Footcare Scotland

19/02/2026

Custom orthoses can be genuinely helpful - but only if they’re prescribed with sound clinical reasoning.

When choosing a podiatrist for orthoses, look for:

- A proper assessment first

- Clear explanation of diagnosis and treatment options

- Considers your goals (work, sport, pain relief, activity levels)

- A plan that includes review and adjustment, if needed

- Evidence-informed guidance on whether you need custom vs off-the-shelf support

In short: you want clinical reasoning, not guesswork. Orthoses should be matched to the condition and the individual — not sold as a one-size-fits-all solution.

Podiatrist specialising in the prescription of foot orthotics to to help manage a wide variety of painful conditions. Perth Scotland

18/02/2026

Bruno had the pleasure of helping out Jonathon today who is undertaking a whopping walk from Shetland to Galway! He will be walking 4,200 km, over 296 days, giving talks on mental health and raising money for 4 charities.

To find out more about his amazing fundraising efforts:
https://linktr.ee/jonathankemplondon

Keep up the amazing work Jonathon 👏🚶

17/02/2026

Foot orthoses: let’s clear up the myths

If you’ve been researching foot orthoses, you’ve probably seen strong opinions at both extremes: “they fix everything” or “they’re pointless.” The truth is more balanced.

Common myths we hear in clinic:

“Orthoses are only for flat feet.” Not true — they can help with a range of issues, depending on diagnosis.

“They weaken your feet.” Not when prescribed correctly and paired with the right advice/exercises where needed.

“Any insole is basically the same.” Off-the-shelf can help some people, but custom orthoses are designed around your foot and your problem.

“If they don’t feel perfect instantly, they’re wrong.” Often there’s a short settling-in period and adjustments can be part of doing it properly.

Orthoses are a tool — not a gimmick and not a magic cure. When they’re prescribed after a proper assessment, they can reduce strain, improve comfort, and help you stay active.

You can read more here:

Orthotics specialists in Perth, Scotland. We utilise 3D scanning and 3D printing to produce truly custom made orthotics.

15/02/2026

“Nervous about nail surgery? Here’s what to expect”

It’s completely normal to feel anxious about nail surgery — especially if you’ve been in pain for weeks, or you’ve heard mixed stories online.

Here’s the reality for most people:

The procedure is done in clinic in a relaxed, clean environment.

The toe is fully numbed with local anaesthetic (we take time to do this properly).

You’re supported throughout — nothing is rushed.

You’ll leave with clear aftercare instructions and a follow-up plan.

Will it hurt?
You may feel a brief sting as the anaesthetic goes in. After that, the toe will be numb. We check this carefully before we start.

What about recovery?
Most people are surprised by how manageable it is. There’s usually a short period of dressing care and sensible activity modification, and we guide you through each step so you’re not left guessing.

Our priority is simple: make you comfortable, keep you safe, and fix the problem properly.

If you’re worried or unsure, have a read of our nail surgery guide- it answers all the common questions we are asked and may reassure you that nail surgery is the right choice for you.

Download our FREE e-book- the Ultimate guide to Nail Surgery now. Find out all you need to know about nail surgery and ingrown toenails from the experts.

12/02/2026

“What is nail surgery and when is it the right option?”

Nail surgery for ingrown toenails is a small, planned procedure designed to stop the painful nail edge from digging in and repeatedly inflaming the skin.

Depending on your toe and the pattern of the problem, this may involve:

- Partial nail removal (removing only the ingrowing side)
- Total nail removal (if the whole nail is an issue)

It’s usually considered when:

You’ve had repeated infections or flare-ups

Conservative care gives only short-term relief

The toe is impacting walking, sport, work, or sleep

You want a more definitive, long-term solution

Most importantly, it’s not a “one-size-fits-all.” A proper assessment matters, because sometimes other issues can mimic an ingrown toenail.

Unsure if surgery is necessary? Book in — we’ll talk through conservative care vs nail surgery and help you choose what fits your situation and goals.

10/02/2026

“Why ingrown toenails don’t just ‘sort themselves out’”

If you’ve had an ingrown toenail, you’ll know it’s not “just a sore toe.” It can be painful, restricting, and it often flares repeatedly at the worst possible times.

Common reasons ingrown toenails keep returning include:

The nail shape (some nails naturally curve in more)

Pressure from footwear and repetitive sport/activity

Previous episodes causing swelling and scar tissue at the nail edge

Cutting technique (often well-intended, but it can worsen the problem)

Infection or inflammation around the nail fold

If you’re stuck in a cycle of flare-ups, book an assessment online now. We’ll examine the toe, confirm the cause, and explain every option clearly.

HCPC-registered podiatrists in Perth. Foot & ankle pain, sports injuries, verrucae and ingrown toenails. Book online or call 01738 718777.

08/02/2026

Plantar Fasciitis: How Ultrasound Imaging and Guided Injections Can Help 👣

When heel pain is stubborn, using precise imaging and treatment can make a big difference. That’s where ultrasound imaging and guided injections come in.

Why ultrasound matters:
• Accurate diagnosis: Ultrasound lets us see the plantar fascia, detect thickening, tears, or other tissue changes.
• Tailored treatment: By knowing exactly what’s going on, we can target therapy more effectively.
• Monitoring progress: Ultrasound can track healing over time and ensure treatments are working.

Benefits of guided injections:
• Precision: Injections are placed exactly where the tissue needs it, reducing risk to surrounding structures.
• Pain relief: Corticosteroid or other therapeutic injections can calm pain and allow you to start exercises sooner.
• Improved outcomes: Combining guided injections with stretching, strengthening, and load management helps the fascia heal more effectively.

Bottom line:
Ultrasound imaging and guided injections are not first-line “magic fixes,” but for persistent plantar fasciitis, they provide accuracy, safety, and a better chance of recovery when combined with conservative care.

If heel pain is limiting your daily life, a targeted approach can get you moving comfortably again.

05/02/2026

Plantar Fasciitis: Why Footwear Matters 👟

If you have plantar fasciitis, the shoes you wear can make a big difference — sometimes more than you realise. The right footwear helps reduce strain on your plantar fascia, cushions the heel, and supports your healing.

Here’s how footwear can help:
• Cushioning: Absorbs impact with every step, reducing pressure on your heel.
• Arch Support: Supports the midfoot to prevent excessive stretching of the plantar fascia.
• Heel Height: A small lift can reduce tension on the fascia.

Simple changes can make a noticeable difference. Avoid flat, worn-out shoes or unsupportive slippers, and choose shoes that provide structure, cushioning, and comfort.

Footwear alone won’t cure plantar fasciitis, but paired with exercises, orthoses, or other treatments, it’s a crucial part of recovery.

If you’re struggling with heel pain, your shoe choice might be the first easy fix you can make.

03/02/2026

Plantar Fasciitis: What Do Foot Orthoses Actually Do? 👣

Plantar fasciitis is caused by repeated overload of the plantar fascia. That’s where foot orthoses come in.

Foot orthoses are specialist insoles and help plantar fasciitis by reducing the strain placed on the plantar fascia when you stand, walk, and run.

In practical terms, they work by:

• Redistributing pressure across the foot so the heel and fascia are taking less load
• Reducing excessive pulling on the plantar fascia
• Improving how forces move through the foot, making each step less stressful
• Allowing irritated tissue to settle, while you stay active rather than resting completely

Orthoses are most effective when combined with the right footwear, stretching and strengthening exercises, and sensible load management.

Bottom line:
Foot orthoses don’t fix the fascia — they reduce the stress on it, giving your heel pain the chance to calm down and recover.

01/02/2026

How Shockwave Therapy Helps Plantar Fasciitis 👣

Plantar fasciitis is usually not an inflammation problem — it’s a tissue overload and poor healing problem. That’s why shockwave therapy can be so effective.

Shockwave therapy uses targeted sound waves delivered to the painful area of the heel. These sound waves stimulate the body’s own healing response.

In simple terms, shockwave therapy helps plantar fasciitis by:

• Stimulating blood flow to an area that typically has poor circulation
• Encouraging tissue repair, helping the plantar fascia heal more effectively
• Reducing pain sensitivity, by calming irritated nerve endings
• Breaking the cycle of chronic pain, particularly when symptoms have been present for months

Treatment is quick, non-invasive, and does not involve injections or surgery - leaving you to continue normal daily activities throughout treatment.

Shockwave therapy is especially useful when plantar fasciitis has become persistent or has not responded to rest, footwear changes, or exercises alone.

The key point:
Shockwave therapy doesn’t mask symptoms — it helps restart the healing process in a stubborn, slow-healing tissue.

Used alongside the right footwear, orthotics, exercises, and load management, it can be a very effective option for ongoing heel pain.

29/01/2026

Plantar Fasciitis Mythbusting 👣

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, but there’s a lot of misinformation out there. Let’s set the record straight.

❌ Myth 1: “It’s caused by inflammation.”
Fact: Plantar fasciitis is usually due to tissue overload and degeneration, not inflammation.

❌ Myth 2: “Rest is the cure.”
Fact: Complete rest isn’t helpful. The fascia needs gradual loading with stretching, strengthening, and appropriate activity to heal effectively.

❌ Myth 3: “You need surgery to fix it.”
Fact: Very few cases ever need surgery. Most people get better with conservative treatments like footwear changes, orthoses, exercises, and shockwave therapy.

❌ Myth 4: “Pain means you’re making it worse.”
Fact: Mild discomfort during stretching or exercise doesn’t harm the fascia. Avoiding movement completely can actually slow recovery.

❌ Myth 5: “All insoles are the same.”
Fact: Generic insoles may help some people, but custom orthoses can provide targeted support for persistent or complex cases.

Bottom line:
Plantar fasciitis isn’t about a “weak heel” or inflammation. It’s about tissue overload and gradual recovery. With the right footwear, exercises, orthoses, and treatments, heel pain can be managed and improved.

27/01/2026

Over the next couple of weeks we are going to do a little series dedicated to the treatment of the most common cause of foot pain- Plantar Fasciitis.

So let’s kick off with- Plantar Fasciitis: What Actually Works? 👣

Plantar fasciitis can be stubborn, but research tells us which treatments are most effective. Here’s the evidence-based approach:

1. Footwear & Orthoses
Supportive shoes and, where needed, custom or pre-made foot orthoses (insoles) help reduce stress on the plantar fascia and allow tissue to heal.

2. Stretching & Strengthening Exercises
Stretching the calf and plantar fascia, and strengthening foot and lower leg muscles, improves load tolerance and reduces pain over time.

3. Load Management
Adjusting activities to avoid repetitive overloading — without complete rest — allows healing while staying active.

4. Shockwave Therapy
For persistent cases, shockwave therapy can stimulate tissue repair and reduces pain.

5. Steroid Injections
Used selectively for short-term pain relief when other measures aren’t enough, helping patients start rehabilitation exercises more comfortably.

Bottom line:
The most effective results come from combining suitable footwear, exercises, load management, and targeted therapies like orthoses or shockwave therapy. Patience and consistency are key — plantar fasciitis doesn’t usually improve overnight, but with the right approach, recovery is very achievable.