Hatt Clinic Podiatry

28/07/2022

From today you can now access Shockwave treatment in both our Devizes and Frome clinic.

If you're interested in learning more about this treatment option or think it might help with an injury or condition, please get in touch.

07/07/2022

What is a dead leg?

You may have experienced a dead leg before - if so, you’ll know that it’s not the nicest feeling in the world and can take a while to shake off!

So what is a 'dead leg'?

Quadricep contusion (otherwise known as a dead leg) is an extremely common injury caused by blunt trauma to the thigh.

This injury affects both the connective tissue and muscle fibres.

As the fibres are disrupted during blunt trauma, the intervening space fills up with blood, which later forms clots this is called a haematoma.

You’ll know if you've had a dead leg and will likely remember how it happened.

Contusions are graded into mild, moderate and severe.

When was the last time you had a dead leg and can you remember who/what caused it?

30/06/2022

Have you got any exercise plans this Saturday?

If not, perhaps you'd like to take part in a Park Run. Here's a throwback to when some of our team joined the Frome Park Run.

It's great fitness, really sociable, and feels great to be outdoors in the fresh air.

Click here to find out more: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/

21/06/2022

Do you or someone you know have diabetes?

As a diabetic, it’s particularly important to have a regular foot care routine which includes checking your feet on a daily basis for symptoms such as dry skin, calluses, cracks, thickened nails, and verrucas.

Diabetes can cause a lack of sensation in the foot so you may not be aware of any nasty foot conditions.

If you are able to reach your feet, we recommend getting into a daily routine of moisturising them (ideally with a urea-based cream) and having a feel for any cuts, bumps, or sores.

If you aren’t able to reach your feet, you could use a long-handled mirror to check your feet, ask a partner or family member to take a look for you, or come and visit us at the clinic so we can take care of all your foot care needs.

If you haven't been to us for Podiatry before, here's what you can expect from an appointment with us.

19/05/2022

07/04/2022

If you wear orthotics and would like a Spring/Summer alternative to wearing orthotics in your closed shoes, or you would simply like a more comfortable and supportive alternative to flimsy flip flops then you may be interested in Flopthotics.

Flopthotics are custom-made flip flops that support your feet where they need it most.

You can find out more here: https://www.hattclinic.co.uk/flopthotics-explained

Flopthotics take around 3 weeks to make after the initial fitting, so if you book in soon, you can be certain that you'll have them in time for the sunnier months.

If you have any questions, feel free to pop them in the comments below or give us a call on 01380 730473.

01/02/2022

Let’s talk about bunions - one of the most common foot conditions we see in clinic.

Some people believe that bunions are genetic and that there is nothing we can do to prevent them.

But if you look at the science behind this condition, there is a lot of evidence suggesting that certain types of footwear are a cause for the formation of bunions in both adults and children.

The reason being that non-supportive shoes (often those that are designed with fashion at the forefront as opposed to support) can force your big toe into the wrong position for long hours and under load. And it’s not just bunions that can be caused by poor footwear. It’s also conditions like hammer toes, interdigital neuromas, or ingrown toenails.

This doesn't mean you shouldn’t wear these types of shoes from time to time (although if you can avoid them completely, that is the best option), but if you do wear them, try to limit it to very occasionally and instead prioritise foot-shaped shoes majority of the time.

Keep an eye out for our upcoming post about how to choose the right footwear for you soon.

26/01/2022

We're hiring!

We're looking for a new Podiatrist to join our team!

Are you - or do you know - a Podiatrist that is keen to join a dynamic, fun, and forward-thinking team?

Take a look at the link below for more information about the role, the perks, and how to apply.

https://www.hattclinic.co.uk/join-our-team/clinical-department

PS. Please feel free to share this post!

16/12/2021

As we move towards winter, we'd like to introduce you to a foot care routine that you can do at home to keep your feet soft and supple throughout the cold months.

Here's Rachel to talk you through the routine (with a festive twist)!🎄

18/11/2021

Autumn is here and the temperatures are certainly starting to drop…which means it’s time to adapt your foot care routine with some top tips from our Podiatry team >
https://www.hattclinic.co.uk/looking-after-your-feet-in-autumn-winter

09/08/2021

As a team, we live and breathe the advice that we give to our patients when it comes to living a healthy and active lifestyle.

One of our Podiatrists, Jose wears work shoes from the brand Vivobarefoot.

This specific shoe brand designs its shoes to prevent common foot conditions such as bunions or Morton´s Neuroma, which are commonly caused by shoes that are made for fashion purposes only.

Your feet are one of the three most important sensorial parts of your body (along with your hands and face) so taking care of them is an important part of maintaining your physical wellbeing.

If you'd like some advice on which shoe brands to wear, our Podiatrists are available to help.

06/08/2021

We'd like to say a BIG WARM WELCOME to our three newest team members: Rachel, Sue and Emma.

Rachel has joined our Podiatry team as a Foot Health Practitioner 🦶
Sue has joined our Patient Services team 📞

Emma has joined our Rehab and Manual Therapy team 🤾‍♀️

We're so excited to have these three wonderful ladies onboard and we know they are looking forward to meeting our lovely patients.

03/08/2021

It seems like the travel restrictions are steadily getting better 😎

If you've booked a sunny holiday over the next few months and are on the hunt for a good pair of flip flops, then don't forget about Flopthotics.

Jose has a few appointments available at the latter end of this week which means you could have your bespoke flip flops ready and waiting for you in just 3 weeks time.

Get in touch with our Patient Services team if you'd like to know more.

27/07/2021

Who here is partial to a Pedicure?

As health care specialists, we know the importance of regular foot health checks, but we also understand that a little bit of luxury goes a long way...

That's why we recently introduced the Medi Pedi with our lovely Mel - bringing together the medical side of Podiatry with the luxurious side of a Pedicure.

You can find out more here: https://www.hattclinic.co.uk/medi-pedi

You want your feet looked after by a medical professional but you also want them to look great, which usually means two separate visits. One to the Podiatrist and another to the Beauty Therapist.

07/05/2021

Over the next few weeks, we're going to be sharing posts about Plantar Fasciitis.

This is one of the most common foot conditions that we see in clinic.

If you think you might have Plantar Fasciitis then we're here to help.
In the meantime, keep an eye out for more posting coming up.

26/03/2021

Finding shoes that fit perfectly and have the right amount of support isn’t always easy, so here are a few tips to help you find the right pair for you:

- When trying the shoes on, wear the same type of socks that you intend to wear with the shoes

- Try your shoes on later in the day (this is when your feet are at their largest)

- Get both feet measured each time you buy shoes. Some shoe shops offer this as part of their service so be sure to ask (this is of course when shops open up again)

- If one foot is larger than the other, try on a pair that fits your larger foot

- You should be able to wiggle your toes and have at least half an inch between your longest toe (which may not be your big toe) and the end of the shoe

- The width of the shoe should be snug but not tight. You shouldn’t see any bulging of the shoe material

- Walk in the shoes before buying them. They should feel comfortable right away. Make sure your heel fits snug in each shoe and doesn’t slip out as you walk

- And finally, feel the inside of the shoes for any tags or seams that might cause irritation

Hopefully, these tips will help you feel more confident when purchasing your next pair of shoes

If you have any further questions about what to look for when choosing the right shoes to support your feet, please feel free to get in touch.