Our Footcare Services
Based in Athlone, the heart of Ireland, we offer a range of Chiropody & Podiatry Services to suit our clients’ needs. Please see below on the range of Chiropody and Podiatry treatments we provide.
How we help
Routine Chiropody & Podiatry Appointment
This appointment includes the management of hard skin and nails. The footcare NCT!
How often may you need this service?
A return visit of your next visit will be discussed to ensure foot health is kept optimum to your needs. We usually recommend 6, 8 or 12 week intervals between treatments.
What can I expect from my Routine Chiropody and Podiatry appointment
Following a review of medical history, review of the following:
- Nail Cutting
- Nail problems: thickened or ingrowing toenails
- Nail trauma
- Corns
- Callus
- Cracked heels
- Verrucae Lesions
- Blister Management
- Rheumatoid
- Arthritis Footcare
- Diabetes Footcare
Diabetes Assessment
Having diabetes can mean that you are at an increased risk of developing foot problems. These foot problems include:
- Problems with blood supply to the legs and feet (Lower limb arterial disease)
- Problems with the nerves that supply your feet and legs (Peripheral Neuropathy)
- Changes to the shape of your feet and toes
- Changes to your skin and nails
It is recommended that all diabetes clients have their feet assessed yearly. Having your feet checked regularly can help you manage your foot health in a timely way, reducing the risk of developing foot problems. Here at Stepwise Foot & Ankle clinic, we provide a comprehensive diabetes assessment of your feet and lower limb health and tailored advice to help keep your feet healthly.
Musculoskeletal Assessment
Pain inside the foot or lower limb? Tendon, joint or muscle or pain when walking or performing your daily activities? This MSK Appointment is the appointment for you. The Podiatrist will undertake assessment of the foot and ankle to ascertain the root cause of your pain.
This Appointment may be suitable to diagnose you with the following conditions:
- Forefoot Pain
- Midfoot Pain
- Rearfoot Pain
- Ankle Pain
- Flatfoot
- Bunions
- Morton’s neuroma
Ready to take the next step? Book your appointment today.
Our Footcare Services
Chiropody
Nail Cutting
Keeping your toenails cut properly is important for good/overall foot health. Ageing, medical conditions, lifestyle choices and hobbies can contribute to changes in the toenails.
Often, toenails can become difficult, if not impossible to cut by yourself. Whatever the reason, at Stepwise Foot & Ankle clinic you can trust us to correctly trim your toenails and advise you on how to best maintain good foot health.
This service is particularly beneficial for clients who may have difficulty cutting their own toenails due to medical conditions, mobility issues or other foot health concerns.
Corns and Callus
At Stepwise Foot & Ankle Clinic we treat corns and callus every day. These common conditions can be painful and impact your daily activities and quality of life. Whether they are caused by footwear, pressure or friction, we are here to help.
Corns and callus can be related to:
- Repetitive friction or pressure
- High activity levels
- Abnormal gait/walking patterns
- Foot deformities such as bunions or hammer toes
- Poorly fitting or tight footwear
How to treat corns and calluses:
It is important to identify the underlying cause of your corn and callus formation to treat it effectively. Treatment focuses on reducing pain, removing the thickened skin and preventing recurrence. At Stepwise Foot & Ankle Clinic our goal is to provide immediate relief and to implement a treatment plan to prevent future problems.
Treatment Options Include:
- Professional debridement and enucleation (removal of hard skin and corns)
- Custom orthotics/insoles
- Footwear advice
- Advice on foot hygiene and care
Fungal Nail Infection
At Stepwise Foot & Ankle Clinic, we understand the discomfort fungal nail infections can cause. Fungal Nail Infection can lead to thickening, discolouration and pain to the nails.
Fungal nail infections can be caused by:
- Nail trauma
- Warm, moist environments such as public showers and swimming pools
- A weakened immune system
- Diabetes
- Poor Foot Hygiene
- Activity levels
How we treat Fungal Nail Infections:
Identifying the underlying cause fungal nail infections is important for effective treatment. At Stepwise Foot & Ankle Clinic our goal is to improve nail health and nail appearance. Schedule your appointment today to start your journey towards healthier nails.
Athlete’s Foot
Are you dealing with the discomfort of Athletes Foot? At Stepwise Foot & Ankle Clinic we understand how this common skin condition can impact your daily life. Athlete’s foot can cause itching, redness, peeling and in some instances cracking in between the toes which can be uncomfortable and unslighly.
At Stepwise Foot & Ankle Clinic our approach is to undertake a thorough assessment to determine the severity of your Athlete’s Foot and to develop a personalised treatment plan.
Causes of Athletes Foot:
- Damp or sweaty feet
- Walking barefoot in communal areas (Pools, gyms)
- Sharing socks.
- Shoes or towels with others
- Having a weakened immune system
- Wearing tight fitting shoes.
How We Treat Athletes Foot
Identifying the underlying cause and addressing it effectively is critical. Our goal is to relieve symptoms and to prevent recurrence.
- Antifungal creams and ointments
- Keeping feet dry and clean
- Wearing breathable moisture wicking socks
- Avoiding tight footwear
- Proper foot hygiene practices.
Don’t let athletes foot keep you from enjoying your daily activities. Schedule your appointment with Stepwise Foot & Ankle Clinic today and step towards healthier feet.
Thickened Toenails
At Stepwise Foot & Ankle Clinic, we understand how thickened toenails can impact your daily life. Whether the cause is due to trauma, an underlying health condition, thickened toenails can cause pain and discomfort which can affect your confidence. At Stepwise Foot & Ankle Clinic, our approach includes a thorough assessment to determine the cause of your thickened nails and to create a personalised treatment plan to restore your nail health.
Causes of Thickened Toenails:
- Fungal Infections
- Trauma or Injury
- Underlying skin conditions such as Psoriasis
- Aging
- Poor Circulation
- Medical conditions such as Diabetes.
How We Treat Ingrown Toenails:
Identifying the underlying cause of thickened nails is important for effective treatment. At Stepwise Foot & Ankle Clinic our goal is to improve nail health and nail appearance.
Treatment Options Include:
- Topical Antifungal Treatments
- Improved Foot Hygiene practices and education
- Regular nail reduction and trimming
- Footwear recommendations to reduce pressure to the nails.
Book your appointment today to take the first step towards healthier more comfortable nails at Stepwise Foot & Ankle Clinic.
Verrucae and Warts
Are you struggling with verrucae or warts? At Stepwise Foot & Ankle Clinic we understand how these lesions can impact your confidence and comfort. Verrucae and warts caused by the human papillomavirus virus (HPV) can be persistent and painful.
Symptoms Include
- Rough, raised skin lesions
- Pain and discomfort when walking
- Pain during exercise or daily activities
Common Causes of Verrucae and Warts:
- Direct contact with HPV
- Compromised immune system
- Walking barefoot in communal areas
Ingrown Toenails
Are you struggling with the discomfort of an Ingrown toenail? At Stepwise Foot & Ankle Clinic we understand painful ingrown toenails can be. Whether caused by genetic factors, improper nail cutting or poor footwear, we are here to help. An ingrown toenail can lead to swelling, redness and infection, causing pain and making everyday activities a challenge. Our comprehensive approach includes a detailed assessment to identify the cause and to develop a personalised treatment plan.
Causes of Ingrown Toenails
- Genetic Factors
- Improper Nail Cutting
- Nail Deformities
- Injury to the toenail
- Tight or poor fitting footwear
How We Treat Ingrown Toenails:
Identifying the cause of your ingrown toenail is crucial for effective treatment and prevention. Our goal is to alleviate pain, prevent infection and to promote proper nail growth.
Treatment Options Include:
- Proper nail trimming techniques
- Antibiotic for infection
- Footwear advice
- Follow up care to monitor healing and to prevent infection
Don’t let an ingrown toenail disrupt your life. Book your consultation at Stepwise Foot & Ankle Clinic today and take the first step towards healthier feet.
Dry Skin
Are you suffering from Dry Skin? At Stepwise Foot & Ankle Clinic we understand how dry skin can affect your daily life. Dry skin can lead to itching, flaking and even cracking of the skin which can be uncomfortable and painful. At Stepwise Foot & Ankle Clinic, our approach is a thorough assessment to determine the cause of your dry skin and to create an individualised treatment plan.
Dry Skin Can be linked to:
- Damp or sweaty feet
- Walking barefoot in communal areas (Pools, gyms)
- Sharing socks.
- Shoes or towels with others
- Having a weakened immune system
- Wearing tight fitting shoes.
How to treat dry skin:
It is important to identify the underlying cause of your dry skin and to treat it accordingly. Our goal is to relieve symptoms, improve skin-barrier function and skin hydration.
Treatment options
- Emollient creams and advice
- Footcare advice
Toenail Reconstruction
Toenail reconstruction is a process that involves using medical-grade gels to build up a damaged or partially missing toenail. Unlike cosmetic nail treatments, nail reconstruction uses materials specifically designed for podiatric use, which adhere securely to the natural nail and are flexible enough to accommodate natural movement.
The reconstructed nail resembles a real nail in both appearance and function, making it an ideal solution for those experiencing pain, discomfort, or self-consciousness due to nail issues.
Who Can Benefit from Nail Reconstruction?
Nail reconstruction is suitable for a variety of clients especially those with:
- Nail Trauma
- Fungal Nail Infections
- Partial Nail Loss
- Thickened or Deformed Nails
Is Nail Reconstruction Right for You?
If you’re dealing with a damaged, deformed, or missing toenail, nail reconstruction may be an ideal solution. However, a consultation is essential to determine if your nail and skin condition is suitable for this procedure. In some cases, additional treatments or fungal management may be recommended before proceeding with reconstruction.
Achilles Tendonitis/Tendonopathy
Here at Stepwise Foot & Ankle Clinic we encounter injuries like Achilles tendon injuries regularly. Whether it occurs from a chronic condition, overuse or an acute injury, we have the expertise to help.
Achilles Tendon Pain can be linked to:
- Overuse injuries
- Acute trauma
- Previous ankle or foot injuries
- Inadequate footwear
- Sudden increase in physical activity
- Biomechanical issues
How To Treat Achilles Tendonitis/Tendonopathy:
It is crucial to diagnose the severity of the condition and to address any contributing factors such as biomechanical factors or muscle imbalances. At Stepwise Foot & Ankle Clinic, our goal is to treat the current problem and to address future recurrence.
Treatment options Include:
- Rehabilitation programmes
- Eccentric loading exercises
- Activity and training modification
- Footwear assessment
By accurately diagnosing and treating the underlying cause or Achilles Tendonitis/Tendonopathy, we aim to alleviate your pain enabling you to return to your daily activities without discomfort.
Ankle Pain
Here at Stepwise Foot & Ankle Clinic, we see ankle injuries daily. Whether its from a traumatic inversion injury or sprain, an overuse injury or a lifelong problem we can help. Ankle injuries often include a fracture, previous surgery or ligament damage. We undertake appropriate assessment to determine the exact level of injury, and the associated structures involved.
Ankle Pain can be related to:
- Previous Fracture
- Previous Surgery
- Ligament Damage
- Arthritis
- Weakness
- Overuse injuries
How We Treat Ankle Pain:
Is is important to determine the level of injury and to treat any muscle weakness or muscles imbalances accordingly. Our goal is to treat the problem and prevent it from causing any lasting issues or recurrent injuries. At Stepwise Foot & Ankle Clinic we aim to alleviate your pain and to return to your activities without discomfort.
Bunions
At Stepwise Foot & Ankle Clinic, we encounter bunions regularly. Whether they are mild or severe, bunions can significantly impact your overall foot health and daily activities. At Stepwise Foot & Ankle Clinic we are here to help alleviate your foot pain and to improve your quality of life. Bunions are often characterised by a bony lump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe. Other characteristics include swelling, soreness and restricted movement.
Bunions can be related to
- Genetic Factors
- Wearing ill-fitting or tight footwear
- Arthritis
- Foot Injuries
- Flat Feet
- Overpronation (rolling inward of the foot)
How We Treat Bunions:
Proper diagnosis and a personalised treatment plan are essential to managing bunions effectively. At Stepwise Foot & Ankle Clinic, our goal is to relieve your pain, correct the deformity and to prevent further deterioration.
Treatment Options Include
- Orthotics/Insoles to reduce pressure and to reduce pressure on the bunion
- Wearing wider, more comfortable shoes
- Physical exercises to improve strength and mobility
- Surgical referral for severe cases where conservative options are ineffective
Flat Feet
At Stepwise Foot & Ankle Clinic we encounter flat feet regularly. Flat feet (fallen arches) can be genetic or develop over time due to many different factors. Flat feet can lead to discomfort and complications if not properly managed. At Stepwise Foot & Ankle Clinic our treatment approach aims to alleviate pain and to improve foot function.
Flat Feet can be associated with:
- Genetics
- Arthritis
- Posterior Tibial Tendon Weakness
- Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction
- Arthritis
- Obesity
- Trauma
- Diabetes
- Injuries
How to treat flat feet:
It is important to treat the underlying cause of flat feet and to address any contributing factors. At Stepwise Foot & Ankle Clinic our goal is to manage symptoms, alleviate pain, improve foot function and to prevent further complications.
Treatment options include:
- Insoles/Orthotics
- Footwear Advice
- Stretching and strengthening exercises
- Weight Management
Let Stepwise Foot & Ankle Clinic help you manage your flat feet and improve your quality of life.
Foot Arthritis
Are you suffering from arthritis in your feet? At Stepwise Foot & Ankle Clinic we see foot arthritis daily. Whether the cause is from an autoimmune condition, wear and tear or previous injuries, we are here to help. Features include inflammation, joint damage or previous surgery.
Foot Arthritis Can Be Related to:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Autoimmune Conditions
- Previous Fractures or Injuries
- Gout
How to treat foot arthritis:
It is important to diagnose the type of arthritis and tailor the treatment plan accordingly. At Stepwise Foot & Ankle Clinic, our goal is to alleviate pain, improve foot function and to prevent further joint damage.
Treatment Options Include:
- Insoles/Orthotics
- Footwear
- Weight Management
- Activity Modification
- Surgical Interventions in severe
Foot Diabetes
Do you have Diabetes? At Stepwise Foot & Ankle Clinic we understand the challenges that come with managing your foot health when you have diabetes. By undergoing regular diabetes foot assessments and adopting preventive measures, individuals can maintain optimal foot health and reduce the risk of serious foot complications such as foot ulcers and amputations.
Having diabetes increases your risk of developing a foot problem. These risks include:
- Problems with blood supply to the legs and feet (Lower Limb Arterial Disease)
- Damage to the nerves that supply your feet and ankles (Peripheral Neuropathy)
- Changes to the shape of your feet and toes
- Changes to your skin and nails.
If your blood sugars stay elevated over time the following symptoms can occur:
- Wounds and cuts that don’t heal increasing your risk of infection
- Cramp like pain in your legs walking or at rest
- Swollen feet or ankles
- Aches in your feet
- Pins and needles/tingling/burning sensations
- Lack of sweating in your feet causing dry skin
Booking:
Having your feet checked regularly can help to manage your foot health and reduce the risks of diabetes foot complications. At Stepwise Foot & Ankle Clinic we provide a comprehensive assessment of your feet and give you tailored advice to help keep your feet healthy.
Treatment Options:
- Vascular and Neurological Assessment: The podiatrist will assess the circulation and nerve endings to your feet
- Skin & Nail Inspection: The podiatrist will examine the skin and nails for signs of corns, calluses, blisters or infections that may increase your risk of ulceration formation.
- Foot Structure and Biomechanical Assessment: The Podiatrist will assess your foot structure and walking patterns that may contribute to pressure in your feet.
- Footwear Education: We offer footwear advice to ensure suitability and comfort and to reduce the risk of skin breakdown.
- Education and Risk Reduction: We educate our patients on the importance of good footcare practices and offer advice specific to your individual risks to maintain optimal foot health and to reduce the risk of serious foot complications.
Foot Pain
There are many areas of the foot that can cause pain or discomfort. At Stepwise Foot & Ankle Clinic, we will undertake thorough assessment to get to the root cause of the problem and implement a treatment plan best for you.
Forefoot Pain:
There are many causes for pain in the front of the foot. It is Important that we identify the cause before undertaking treatment. Pain in the front of your foot can be linked to activity levels, your biomechanics, overuse injury or an injury.
During assessment the following causes may be identified:
- Joints (Arthritis)
- Bones (Metatarsals)
- Nerves (Neuromas)
- Other structures such as increased pressure points, bursa or rheumatoid nodules
How We Can Treat Forefoot Pain:
- Custom made Orthotics
- Insoles Footwear Advice
Above: Forefoot Pain
Midfoot Pain:
Are you suffering from pain in the middle of your foot? Midfoot pain which can cause discomfort and significantly impact your daily activities. Causes of midfoot pain include biomechanical dysfunction, overuse or trauma.
The most common causes of midfoot pain include:
- Arthritis
- Tendonopathy
- Ligament Injuries
- Trauma or injury to the top (dorsum) of the foot
- Nerve Compression
How We Treat Midfoot Pain:
We undertake assessment to ensure diagnosis to establish the root cause of your midfoot pain and get you back doing the things you love. Treatments include footwear changes, orthotics/insoles and in some instances onwards referral to a foot and ankle surgeon.
Treatment Options Include:
- Orthoses/Insoles
- Footwear Advice
- Exercise advice
- Taping
Above: Midfoot Pain
Rearfoot Pain:
There are many reasons why you may be experiencing pain in the back of your foot and ankle. It is important that we identify the cause before implementing a treatment plan. Rearfoot can be related to how you walk (biomechanics), previous injury or overuse and your activity levels.
Issues to the rearfoot may be linked to:
- Tarsal Coalition
- Arthritis
- Excessively Pronated/Supinated Feet
- Trauma
- Nerve Entrapment
- Ligament problems
- Ankle Injuries
How We Treat Pain in the back of the foot/ankle:
- Orthotics/Insoles
- Rehabilitation Programmes
- Taping
- Footwear
If you are experiencing symptoms of Midfoot Pain, schedule your consultation with us today to start your journey towards relief and recovery.
Above: Rearfoot Pain
Heel Pain
Are you suffering from pain in the middle of your foot? Midfoot pain which can cause discomfort and significantly impact your daily activities. Causes of midfoot pain include biomechanical dysfunction, overuse or trauma.
Heel Pain can be related to:
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Insertional Achilles Tendononapthy
- Tarsal Tunnell Syndrome
- Radicuolpathy (Spinal Origin)
- Fat Pad Irritation
- Bursitis
- Baxters Nerve Entrapment
- Retreocalcaneal Bursitis
How we treat heel pain:
- Custom made Orthotics
- Rehabilitation Programmes
- Taping
- Footwear Advice
If you are experiencing symptoms of heel pain schedule your consultation with Stepwise Foot & Ankle Clinic today to start your journey towards relief and recovery.
Above: Heel Pain
Plantar Fasciitis
The Plantar Fascia is a thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. Plantar Fasciitis occurs when the tissue becomes inflamed or irritated, either at the insertion of the muscle to the heel bone or along the sole of the foot causing pain between the heels and the toes. It is often sorer first thing in the morning, initially when getting out of bed or after sitting for long peroids.
Plantar Fascia Treatment Options Include:
- Stretching
- Orthotics
- Taping and strapping
- Footwear Advice
Morton’s Neuroma
Are you suffering from pain in the ball of your foot? At Stepwise Foot & Ankle Clinic we come across this condition on a regular basis which affects the nerves between the toes causing pain. Whether the pain comes from engaging in high impact sports or wearing tight footwear, we are here to help.
Morton’s Neuroma can be related to:
- Tight or high heeled shoes
- Flat feet or high arches
- Repetitive Strain
- Ill-fitting footwear
- Inflammation of the nerves
- Biomechanical abnormalities
- Trauma or injury to the foot
- High impact sports
How to treat Morton’s Neuroma:
It is important to identify the cause and severity of the neuroma, addressing any contributing factors such as footwear or activity levels. Neuromas can significantly impact your daily life. At Stepwise Foot & Ankle Clinic, our goal is to alleviate pain and to get you back doing the things you love.
Treatment Options Include:
- Custom Orthotics/Insoles
- Footwear Advice
- Activity and training modification
- Padding and taping
- In severe cases surgical intervention may be considered
If you are experiencing symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma, schedule your consultation with Stepwise Foot & Ankle Clinic to start your journey towards relief and recovery.
Orthotics
Custom orthotics are specialized shoe inserts designed to support and improve the way your feet move. At Stepwise Foot & Ankle Clinic, we create orthotics tailored to your unique foot structure and needs. Orthotics can help relieve pain, correct imbalances, and provide long-term support for conditions such as:
- Plantar Fasciitis and heel pain
- Flat feet or high arches
- Bunions, hammertoes, and foot deformities
- Knee, hip, or lower back discomfort caused by poor alignment
- Sports injuries and overuse conditions
Whether you’re an athlete, on your feet all day at work, or simply looking for greater comfort in daily life, orthotics can make a significant difference in your mobility and overall foot health.




















