Frequently Asked Questions
General
- Do I need to know what condition I have before booking?
No. Many people book because they have pain, discomfort or a change in how they walk, run or move. Stuart can assess your symptoms, explain what may be contributing to them and guide you through the next steps.
- What does a podiatrist treat?
A podiatrist assesses and treats foot, ankle and lower-limb problems. This can include heel pain, sports injuries, gait concerns, verrucas, nail problems, flat feet, orthoses and children’s foot concerns.
- When should I see a podiatrist?
Book an assessment if foot, ankle or lower-limb pain is affecting walking, running, sport or daily activity. It is also worth getting advice if symptoms keep coming back, are getting worse or have not improved with sensible self-care.
- Which appointment should I book?
If you are new to the clinic, a new patient appointment is usually the right starting point. If your problem relates to walking, running, alignment, recurring injury or orthoses, a Biomechanical & Gait Assessment may be more suitable.
- What should I bring to my appointment?
Bring the shoes you wear most often, any sports shoes if relevant and details of previous treatment. If you have scan results, referral letters or medical reports linked to your symptoms, bring those too.
- Do I need a GP referral?
Many patients can book directly. If you are using private medical insurance, check whether your insurer requires a GP referral or authorisation before booking.
Gait Analysis
- What is running gait analysis?
Running gait analysis looks specifically at how you move when running. It may help identify movement or loading patterns that could be contributing to pain or recurring injury.
- Is gait analysis the same as a biomechanical assessment?
They are related, but not exactly the same. Gait analysis focuses on walking or running movement. A biomechanical assessment with Stuart looks more widely at foot posture, joint movement, strength, flexibility and lower-limb function.
- Should I bring my shoes?
Yes. Please bring the shoes you wear most often. If your symptoms are linked to running or sport, bring your running or sports shoes as well.
- Will gait analysis tell me if I need orthoses?
It may help inform that decision, but not everyone needs orthoses. They will only be discussed if your assessment suggests they may be useful for your foot function, symptoms or activity goals.
- What is gait analysis?
Gait analysis is an assessment of how you walk or run. It looks at movement patterns, loading and how your feet and lower limbs work together.
- Do I need to be a runner to have gait analysis?
No. Gait analysis can be useful for everyday walking pain, recurring foot problems, lower-limb discomfort or movement concerns, as well as running injuries.
Childrens Podiatry
- Can child foot pain happen with no swelling?
Yes. A child can have foot pain with no swelling or visible change. If pain persists, keeps returning or affects walking, sport or daily activity, an assessment can help clarify what may be involved.
- What if my child has pain in the bottom of the foot?
Pain in the bottom of the foot may be linked to several factors, including activity, footwear, foot posture or irritation of soft tissues. An assessment can help identify possible contributors.
- Should I book if my child has foot pain at night?
It is worth arranging advice if night pain is recurring, persistent or difficult to explain. If the pain is severe, linked to injury or associated with other symptoms, seek medical advice promptly.
- Do all Evolution Podiatry clinics see children?
No. Children can be seen at the Portobello and Wimbledon clinics. Please note that under-18 appointments are not available at the Woking clinic.
- Will my child need orthoses?
Not always. Orthoses will only be discussed if the assessment suggests they may be useful for your child’s foot function, comfort or activity needs.
- What should my child bring to the appointment?
Please bring the shoes they wear most often. If symptoms are linked to sport, bring their sports shoes as well. Any previous letters, scan results or treatment notes can also be helpful.
- What does a children’s podiatrist do?
A children’s podiatrist assesses foot pain, walking concerns, flat feet, heel pain, footwear issues and lower-limb symptoms in children. The aim is to explain what may be contributing and advise on the most suitable next step.
- Is children’s podiatry the same as paediatric podiatry?
Yes. Children’s podiatry and paediatric podiatry refer to podiatry care for children and young people. Some people also search for a pediatric podiatrist, which is the American spelling.
Sports Podiatry
- Will I need gait analysis?
Not always. Gait analysis may be useful if your symptoms appear during walking or running, if pain keeps returning or if movement patterns may be relevant. Stuart will explain whether it is appropriate for you.
- Can you help with Achilles pain from running?
Yes, Achilles pain is one of the common problems that may be assessed as part of sports podiatry. Your assessment will consider loading, calf function, foot mechanics, footwear and training history where relevant.
- Can you help with shin splints?
Shin pain can be linked to training load, footwear, running mechanics, strength, flexibility or lower-limb loading. Stuart can assess what may be contributing and explain suitable next steps.
- Will I need orthoses?
Not everyone needs orthoses. They may be discussed if your assessment suggests they could help support foot function, loading or comfort. Stuart will explain whether they are suitable for you.
- Should I stop running or training before my appointment?
If activity is causing significant pain, it may be sensible to reduce or modify what you are doing until you have been assessed. Stuart can advise on activity modification as part of your appointment.
- What should I bring to my appointment?
Bring the shoes you train in, your everyday shoes and any orthoses or insoles you currently use. If you have details of your training pattern, recent changes or previous scan reports, bring those too.
- Do I need to be an athlete to see a sports podiatrist?
No. Sports podiatry is not just for elite athletes. It can help runners, cyclists, gym users, walkers, team sport players and anyone whose foot, ankle or lower-limb pain is linked to activity.
- Can sports podiatry help with running injuries?
Sports podiatry can help assess running-related pain and recurring injuries. Stuart will look at your symptoms, training history, footwear, foot function and movement patterns to understand what may be contributing.
Notting Hill Clinic
- Does the Notting Hill clinic see children?
Yes, children can visit Evolution Podiatry’s Notting Hill clinic. If you are booking for a child, please mention their age and the main concern when arranging the appointment.
- What should I bring to my appointment?
Bring the shoes you wear most often, any sports shoes if relevant, details of previous treatment and any scan results, letters or reports linked to your symptoms.
- Can I book for gait analysis in Notting Hill?
Gait and movement concerns can be assessed where appropriate. If you are booking specifically for gait analysis, please check appointment suitability when arranging your visit.
- Which clinic should I choose?
Choose the clinic that is most convenient and suitable for the appointment you need. If you are unsure whether Portobello is the right location for your concern, speak to the clinic before booking.
- Do I need a referral to book?
Many patients can book directly. If you are using insurance, please check whether your insurer needs a GP referral or authorisation before your appointment.
- Can I book if I do not know what is causing my foot pain?
Yes. You do not need to self-diagnose before booking. Your assessment will help identify what may be contributing to your symptoms and what the next step may be.
Wimbledon Clinic
- Does the Wimbledon clinic see children?
Yes, children can visit Evolution Podiatry’s Wimbledon clinic. If you are booking for a child, please mention their age and the main concern when arranging the appointment.
- What should I bring to my appointment?
Bring the shoes you wear most often, any sports shoes if relevant, details of previous treatment and any scan results, letters or reports linked to your symptoms.
- Which clinic should I choose?
Choose the clinic that is most convenient and suitable for the appointment you need. If you are unsure whether Wimbledon is the right location for your concern, speak to the clinic before booking.
- Do I need a referral to book?
Many patients can book directly. If you are using insurance, please check whether your insurer needs a GP referral or authorisation before your appointment.
- Can I book if I do not know what is causing my foot pain?
Yes. You do not need to self-diagnose before booking. Your assessment will help identify what may be contributing to your symptoms and what the next step may be.
Woking Clinic
- Does the Woking clinic see children?
No. Please note that under-18 appointments are not available at the Nuffield Health Woking Hospital clinic.
- What should I bring to my appointment?
Bring the shoes you wear most often, any sports shoes if relevant, details of previous treatment and any scan results, letters or reports linked to your symptoms.
- Can I book for gait analysis in Woking?
Gait and movement concerns can be assessed where appropriate. If you are booking specifically for gait analysis in Woking, please check appointment suitability when arranging your visit.
- Is the Woking clinic suitable for sports injuries?
Adult sports-related foot, ankle and lower-limb concerns can be assessed at the Evolution Podiatry clinic at Nuffield Health Woking Hospital. Stuart can review symptoms, footwear, gait and loading patterns where relevant.
- Which clinic should I choose?
Choose the clinic that is most convenient and suitable for the appointment you need. If you are booking for someone under 18, please choose another Evolution Podiatry clinic
- Do I need a referral to book?
Many patients can book directly. If you are using insurance, please check whether your insurer needs a GP referral or authorisation before your appointment.
- Can I book if I do not know what is causing my foot pain?
Yes. You do not need to self-diagnose before booking. Your assessment will help identify what may be contributing to your symptoms and what the next step may be.
