MSK Podiatry

Information

The musculoskeletal (MSK) podiatry service receives referrals for assessment, diagnosis and treatment of the lower limb MSK complaints with a focus on the foot and ankle. Patients are initially assessed and treated by Podiatrists in the community service and escalated to the MSK specialist clinic as required. Referrals are also de-escalated from the Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle service where appropriate.

Typically, a patient examination will involve taking a history of the presenting complaint, a non-weight bearing and weight-bearing assessment, and gait assessment, as well as diagnostic investigations such as X-ray where appropriate. After this the Podiatrist will form an appropriate diagnosis and agreed management plan.

Treatment has a patient centred approach and offers a number of evidence based treatments which can include:

Advice on activity modification.
Exercise programmes.
Footwear advice.
Foot orthoses/insoles.
Corticosteroid injections.

We offer and utilise a range of appointment types for assessment including telephone, NearMe (video), and face to face where appropriate.

Who can refer:

GP’s
Other Health Care Professionals
Individuals can self-refer
Family/friends/carers can make a self-referral on behalf of an individual

Who to refer:

Anyone regardless of age with pain caused by an MSK injury or of a biomechanical nature when self management has failed is eligible to be seen in the service.

Examples of common conditions seen include but not limited to:

Plantar Digital Neuroma.
Osteoarthritis.
Hallux Valgus (Bunions).
Toe deformities.
Plantar Fasciitis.
Achilles Tendinopathy.

Who not to refer:

Patients who have been referred to another service for the same problem (Orthopaedics, Orthotics, Physiotherapy)
Asymptomatic flat feet
Patients who have not followed self-management programmes as a first line of treatment