What is Pods Heal Heels?

The Pods Heal Heels campaign is a national collaboration between Podiatrists and Chiropodists looking to tackle heel pain and promote effective heel pain treatment. ShoeMed have collaborated with a range of Podiatry Clinics across the UK, including Health First Southam, to increase awareness of accurate professional diagnosis, and to provide comfort footwear to thousands of men and women. We’re using our 10 years of comfort footwear experience to help build the Pods Heal Heels campaign to allow more people to lead a pain-free active lifestyle.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

The Pods Heal Heels campaign looks to effectively treat plantar fasciitis. One of the most common causes of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, caused by the inflammations of tissue on the bottom of your foot, connected to the plantar fascia. Common effects of plantar fasciitis include a sharp stabbing pain experienced when you get up, as you become more active the pain starts to decrease. Those who live an active lifestyle, or those who wear inappropriate footwear are the most likely to be affected. Plantar fasciitis is commonly seen in jobs where you are standing and walking for long periods of time, including teaching, factory workers, the police and warehouse workers. Alongside your treatment, choosing the appropriate footwear can help to reduce symptoms. ShoeMed has curated a range of plantar fasciitis shoes specially designed to help reduce the impact to your daily life. However, there are many other causes of heel pain. The Pods Heal Heels campaign looks to prevent incorrect diagnosis, through highlighting professional help.

What is the difference between a Chiropodist and a Podiatrist?

As outlined by the NHS, there is no difference between the two. A Podiatrist is the modern term for a healthcare professional with a specialism in feet and lower limbs.

How can a Podiatrist help me?

A podiatrist is a healthcare professional with specialist training to diagnose conditions and issues of the feet and lower limbs. If you’re suffering with heel pain, forefoot pain or another foot-related issue, a podiatrist can offer a professional diagnosis and offer treatment plans. Seeing a professional through the Pods Heal Heels campaign can save you years of pain, improper treatment and wasted money.

How does ShoeMed work with Podiatrists?

ShoeMed regularly takes referrals from a wide range of Podiatrists across the UK. Specialist shoe fitting training from the Society of Shoe Fitters allows our expert fitters to select the perfect footwear for your diagnosed needs. As part of treatment plans, Podiatrists can recommend the use of custom made orthoses and ready made foot orthoses.  To support the Pods Heal Heels campaign and Podiatry orthotic prescriptions ShoeMed has a range of orthotic friendly shoes. Through one-to-one consultations via video-call and in-store, we can make sure your footwear is in-line with your treatment plans and feet needs.

Which brands are suitable for Plantar Fasciitis? 

ShoeMed stocks a range of specialist comfort brands, many with styles suitable for plantar fasciitis including Joya Shoes, MBT and Finn Comfort. The soft sole of Joya helps to reduce pressure on the curve under the foot, where the plantar fascia is located. Podiatrists within the Pods Heal Heels campaign, including Health First Southam, recommended Joya Shoes.

How can I find Plantar Fasciitis Shoes?

As part of our commitment to help our community lead a more active lifestyle, we’ve created a filter-by-condition tool on our website. Simply use the product filters to find styles suitable for your conditions. Alternatively, you can find all shoes for a specific condition including Plantar Fasciitis using the main menu.