What Does a Podiatrist Do? A Complete Guide to Foot Health | Foot Factor Orthotics & Podiatry London

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a healthcare professional specialising in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and lower limbs.

Podiatrists are trained to assess both structural and biomechanical issues, meaning they not only treat symptoms but also identify the underlying cause of pain or dysfunction.

At Foot Factor, our podiatrists work with a wide range of patients from runners and athletes to busy professionals helping them maintain healthy, pain-free movement.

What Conditions Does a Podiatrist Treat?

Podiatrists manage a wide variety of foot and ankle problems. One of the most common reasons people seek treatment is heel pain, often caused by plantar fasciitis. However, this is just one of many conditions we see.

We regularly treat patients with Achilles tendonitis, which presents as pain at the back of the heel, particularly in runners or active individuals. Forefoot conditions such as Morton’s neuroma can cause burning pain or numbness between the toes, while structural issues like bunions may lead to discomfort and difficulty with footwear.

In addition, podiatrists assess and manage stress fractures, shin splints, flat feet, high arches, and chronic ankle instability, corns, verruca's and ingrown toenails . Many of these conditions are linked to poor biomechanics or repetitive strain, which means identifying the root cause is key to effective treatment.

When Should You See a Podiatrist?

Many people delay seeking treatment, assuming foot pain will resolve on its own. However, early assessment is important to prevent minor issues from becoming chronic.

You should consider seeing a podiatrist if you experience persistent foot or ankle pain, discomfort when walking or running, or repeated injuries. Pain that worsens with activity or returns after rest is often a sign of an underlying issue that requires professional attention.

Changes in foot shape, difficulty finding comfortable footwear, or symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or swelling should also be assessed. Addressing these issues early can significantly reduce recovery time and improve long-term outcomes.

Can a Podiatrist Help with Running Injuries?

Yes podiatrists play a crucial role in managing and preventing running-related injuries.

At Foot Factor, we specialise in sports podiatry, helping runners of all levels stay injury-free. Common running injuries include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, shin splints, and stress fractures, all of which are often linked to training load, footwear, or biomechanics.

Through gait analysis and biomechanical assessment, we can identify inefficiencies in your running pattern and provide targeted solutions. This may include custom orthotics, footwear advice, rehabilitation exercises, and load management strategies to keep you training safely.

Do You Need Custom Orthotics?

Not everyone requires orthotics, but for many patients they are a highly effective solution. Custom orthotics are medical-grade devices designed to support the foot, improve alignment, and reduce strain on muscles and joints.

They are particularly useful for individuals with flat feet, high arches, or biomechanical imbalances, as well as those experiencing chronic foot pain or recurring injuries. By improving how the foot functions, orthotics can relieve symptoms and prevent future problems.

At Foot Factor, we provide both bespoke orthotics made on-site and advanced 3D-printed orthotics, ensuring each device is tailored to the patient’s specific needs.

What Treatments Do Podiatrists Provide?

Modern podiatry involves a combination of clinical expertise and advanced treatment techniques. At Foot Factor, we provide a comprehensive approach to foot and ankle care.

Treatment typically begins with a detailed assessment, including biomechanical analysis and gait assessment, to understand how your feet function during movement. Based on this, a personalised treatment plan is created.

This may include custom orthotics to correct alignment, rehabilitation exercises to strengthen muscles and improve stability, and footwear advice to reduce strain during daily activities.

For more persistent conditions, we also offer shockwave therapy (ESWT), a non-invasive treatment that stimulates healing and reduces pain in chronic tendon and soft tissue injuries.

Why Is Podiatry Important?

Your feet are the foundation of your body. Poor foot function can affect not only your feet and ankles but also your knees, hips, and lower back.

Podiatry is important because it focuses on both treatment and prevention. By addressing issues early and improving biomechanics, podiatrists help patients avoid long-term complications and maintain an active lifestyle.

Whether you are walking around daily, training for a marathon, or spending long hours on your feet at work, maintaining good foot health is essential.

Why Choose Foot Factor in Central London?

Foot Factor is a leading orthotics & podiatry clinic in Central London, that has been operating for over 25 years. Our team bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, advanced diagnostic techniques, and personalised treatment plans to deliver effective results.

We specialise in sports podiatry, custom orthotics, and evidence-based treatments, helping patients recover from injury and prevent future problems.

We are located just 2 minutes from Oxford Circus, easily accessible from Soho, Mayfair, Marylebone, Kensington, Chelsea, Paddington, Victoria, and Canary Wharf.