Expert care for your feet and ankles
Your feet are the foundation of your mobility. Whether you are an elite athlete, a busy professional, or simply want to maintain your independence as you age, keeping your feet healthy is essential.
Podiatry is the specialised branch of medicine dedicated to the study, diagnosis, and treatment of foot, ankle and leg conditions.
At our Knaresborough clinic, we offer a complete scope of practice by combining the skills of HCPC Registered Podiatrists and qualified Foot Health Practitioners (FHPs). We utilise extensive training and state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to provide personalised care for everything from heel pain to hard skin.
Do I need a Podiatrist or a Foot Health Practitioner?
To ensure you get the right care, we offer two distinct types of appointments.
1. The Podiatrist
You should see a Podiatrist for medical diagnosis, musculoskeletal pain, and high-risk conditions. They are capable of performing minor surgery, prescribing orthotics, and managing complex medical issues.
Best for: Foot and heel pain (plantar fasciitis), ankle pain, infected ingrown toenails, bunions and diabetic foot assessments.
2. The Foot Health Practitioner (FHP)
You should see an FHP for routine maintenance and hygiene. They focus on the comfort and appearance of the feet.
Best for: Routine nail cutting, thick nails, corns, hard skin (callus), cracked heels, and general foot hygiene advice.
Conditions we treat
Our multi-disciplinary team is qualified to manage a wide range of medical and dermatological conditions affecting the lower limb.
Medical & Musculoskeletal
- Undiagnosed Foot Pain: Comprehensive assessment to find the root cause of discomfort.
- Heel & Arch Pain: Treatment for plantar fasciitis/fasciopathy and tendon problems.
- Sports Injuries: Management of sprains, strains and overuse injuries.
- Systemic Conditions: Foot care for patients with Arthritis, Gout, Diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis and circulatory disorders.
Skin & Nail Concerns
- Nail Conditions: Management of fungal infections, thickened nails and ingrown or involuted nails.
- Skin Lesions: Treatment for corns, verrucas and hard skin (calluses).
- Dermatology: Advice for eczema, psoriasis, Athlete’s foot and cracked skin.
Diagnosis and Treatment
We take a comprehensive approach to your care. Your appointment begins with a detailed medical history to understand your presenting complaint.
Assessment
Depending on your condition, we may look closely at your skin and nails, observe your legs during movement (biomechanical assessment) or inspect your footwear. We can perform specialist diagnostic tests including Doppler scanning for circulation, neurological screening for nerve sensation and blood pressure measurements.
Treatment Modalities
- Routine Care: Reduction of hard skin, removal of corns and expert nail cutting.
- Biomechanical Therapies: Taping, strapping, foot mobilisation techniques and the provision of custom insoles (orthotics).
- Advanced Therapy: We offer Shockwave Therapy for certain chronic pain conditions to accelerate healing.
- Exercise Rehabilitation: Personalised prescription of exercises to mobilise and strengthen the foot and ankle.
When necessary, we adopt a multidisciplinary approach, referring you to doctors, physiotherapists or osteopaths to ensure holistic recovery.
Looking after your feet
Beyond addressing immediate pain, we emphasise the importance of preventative maintenance.
Approximately 90% of the population will see a foot specialist at least once before the age of 60. By prioritising regular check-ups, you can reduce the risk of future complications. Our team can advise you on proper footwear choices, gait analysis and lifestyle adjustments to keep you on your feet for longer.
Meet the Team
We are proud to have a team that combines clinical precision with genuine care.
Elise Butler | Lead Podiatrist
Elise is a highly experienced clinician with a background in the Leeds NHS Foot & Ankle team. She specialises in biomechanics, nail surgery, and prescribing, offering advanced treatment for conditions like plantar fasciitis alongside comprehensive routine care.
Azzurra Ardovini | Foot Health Practitioner
As a former professional dancer, Azzurra understands exactly how vital foot comfort is. Qualified via the respected SMAE Institute, she provides expert routine maintenance, including nail cutting, corn removal and skin care, with a warm and gentle approach that puts patients at ease.