The Importance of Your Arches

Your arches are more than just a curve in the middle of your foot. They act as natural shock absorbers, helping to distribute weight evenly and cushion every step you take. There are three main arches:

• The medial arch (along the inside of the foot),
• The lateral arch (along the outside),
• The transverse arch (across the midfoot).

Problems can arise if your arches are too high, too flat, or unsupported. Flat feet, for example, can lead to overpronation (rolling the foot inward), which may contribute to heel, knee, or back pain. Conversely, very high arches can place extra strain on the balls and heels of your feet.

Toes: Small but Mighty

Your toes might seem small compared to the rest of your foot, but they play a crucial role in balance, stability, and forward movement. Each step you take relies on the toes to push you forward, especially the big toe.

When toes don’t function properly — perhaps due to bunions, hammertoes, or injuries — your walking pattern can be disrupted, leading to discomfort elsewhere in the body. Keeping your toes flexible and your footwear roomy enough to avoid squashing them is essential for healthy movement.

Understanding Gait: The Way You Walk

Your gait is simply the way you walk. It’s influenced by your arches, toes, footwear, posture, and even muscle strength. A normal gait involves the heel striking the ground first, the foot rolling smoothly forward, and the toes pushing off for the next step.

An abnormal gait can cause pain not only in your feet but also in your ankles, knees, hips, and lower back. Common gait issues include:

• Overpronation – rolling inward too much, often linked to flat feet.
• Supination – rolling outward too much, often linked to high arches.
• Limping or uneven stride – due to injury, weakness, or footwear problems.

A podiatrist can carry out a gait analysis to identify these issues and recommend treatments such as orthotics, footwear changes, or exercises.

Are You in Step with Foot Health?

Ask yourself:

• Do your shoes support your arches and give your toes enough room?
• Have you noticed unusual wear on the soles of your shoes (a sign of gait problems)?
• Do you ever feel pain in your arches, toes, or legs after walking?

If so, it may be time for a professional assessment.

Final Thoughts

Your arches, toes, and gait are more than just parts of your feet — they are the foundation of your overall health and mobility. If you notice pain, changes in the way you walk, or problems with your toes or arches, don’t ignore them. Book an appointment with a podiatrist today to keep your feet — and the rest of your body — moving comfortably for years to come.

So, how well do you know your feet? This September, why not take a closer look — your body will thank you.

For advice or to book a consultation, please call us on 01455 246100. We would absolutely love to help you stay healthy, comfortable, and confident on your feet.

Thank you for reading this month’s blog – How Well Do You Know Your Feet?

Take care,
Faye Vogiatzoglou
Clinical Director

http://medipodclinics.com/

The post How Well Do You Know Your Feet? appeared first on Medipod Clinics.

So, as well as vowing to watch less television or keep on top of the dishes this New Year, make sure you put the comfort and wellbeing of your feet on your list of resolutions too.

We’ve put together a few ways that you can start giving your feet the star treatment in 2022!

Pamper and Moisturise

Who doesn’t love to feel pampered now and again? And our feet are not to be missed when it comes to soaking our troubles away.

For baby-soft feet, exfoliate using a scrub. Most of us have dry and cracked feet because we don’t take care of them. Dead skin can be uncomfortable, but regular exfoliation will get rid of the dead skin and result in softer and smoother feet.

Moisturising is also the key to maintaining silky-smooth feet. Just before bed, apply a moisturising cream (preferably at least 10% urea based) or body butter, and then pull on a pair of socks. You’ll wake up with noticeably softer feet.

Need some moisturiser recommendations? Check out our range of creams that your feet will thank you for.

Buy a New Comfortable Pair of Shoes

It’s time to put aside that old, worn pair of shoes you’re attached to because they are ‘comfortable’. The new year is about starting afresh, so now’s the time to invest in a new pair that are comfortable, but also supportive.

Comfortable doesn’t have to mean old-fashioned! There are plenty of shoes out there that are both attractive, fashionable, comfortable, and supportive.

We can advise on a range of wider fit shoes that are extra roomy, comfy and suitable for a range of occasions in an array of styles – just ask one of our podiatrist for further details.

Don’t Ignore Foot Problems

Medical professionals can sometimes describe our feet as ‘windows’ as they can often indicate a health problem elsewhere in the body.

It’s for this important reason that your final New Year’s resolution for your feet should be that you get any unusual foot problems checked out by a GP or your podiatrist as soon as possible, as it could be an indication of something bigger.

Some common symptoms to be aware of include: a swollen toe, which could indicate gout or infection; your nails turning club-shaped, which could point to a lung condition; sore toe joints, which could signal rheumatoid arthritis as well as ulcers and numbness which could be a sign of diabetes.

Start Doing Foot Exercises and Stretches

A lot of people make New Year’s resolutions to exercise more, but let’s not forget about exercising our feet! Doing some foot exercises and stretching out our lower muscles from time-to-time is a great way to encourage good blood flow and can help alleviate any pains and discomfort.

We recommend some easy exercises that you can do in the comfort of your own home, minimum 3 times a week, such as heel raises, and calf stretches.

At Medipod Clinics we are very experienced when it comes to managing foot problems. As well as keeping up to date with the latest research and new treatments, we always try to give you the information and tools you need to keep your feet healthy.

From treating your feet with new, well-fitting footwear to buying yourself a soothing foot cream, Medipod stock a range of feel-good foot products that are sure to kick-start your new year in the right direction.

If you are experiencing any discomfort in your feet, we are more than happy to help. Give us a call today on 01455 246100 to chat through your needs.

We offer treatments for nails, hard skin, ingrown toenails, verrucas, heel pain, tendinitis, and advice for people with Diabetes. With our expertise and experience, you will have full peace of mind when it comes to your foot health.

For more information about our range of treatments, please contact us on 01455 246100. We would love to help you with any foot health issues you may have.

Thank you for reading,
Faye Vogiatzoglou

http://medipodclinics.com/

The post New Year’s Resolutions! Let’s Put a Smile on Your Feet appeared first on Medipod Clinics.

What is it?

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. Most of the food we eat is broken down into sugar (also called glucose) and released into our bloodstream. When your blood sugar goes up, it signals your pancreas to release insulin. If your body is not producing enough insulin, high levels of sugar stay in the blood.

High blood glucose levels can damage your blood vessels and thereby circulation to your feet and legs, due to less blood getting to your skin, muscles and tissues. It can also cause damage to the nerve system in your body by stopping important messages to and from your brain. The most commonly affected nerves are the long ones – those that reach all the way down to your legs and feet. Nerve damage is called neuropathy. Diabetes can also affect your eyes and kidneys.

Why do I need to see a podiatrist?

Any injury or hard skin has the potential to develop into something more serious if you have diabetes. When the skin is damaged, it may not heal so easily and sometimes this can cause an ulcer to form on your foot. Additionally, if you have lost feeling in your feet then it is possible that you may unknowingly damage your feet. You may stand on sharp objects like a nail, piercing the skin even down to the bone without realising it. If not noticed and not treated appropriately this can have potentially serious consequences and could lead to an amputation. It is very likely to avoid such an outcome, if you seek expert advice from your multidisciplinary foot care team.

Another change that can occur is reduced blood flow to your feet. Diabetes may also affect your ability to heal and reduce your natural ability to fight bacteria. Consequently, you should take particular care of any scratches, cuts or blisters on your feet.

How do I prevent foot complications? – Diabetes and Your Feet

Preventing foot problems involves a few easy steps:

• Manage your diabetes well by controlling blood glucose levels, along with cholesterol and blood pressure, and having a healthy active lifestyle
• Avoid smoking
• Always check your feet every day
• Clean and dress any cuts, scratches or wounds
• Avoid walking around barefoot to prevent potential injury
• Always wear shoes that fit properly
• Never sit with your feet too close to a fire or a hot radiator
• Avoid using corn plasters as the acid can burn your feet
• See a HCPC Registered Podiatrist regularly in order to have the hard skin removed and your nails cut professionally

Always…

Have your feet also checked regularly by a healthcare professional (podiatrist, nurse or doctor) and at the very least once a year at their annual review. However, if you are at increased risk of complications, these inspections need to be done more frequently.

What can a Podiatrist do for me?

If you have Diabetes the Podiatrist will normally check both the blood supply to your feet and any evidence of loss of sensation in your feet.

Blood supply will be checked by looking at the colour of the skin, quality, texture, temperature as well as checking the pulses in the feet with their fingers or a small hand-held scanner (called a Doppler). They may also ask questions about certain kinds of pains in your feet and legs.

Sensation will most commonly be checked with a monofilament and tuning fork. The monofilament is a plastic probe that is designed to buckle at a given pressure and is a good indicator for loss of feeling.

The podiatrist will also be looking for any foot deformity or signs of excessive loading that may warrant either footwear advice or in some cases an insole. They can also trim your nails, reduce the hard skin and offer advice on how to best care for your feet.

When should I see a podiatrist? – Diabetes and Your Feet

In many cases seeing a podiatrist, a nurse or your GP promptly can alleviate symptoms and prevent serious complications, such as amputations. Your podiatrist will recommend a return period according to the state of your feet and/or risk status. Most people visit a podiatrist every 6-8 weeks.

If you notice any of the following, please get in touch:

• Breaks in the skin, opens sores/blisters or a discharge
• Any swelling in your feet or legs and/or an unusual odour
• Hard skin (callus)
• Cramp in your calves
• Any pain during walking or wearing shoes
• Tingling sensation or pins and needles
• Skin colour changes (redder, bluer, paler, blacker) over part or all of the foot
• Part or all of your foot feels much hotter or colder than usual
• Anything else that has not been there before.

To talk to a podiatrist (also known as a chiropodist) about the options available regarding treatment, you can contact an NHS podiatrist or a private practice podiatrist. In both cases, always ensure that any practitioners you visit are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and describe themselves as a podiatrist (or chiropodist).

At Medipod Clinics we are experienced in managing foot problems related to Diabetes. As well as keeping up to date with the latest research and new treatments, we always try to give you the information and tools you need to keep your feet healthy.

If you are experiencing any discomfort in your feet, we are more than happy to help. Give us a call today on 01455 246100 to chat through your needs.

We also offer footwear advice, ingrown toenail surgery and verruca treatments. With our expertise and experience, you will have full peace of mind when it comes to your foot health.

For more information about our range of treatments, please contact us on 01455 246100. We would love to help you with any foot health issues you may have.

Thank you for reading.

Faye Vogiatzoglou
http://medipodclinics.com/

Further information and useful contacts
For more detailed and comprehensive information about Diabetes and foot care generally, please consult the websites below:
• www.footindiabetes.org
• www.diabetes.org.uk
• www.patient.co.uk
• www.nhs.uk
• www.nice.org.uk

The post Diabetes and Your Feet appeared first on Medipod Clinics.

I would love to know more about you.  Let’s be open and honest.  This is me!

Let’s start at the beginning – Faye Vogiatzoglou

1.

I am Greek. Very Greek! I love Greek food, Greek culture and the Greek sea and the sun!  One day I will go back and retire in front of a beautiful sunset!

2.

When I was a child I wanted to grow up to become a mother! By the time I finished school, I wanted to become a Mathematician, a Psychologist or a Doctor! I chose Podiatry because

1. As a Podiatrist, I did not have to do on-calls like a doctor so I could spend time with my future family.
2. There was a lot of Medicine and Surgery involved in the Podiatry course.
3. I did not want to make a living teaching Maths
4. Psychology courses have a lot of theory and I do not like parrot learning.
5. I liked the flexibility of private practice as my mother had her own podiatry practice
6. The opportunity to be away from family arguments was very promising.

3.

I came to Birmingham in England when I was only 19!
It was very exciting and challenging as my language skills were very average.  I was going around with a dictionary for many months and I could hardly understand people.  But I was determined to succeed.

4.

I qualified with a First Class Honours Degree! I also got Distinction in my Masters Degree and any other Certificates or Diplomas I have gained over the years.  I am really proud of this!

5.

I have been an only child until the age of 23! I have two amazing half-brothers, who I adore! They live in Greece and we are very close thanks to our father.

6.

I was bullied in high school (year 10 and year 11) because my mother was a podiatrist! Apparently feet are dirty and toes are smelly so she must be dirty and smelly!  Therefore I come from a dirty, smelly and low-level family!

7.

Bullying made me feel so bad that I developed a stammer! Having conversations was difficult and standing up to talk to people, teachers or pupils was my worst nightmare.  The whole class was laughing and during break times I was pointed at to make sure the whole school knew about me.  It got to the point I could not even pronounce my name!  My real name is Foteini (means Light of God), but it was taking me ages to say it.  This obviously made things worse so people started laughing at my stammer.  Somehow, I got through high school (lyceum in Greece) with the help of the teachers, speech therapists, counsellors and some of my friends! Even now, after so many years, my stammer comes back when I am emotionally stressed.

8.

The reason I changed my name to Faye in college was because of the bullying. I could say Faye without a stammer!

9.

I met my wonderful husband on a bus! Our story is very much a like a fairy tale!  The Indian Prince met the Greek Goddess and decided to be together.  The Wicked Witches tried to separate them but were unsuccessful.  They managed to get married and lived happily ever after!

10.

My husband and I have had 1 church Greek blessing, 2 weddings (Indian and Church of England), and 3 receptions! We were really happy we found each other.  Raghu wanted 4 children, I wanted 2 children, and so we ended up with 3 wonderful kids! Our life together is great! We have good days and bad days! We also have days that we would like to kill each other but we respect one another and care deeply about our family and friends.

So this is it! I hope you enjoyed reading my story. I would love to find out more about you.

Next time you come to the clinic, why don’t you share your story with me? While I am treating your feet, it would be lovely to discuss something other than feet!

Thank you so much!

Faye Vogiatzoglou x

The post Faye Vogiatzoglou – 10 Super Cool Things About Me! appeared first on Medipod Clinics.

I asked some of my classmates at college what they know about podiatry and how they’d feel about having to attend a podiatry appointment. Many people told me that they wouldn’t see the point. They’d be scared or wouldn’t want to go because they think it would be awkward letting someone touch their feet. Or they feel like it would be a painful experience.

If I’m honest, I also had this perception to begin with. When I heard the words podiatry clinic I expected it to be a hospital type environment with a real clinical, serious feel. I expected there to be the same atmosphere that you find in doctors or dentists. That kind of stressful, distressing undertone. Surely something so technical and medical would be nerve racking and daunting. You would think that it would be quite an awkward situation. I mean what is there to talk about while someone is investigating and scrutinising your feet?

Truth is it’s not as scary as you think.

Walking in, you find yourself in a very different environment from what would be found at a hospital or dentist. It’s more of a welcoming building allowing you to feel at ease from the very beginning. Although this may seem like quite an intimidating appointment to approach, I can assure you that the podiatrists will alleviate your stress and nerves. Using their naturally chatty, friendly manner will put you at ease.

I have experienced this first hand! I can guarantee your appointment will be filled with giggles and chit chat ensuring you have a tension free experience. Believe me when I say that all your prejudgements are misconceptions. Tthe second that you step into a clinic with any one of these podiatrists you will quickly see the reality that its actually not bad. All your worries will be wiped. Although you may go into the appointment feeling as though you are being judged (I would think that too, don’t worry) its honestly the complete opposite. Wrapped up in conversation you may even forget that you’re getting your feet checked. Trust me on this, it’s nothing to worry about at all.

Above all, I can guarantee that you will see results that would won’t be able to believe. I can say from first-hand experience, that the treatments will benefit you extremely. You will quickly see a difference. Faye (one of the podiatrists) examine my foot as I had a large spot on it. After immediately identifying it as a verruca she froze it and after just one appointment it had vanished. Some may even call this magic!

I also found that many of my classmates had no idea whatsoever about podiatry. They thought it was useless. I believe that this is definitely something that needs to change.

More should be done to create awareness about podiatry. Educating young people and the general public on what can be done to help and where they can receive this help. We rely on our feet everyday as the foundation of our bodies. We stand, walk, run, dance, play sport and exercise which can be hard on our feet even for the toughest of people.

Regularly visiting a podiatrist can help prevent and sooth pain. Making sure your feet are comfortable allowing you to tackle your day to your full potential. I feel that this is especially important for my age group. Teens are more active and we rely on our feet for a lot without even sparing a second thought. Almost all of my friends take part in physical activity whether that would be a sport like gymnastics and football or just simply going to the gym or going on regular runs. We all find that we regularly exercise and take part in physically demanding activities, which is why I believe foot health and podiatry is essential in a young person’s life.

Personally, I am a dancer and my main dance style is ballet.

As you can imagine this is extremely demanding for my feet due to the pointe shoes that I wear each lesson. Surely, by going to a podiatrist, and getting help to make sure my feet are in check and healthy, it would better my performance and make dance an all-round more comfortable and enjoyable experience. And this would most definitely apply to an extremely large number of teenagers and young adults whether that be your badminton shoes rubbing and irritating your feet or damaged feet from landing stunts while cheerleading, I personally believe that everyone can benefit from keeping on top of their foot health. So, stop neglecting your foot health and taking your feet for granted. Stop ignoring that dead skin or that verruca and putting off making an appointment. Take action. Maybe a visit to Medipod is needed after all.  

Thank you so much for reading.

Aneli Godden-Wood

16 years old
www.medipodclinics.com

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