In 2019 I fell and injured my ankle while walking in the Mourne mountains with a walking group. With the help of friends, I managed to get to casualty. I was told that it was a severe sprain and that it would be fine after a few weeks. My ankle was strapped up and I was given a crutch and pain killers. My ankle was very swollen but after a few weeks it started to improve.
However, as I regained my mobility, I noticed that my foot was becoming painful. The pain radiated up the through the arch and I felt like my foot was being pulled apart. I went to see my chiropodist and she advised me to contact the Northern Ireland Foot and Ankle Clinic as they specialised in this sort of problem.
I made an appointment and was seen by David Hallowell the owner. He assessed my ankle and explained what the problem was, he also explained that I needed a set of custom orthoses. I was a bit sceptical as some of my walking friends had been given orthoses in the past and had not been happy with them. David explained that this is often the case with badly fitting orthoses and assured me that mine would fit properly. He took casts of my feet, and I had my supports fitted a week or two later.
The devices felt strange to begin with but within a few days I started to experience less pain in my foot. I was able to walk greater distances and my foot wasn’t painful when I got up from resting. I am happy to say that my supports are working really well and that I have even returned to hill walking.
I would thoroughly recommend anyone with foot pain to contact David and his team.
Thanks you so much Liz
