your consultation and include:

  • Bone deformity correction
  • Reconstruction surgery for the foot and ankle
  • Correction of hammer, mallet and claw toes
  • Bunionectomy
  • Repair of sprains and ligament damage
  • Removal of hard skin, corns and calluses.

The majority of foot problems are due to an underlying mechanical fault or bone deformity in the foot.  If non-surgical treatments are unsuccessful, your consultant will discuss the surgical options with you.  In most cases, any surgery performed would be day care and under local anesthetic.

Specialists


Mr James Carmichael

Mr James Carmichael specialises in surgery of the foot, ankle and knee as well as all aspects of trauma orthopaedics.

James graduated from Nottingham University Medical School with Bachelor of Medical Science, Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degrees before completing his practical surgical training.  In 2002, James undertook higher surgical training and gained an MSc with distinction in Orthopaedic Engineering at Cardiff University and Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons.

James has a specialist interest in surgery of the lower limbs and is an active member of the British Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society.