Musculoskeletal Podiatry
Musculoskeletal Podiatry is a specialist area of the service focusing on the management of conditions that may affect the muscles, soft tissues and joints of the foot, ankle and lower limb.
Pain may be due to structural, functional or previous injury leading to problems with your feet and ankles. Foot and ankle pain can cause discomfort and impact on everyday activity and ability to exercise.
Assessment
- We assess, diagnose, treat or signpost to help resolve or reduce the pain and loss of function by helping you to understand and manage your ankle or foot condition.
- We observe your gait (walking) and postural alignment.
- We may help improve function focusing on muscle strength and flexibility.
- We may provide orthoses or insoles to help with your pain and improve function.
When attending an MSK Podiatry appointment, the Podiatrist may perform a Biomechanical assessment. This involves assessing your feet, checking the joints and movement in your feet and ankles, observing your walking / gait pattern, viewing foot posture when standing and assessing muscle strength.
Treatment
The Podiatrist will discuss the treatment options which may include some of the following:
- advice, education and a muscle strength / flexibility exercise plan
- orthoses, insoles or ankle supports
- Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (SWT) – only when diagnosed with Plantar Fasciitis / Achilles Tendinitis
- Signposting or referral to another service such as Radiology, Physiotherapy or Orthopaedics
Common conditions
Click on the boxes below to read about the symptoms, causes and treatments of these common conditions.
Self-Help Exercises
Other Self-Help Aids
Insoles
(Orthoses)
Also in this section
Useful Links
Contact Information
Podiatry Patient Management Centre,
Podiatry Services,
Cardiff Royal Infirmary,
Newport Road,
Cardiff
CF24 0SZ
For all enquiries call 02920 335135 or email Podcav@wales.nhs.uk
If you have a problem which does not improve as you would expect with self-care, you should contact a healthcare professional for advice. This may be your GP, Pharmacist, NHS Podiatry Service or a Private Podiatrist.
Please make sure your podiatrist is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council and look out for the letters HCPC after their name.
