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Podiatry & Biomechanics Understanding...

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 10:57:21 GMT

Podiatry & Biomechanics...

With our new Specialist MSK Podiatrist - Lucy Collins starting here at Denby Dale Podiatry - we wanted to take some time to make sure all our patients understand how Podiatry & Biomechanics work!

Understanding how your feet, legs and body move

Your feet are the foundation of your body. Every time you stand, walk, run or exercise, your feet work together with your ankles, knees, hips and pelvis to absorb and transfer forces.

Sometimes the way your feet and lower limbs move can contribute to pain, discomfort or injury. This is where Podiatry and Biomechanics can help.

What is Biomechanics?

Biomechanics is the study of how your body moves and how forces are distributed through your feet and lower limbs.

A biomechanical assessment looks at the way your feet, ankles, knees, hips and legs work together during movement. We assess your individual movement patterns rather than simply looking at your feet in isolation.

There is no such thing as a “perfect” way for everybody to move. Our aim is to understand your individual mechanics and determine whether they may be contributing to your symptoms.

What can a biomechanical assessment help with?

Biomechanical assessment can be useful for a wide range of problems, including:

Heel and arch pain
Plantar heel pain / plantar fasciitis
Achilles tendon problems
Shin pain
Knee pain
Hip and lower-limb pain
Recurrent ankle problems
Forefoot and metatarsal pain
Bunions and other foot deformities
Tendon and muscle problems
Sports and running injuries
Recurrent injuries
Pain associated with standing or walking
Children’s and teenagers’ lower-limb problems
Problems related to changes in activity or footwear

What happens during an assessment?

Your appointment will begin with a detailed discussion about your symptoms, lifestyle and activities.

We will want to understand:

Where is your pain?

When did it start? What makes it better or worse? Does it affect your daily activities, work, sport or exercise?

What activities do you do?

We may discuss your occupation, walking habits, running, dancing, gym work or other sports.

Your footwear

The shoes you wear can influence how forces are distributed through your feet and legs, so we may ask you to bring along the footwear you regularly use for work, sport or everyday activities.

Clinical assessment

We assess your feet and lower limbs, which may include looking at:

Joint range of movement
Muscle strength
Foot and ankle function
Alignment
Lower-limb mechanics
Balance and stability
Walking and/or running pattern

Do I need to bring anything?

If your assessment relates to sport or exercise, it can be helpful to bring:

Your usual sports footwear
Any specialist footwear you use
Clothing that allows us to assess your legs and movement comfortably
Information about your usual training or exercise routine

If you have previously had scans, X-rays, physiotherapy or other relevant assessments, please bring any information you have available.

What happens after the assessment?

Following your assessment, we will explain our findings in a way that is easy to understand.

Your treatment plan will be individual to you and may include one or more of the following:

�� Footwear advice

Sometimes a simple change in footwear can make a significant difference. We can advise on suitable footwear for your feet, occupation and activities.

�� Exercise and rehabilitation

We may recommend specific exercises to improve strength, flexibility, mobility, balance or control.

�� Foot orthoses

In some cases, foot orthoses may be recommended to alter the way forces are distributed through the foot and lower limb.

Orthoses are not suitable or necessary for everyone. If we feel they may benefit you, we will explain why and discuss the available options with you.

�� Working with other professionals

Biomechanical problems can sometimes benefit from a multidisciplinary approach. Where appropriate, we may recommend working alongside physiotherapists, GPs, consultants or other healthcare professionals.

Do orthotics “fix” your feet?

Orthoses are often misunderstood.

They are not designed simply to “correct” your feet or force them into a particular position. Depending on your individual needs, they may be used to help redistribute pressure, modify loading and support your symptoms or activity .

The decision to prescribe orthoses should be based on your assessment, symptoms, goals and lifestyle.

What if I don’t have pain?

You don’t necessarily need to be in pain to benefit from a biomechanical assessment.

Assessment can be particularly useful if you:

Are returning to sport after an injury
Have recurrent injuries
Have changed your activity levels
Are experiencing changes in how you move
Want advice about footwear or orthoses
Are experiencing discomfort during exercise
Are concerned about your child’s walking, running or lower-limb development

Every patient is different

Two people can have very similar symptoms but completely different causes and movement patterns.

That’s why we don’t take a “one size fits all” approach.

Our goal is to understand you, your body, your activities and your goals , and then provide practical advice and treatment based on your individual needs.

Your feet are the foundation of movement.

If something doesn’t feel right, don’t simply put up with it.

Book a Biomechanical Assessment to find out more about how your feet and lower limbs are functioning and what may help you move more comfortably.

My Journey...

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 14:18:21 GMT

My Journey – Cheryl, Owner of Denby Dale Podiatry

I opened Denby Dale Podiatry in November 2020 , right in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic. At the time, I was still working full-time in the NHS as a Podiatrist within the Mid Yorkshire Teaching Hospitals Trust. Like so many others, I was redeployed to help on the frontlines—working at Pinderfields Hospital with the Respiratory Physiotherapists on the Covid ‘Proning Team’. I visited the Covid wards daily, helping wherever I was needed.

It was an incredibly intense time. I was still doing community podiatry, starting a business from scratch, and also juggling life at home with two little girls under the age of four . I won’t pretend it was easy. But out of that chaos came something amazing.

In the first week of opening the clinic, I had just four patients booked in . But I had a vision—one that wasn’t just about podiatry. I wanted to create a business that allowed me to do the job I love and be the kind of mum I wanted to be. I knew I needed a better work-life balance. I wanted to be there every morning and every afternoon to drop off and pick up my girls from school. Denby Dale Podiatry was the key to that dream.

By June 2022 , I made the leap and left the NHS for good. I moved into larger premises , built a team of three brilliant podiatrists , and expanded the services we offer to include a broader range of health and wellness care. What started as just me, in a small clinic with four patients, has now grown into a busy, trusted clinic in the heart of the Huddersfield community .

And that community means everything to me—because I’m a Huddersfield girl through and through .

I was born and raised in Huddersfield , went to Holmfirth High School , then Greenhead College , and later studied Podiatry at the University of Huddersfield . I’ve always been incredibly proud of my roots, and it means the world to me that I now get to care for the people and places that shaped who I am.

I’m also a massive Huddersfield Town fan —and have been since I was seven years old . I’ve held a season ticket ever since, and it’s fair to say football is a big part of my life. So when it came to choosing the colours for my business branding, there was never any doubt— blue and white to reflect the team I love. A lot of my patients are Town fans too, and consultations often turn into a chat about the latest match.

My mission is simple: to keep the people of Huddersfield and the surrounding villages mobile and pain free . Whether it’s helping someone enjoy a family walk again, get back into sports, or simply move without discomfort, every day I feel privileged to do the work I do.

As a local business owner, I’m also proud to support local schools and grassroots sports clubs . I regularly contribute to matchday sponsorships, fundraising raffles, and prize donations . Giving back is incredibly important to me—Huddersfield has given me so much, and I’m passionate about playing my part in strengthening the community for the next generation.

I won’t lie—there was a time, after my second daughter was born, when I nearly gave up podiatry altogether. I couldn’t see how I could possibly make it work. But setting out a clear goal for what I wanted from Denby Dale Podiatry changed everything. I built a business around my life and my family—not the other way around.

Now, I get to do a job I love, serve a community I care deeply about, and still be the mum I want to be. I get to walk into a clinic each day that’s filled with heart, pride, and people who trust us to look after them.

So if you ask me what Denby Dale Podiatry is about, I’d say this:

It’s about resilience .

It’s about community .

It’s about Huddersfield pride .

And it’s about putting people first —in every step we take.

Thanks for being part of this journey with me.

— Cheryl

Owner & Director - Podiatrist, Denby Dale Podiatry.

Caring for feet in the Winter

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 17:14:15 GMT

Caring for Your Feet in Winter: A Podiatrist’s Guide

As the weather turns colder, many people focus on keeping warm — but your feet often get overlooked. Winter can bring a range of foot problems, from dry, cracked skin to circulation issues. Taking a few preventative steps can make all the difference.

1. Keep Feet Warm — but Not Damp

Cold temperatures can reduce blood flow to the extremities, which is especially concerning for people with diabetes or poor circulation.

Wear warm socks made from natural fibres (like wool or bamboo) that wick moisture away.
Avoid socks that are too tight, as they can restrict circulation.
Change damp socks promptly to prevent fungal infections such as athlete’s foot.

2. Moisturise Daily

Cold, dry air can strip moisture from the skin, leading to dryness and cracking, particularly around the heels.

Use a foot cream or emollient every evening, focusing on the heels and soles.
Avoid applying moisturiser between the toes — this area should stay dry to reduce infection risk.

3. Choose the Right Footwear

Winter boots can be protective but may also cause problems if they don’t fit properly.

Make sure shoes allow room for your toes to move freely.
Look for waterproof, breathable materials to keep feet dry.
Check the soles for good grip to help prevent slips and falls in icy conditions.

4. Trim Nails Carefully

Cold weather doesn’t stop nail growth. Keep nails neatly trimmed to prevent ingrown toenails, which can easily become infected if the feet are enclosed in warm, damp environments for long periods.

5. Watch for Circulation and Sensation Changes

People with diabetes, neuropathy, or poor circulation should be especially vigilant in winter.

Examine your feet daily for cuts, blisters, or colour changes.
Avoid direct heat sources (like hot water bottles or radiators) — they can cause burns if sensation is reduced.
If feet often feel cold, consider thermal socks or insulated shoes, and speak to a podiatrist or GP if the problem persists.

6. Maintain Good Hygiene

Even in winter, regular washing and thorough drying are essential. Fungal infections thrive in warm, moist environments such as boots and closed shoes.

Use an antifungal foot powder or spray if prone to infections.
Rotate footwear to allow each pair to dry out fully between wears.

7. Professional Foot Care

A podiatry check-up in winter can help identify and prevent issues before they become painful or serious. A podiatrist can remove hard skin, treat cracked heels, check circulation, and give tailored advice for your specific needs.

In summary:

Winter foot care is about warmth, moisture balance, and protection. With a little attention, you can keep your feet healthy, comfortable, and ready for spring.

#podiatrist #podiatry #chiropody #chiropodist #HD8 #dearnevalley #HD9 #holmevalley #huddersfield #barnsley #wakefield #yorkshire

Autumn Feet

chemye85@gmail.com (Cheryl Evans) — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 13:58:55 GMT

Our Top 5 Autumn Foot Care Tips:

Try on all of your Autumn/Winter footwear, making sure they fit correctly and feel comfy.

Start a daily moisturising routine for your feet. A drop in temperature can cause dry, itchy and cracked skin.

Treat yourself to relaxing, warming foot-soaks, the warm water will not only help relax and soothe chilly feet, but foot soaks also decrease stress. In addition, when combined with massage, they help reduce soreness and acid buildup.

Take a break from nail polish, because of the chemicals it contains, nail polish can deteriorate the nail bed over time, resulting in discolouration.

See a Podiatrist, to have a routine foot health check and treatment, to get them ready for the Autumn/Winter.

#podiatrist #podiatry #chiropody #chiropodist #HD8 #dearnevalley #HD9 #holmevalley #huddersfield #barnsley #wakefield #yorkshire

Ingrowing Toenails

chemye85@gmail.com (Cheryl Evans) — Wed, 13 Jan 2021 20:43:35 GMT

Ingrowing Toenails

I NGROWING TOENAILS:

An ingrowing toenail is a common problem where the nail grows into the toe. It can be painful, but there are things you can do to ease the pain.

You usually get an ingrowing toenail on your big toe. But you can get them on any toe.

Your toe may be red, painful and swollen. Your toenail may curve into your toe.

Your toe can also get infected.

Signs of an infected toe include:

• Pus coming out of it.

• You feel hot or shivery.

How to treat an ingrowing toenail at home:

• Soak your foot in warm salt water 3 to 4 times a day for a few days, this softens the skin around your toe and stops the nail growing into it

• Keep your foot dry for the rest of the day.

• Wear wide, comfortable shoes or sandals.

• Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease the pain.

DO NOT:

• Cut your toenail – leave it to grow out.

• Pick at your toe or toenail.

• Wear tight, pointy shoes.

Treatments for an Ingrowing Toenail:

A GP can:

• Check your toe to see if it's an ingrown toenail.

• Give you antibiotics if your toenail is infected.

• They may recommend you see a Podiatrist.

A Podiatrist will offer further treatments, such as:

• Cutting away part of the nail conservatively OR

• Performing Nail Surgery, which involves removing the whole (Total Nail Avulsion) or part of the nail (Partial Nail Avulsion), this is performed under local anaesthetic.

Total Nail Avulsion is where the entire nail is removed and the root of the nail (matrix) is cauterised using a chemical called Phenol. This prevents the nail from re-growing. Otherwise, predictably the nail will re-grow in same way and produce the same problem. The healing time for this procedure is 6-8 weeks (average).

Partial Nail Avulsion is where one or both edges of the nail are removed and the root of the nail (matrix) is cauterised using a chemical called Phenol. This prevents these painful sections of nails from re-growing. Otherwise, predictably the nail will re-grow in the same way and produce the same problem. The healing time for this procedure is 4-6 weeks (average).

How to prevent ingrowing toenails:

• Do not cut your toenails too short.

• Cut straight across the nail, not the edges.

• Do not wear shoes that are too tight or do not fit properly.

Do not delay treatment if you have an ingrowing toenail, contact: 07413 920397, and our Podiatrist will be happy to help. #podiatry #podiatrist #chiropody #chiropodist #feet #denbydale #huddersfield #ingrowingtoenail