‘Pods Heal Heels’ - don’t forget Biggleswade podiatrists for aches and pains

Anita Neal, owner and practitioner at Neal Podiatry and Chiropody, Fairfield Road, is championing the cause to encourage patients to seek the best help for heel pain.

The campaign is running from March 15 - 28, and aims to inform families that podiatrists can diagnose different types of heel pain, and treat all foot conditions, from nail care, callus treatment, and small procedures under local anaesthesia (including nail surgery and needling) to musculoskeletal conditions, and fungal infections.

Anita told the Chronicle: “Pods Heal Heels has been set up by private practices across the country so the public know where to go for help; most people know to go to the dentist for toothache, or the optician if they have eye problems, but many aren’t sure where to go for heel pain.”

The most common type of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, which typically affects people between the ages of 40-60, with women more likely than men to suffer from it.

It is caused by damage to the plantar fascia, a fibrous soft tissue structure which starts at the heel and inserts into the metatarsals.

Anita added: “You normally feel a sharp, intense pain in your heel when you get out of bed. Once you start walking around it will usually stop, but it will then start throbbing again in the evening. Although plantar fasciitis is the most common type, there are other causes of heel pain and you need to have the correct diagnosis. By coming to us you can get diagnosed properly.”

Anita enjoys building a rapport with clients and seeing them leave no longer in pain, while she has noticed that heel complaints have increased due to long lockdown walks!

Podiatrists are medically trained specialists in the foot, ankle and lower limb who have completed a three or four-year degree in podiatry, who have to be registered with the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) and have remained open during the pandemic.

Neal Podiatry and Chiropody is purpose-built, and has off road parking. The business has been established for nearly 12 years.

Anita graduated from Northampton University with a First Class degree in 2009, and has provided podiatry care at both the London Marathon and the Silverstone half marathon.

Visit: https://nealfeet.wixsite.com/websiteFor the campaign, Anita will be running additional clinic sessions solely for heel pain patients.