When Should You See a Podiatrist? Common Conditions & Answers

Our feet carry us through life — more than 120,000 kilometres by the time we’re 50 — yet we often ignore them until they hurt. From painful nails to sports injuries or complex musculoskeletal conditions, your feet deserve expert care. At Niva Medical Clinic in Stanmore, our patients benefit from the expertise of Ratna Raichura, a degree-trained, HCPC-registered podiatrist with over 25 years of experience. She provides comprehensive foot and ankle care, combining advanced diagnostics with compassionate treatment. We welcome patients from Stanmore, Harrow, Bushey, Watford, Edgware, Northwood, Hatch End and Wembley. When Should You See a Podiatrist? Conditions We Treat A podiatrist is the specialist to see for foot, ankle and lower limb problems that interfere with daily life, mobility, or comfort. Some of the most common conditions we treat include:

1. Skin & Nail Problems

• Ingrown toenails that cause swelling or infection
• Fungal nail infections and thickened nails
• Corns, calluses and cracked heels
• Verrucas (plantar warts) that are painful or persistent

Treatment ranges from gentle trimming and minor procedures to tailored long-term management plans.

2. Pain & Structural Issues

• Heel pain / plantar fasciitis
• Bunions, hammertoes and flat feet
• Morton’s neuroma (nerve pain between the toes)
• Achilles tendinitis and ankle pain

These conditions may affect your gait, posture, and even your knees, hips, or back. Expert podiatry can relieve pain and prevent long-term damage.

3. Sports & Activity Injuries

From ankle sprains and shin splints to overuse injuries, active people often develop foot problems. Podiatrists assess your biomechanics, footwear, and walking style to help you recover — and prevent future injury.

4. Diabetes & Systemic Conditions

People with diabetes or circulation problems need regular podiatry care. Small cuts can quickly become serious ulcers due to reduced healing and sensation. Routine foot checks by a podiatrist are vital to avoid complications. The Podiatrist’s Toolkit: Gait Analysis & Biomechanics One of Ratna’s areas of special expertise is biomechanics and gait analysis. Using her Master’s degree in Biomechanics, she can:

• Analyse how your foot and leg mechanics contribute to pain
• Assess posture, gait, and weight distribution when walking
• Provide tailored orthotics (insoles) to support alignment and reduce strain
• Recommend exercises and rehabilitation strategies for long-term relief

This evidence-based approach ensures not just symptom relief, but also correction of the root cause. Preventing Future Foot Problems Podiatry isn’t just about fixing problems — it’s about keeping you mobile, active, and independent. Regular podiatry care can help:

• Spot early warning signs of arthritis, diabetes or circulation issues
• Provide expert footwear advice for comfort and support
• Recommend daily foot care routines that keep skin, nails, and joints healthy
• Maintain mobility and prevent future injuries with rehabilitation exercises

Why See a Podiatrist at Niva Medical Clinic Stanmore?

• HCPC-registered podiatrist with over 25 years of experience
• Expertise in painful nails, skin conditions, verrucas, musculoskeletal injuries, and gait analysis
• Access to multidisciplinary care, working alongside GPs, physiotherapists, and other specialists at Niva
• Convenient location serving Stanmore, Harrow, Bushey, Watford, Northwood, Edgware, Hatch End and Wembley
• Patient-centred philosophy: combining the best clinical evidence with personal care

About Our Podiatrist | Ratna Raichura Ratna Raichura is a degree-trained podiatrist with over 25 years of experience in both NHS and private practice.

• HCPC registered – ensuring safe, regulated, and effective care
• Holds a Master’s degree in Biomechanics
• Lecturer on the Forefoot Masterclass in London and across the UK
• Continues to work within the NHS at St Mary’s Hospital, London, collaborating with physiotherapists, orthopaedic surgeons, and radiologists in multidisciplinary clinics

Her philosophy is simple: “Take the best of the clinical evidence available, combine it with experience, and use it to help patients remain mobile, active, and living life to the fullest.” Ratna is dedicated to treating everything from painful nails and skin problems to complex gait disorders and musculoskeletal injuries. Her holistic, evidence-based approach ensures each patient receives tailored solutions that restore comfort and independence. Book Your Appointment Today If a foot, ankle, or leg problem is holding you back — whether it’s heel pain, an ingrown toenail, or difficulty walking — don’t wait for it to worsen. 📞 Book your podiatry appointment at Niva Medical Clinic Stanmore today and take the first step towards healthier, pain-free feet.