UKC

Hello runnists,

I'm having a few calf/ankle/foot issues that are currently being inspected/pummelled/stretched/strengthened; two things to emerge are that a) it's a crap idea to spend half your winter shambling round in wellies, and b) I really really need new orthotics as mine are ancient and knackered.

I'm based in Skipton, which is pertinent to the next bit:

I've been given a recommendation for Andy Horwood in Leeds: http://www.goodhealthcentre.co.uk/practitioners/andrew-horwood/

and a couple of people have also mentioned the Rebound Clinic in Settle.

Have any UKCers used either of these, and if so do you have any particular positive/negative opinions about your treatment?

In reply to Tall Clare:

I can't comment specifically, but I have a vague inkling that orthotics are a bit 1990s and things have moved on, but I may be wrong (and I genuinely mean that) so I hope someone who knows better will come along and illuminate matters. I suppose if you have something like a leg length imbalance I can see them being useful, but for more general malaise perhaps more gradual increases in duration / intensity, improved gait, specific strengthening and improving flexibility would be more appropriate. I dunno, but something to ponder.

In reply to Yanis Nayu:

Thanks for this. My current orthotics both accommodate a leg length imbalance and a 'rocker' ball in the middle which my foot 'rolls' around, addressing a peculiar sort of flatfootedness that involves deformed toes rather than a low arch. Through wearing the previous orthotics over an extended period of time, my feet began to need less use of the orthotics as the muscles had strengthened, but over a prolonged period of partly not using the orthotics, and partly the orthotics being worn out, my left foot in particular is visibly back to where I started on my orthotic journey twelve or thirteen years ago, with corresponding joint issues.

Strengthening, improving flexibility, structured increases in duration and intensity are all happening - this is about mechanical intervention that has worked in the past and for which I'm looking for recommendations again

In reply to Yanis Nayu:


That's why I'm asking for these podiatrist recommendations - nobody on an internet forum can diagnose what's going on with my feet as people can't see them!

In reply to Tall Clare:

I see! Well it's a bump if nothing else) Good luck with getting it sorted)

In reply to Tall Clare:

Both of these people are podiatrists that also do some orthotics. It is not their primary focus and they are qualified as podiatrists. This is not meant to denigrate their skills in any way.

Why not see a real specialist in orthotics and see an Orthotist. That way orthotics is all they do and they actually have a qualification in orthotics.

Google will help you or have a look at the Orthotists professional body. www.bapo.com

In reply to Andrew Lodge:


Part of my motivation for seeing a specialist podiatrist is because of my crazy toes, but I have to say I didn't know there was such a thing as an orthotist! I'll have a look, thanks.

In reply to Andrew Lodge:

Thanks again - I've just googled and found one in Bradford and one in Leeds. The one in Leeds seems to do every sort of orthotic imaginable!

In reply to Tall Clare:

Hi Clare

I used Rebound a few years ago after some real problems with my achilles. Not cheap, but certainly did the job. I wasn't too convinced at first, but was at the point where I'd try anything.

I did try reverting back to running without the orthotics a couple of years ago, but despite doing exercises the achilles problems began to reappear. So I'm a convert, although I might give something like superfeet a try, as the orthotics do tend to make me a bit blister prone on the balls of my feet.

In reply to Tall Clare:

I have orthotics from the Rebound Clinic and they're fine.

In reply to Tall Clare:

My other half has some orthotics from Rebound in Settle.

She has used ( her only pair ) each and everyday for 12 years.

Her running and walking log indicates thousands of miles use ( she is obsessed ).

Really impressed and highly recommended ( her words ).

In reply to Tall Clare:

Hey,

I don't know if you have visited a podiatrist yet, but I would recommend Andy Horwood. I have no knowledge of the settle clinic, but Mr Horwood is a well renowned UK podiatrist who has written papers, and lectured on courses as well as on a masters university course.

I am a UK podiatrist with a masters degree in clinical podiatric biomechanics, but alas, I work out of Bury. If I lived in your area and was searching for a podiatrist, you could do no better than Mr Horwood.

Regards

In reply to Tall Clare:

I've only just noticed this thread. I saw Andrew Horwood last year to sort out my leg length imbalance. I'd struggled for a couple of years with left (my shorter leg) achilles problems. Over three sessions, he gave me a series of exercises and created me a set of orthotics. Within a couple of months my persitant achilles problems cleared up and I ran my first I ran my road half marathon. He also pointed out a couple of other running style issue I didn't realise I had. I recommend him highly.

In reply to Nev Parker:

Not sure why that got a dislike!