Jo Dixon is a Marine Research Scientist at Plymouth Marine Laboratories; she also competes in dressage, breeds horses, trains riders at competition level and she has four lively dogs – so her life is very active.
The quality of Jo’s lifestyle was threatened by pain in the joints of both her big toes. Advice from specialists was to have steroid injections to manage the pain, or an operation to fuse the joints. Neither option was attractive, so Jo paid a visit to Foot Solutions.
“It was incredible,” said Jo, “I walked in, in pain, and walked out pain-free!”
Pressure distribution measurement, and 3D contour mapping – all part of her free assessment – showed that only a small portion of her feet was in contact with the ground due to her high arches. This put severe strain on her big toe joints. “I also had referred pain in my knees and hips,” she added.
This is a problem that Foot Solutions’ expert staff see a lot, and the initial help given was an off-theshelf orthotic (an insert to spread the weight more evenly through her feet).
At the same time, Jo ordered a pair customised arch supports and chose shoes from a wide range to suit her style and her needs.
“The staff are really knowledgeable and helpful. The options and advice I received was amazing. I can now walk correctly – I’ve even got orthotics for my wellies and a pair of wedding shoes!”
The immediate pain relief was enhanced even further once her custom-made inserts arrived. “I was so relieved when I used the off-the-shelf version,” said Jo, “but when I got the customised orthotics – wow!”
Jo, like many customers whose quality of life has been improved, has recommended Foot Solutions to friends and family. Her Dad has diabetes – Jo is taking him to see the team very soon.
“I would say to anyone who has foot pain – go to Foot Solutions!”
rtable and I was always in pain with my feet,” said Marguerite. “I needed a wide fitting because of the bunions, but this inevitably meant that the shoes were sloppy on my feet and led to more problems.”
The former HR specialist from Devonport sought help from her GP on a number of occasions, but was advised that the problem could only be solved with surgery. “I was also told that until the pain became unbearable it would not warrant surgery. I couldn’t afford to go privately so I just had to put up with the pain,” she said.
By chance she saw a repeat of the TV programme Dragon’s Den which featured an item about a shoe business which promised relief for people with problems similar to Marguerite.
“I was in Plymouth city centre the very next day and I saw Foot Solutions and realised they offered exactly what had been described in the Dragon’s Den programme.”
Marguerite walked into the Royal Parade store – and acknowledges that it was the most important step in her life.
The experienced team at Foot Solutions carried out a series of tests and analysis and identified the full extent of Marguerite’s challenge.
Foot Solutions supplied insoles to provide arch support which are suitable to wear with high heels, slippers and other types of her shoes.
“I can’t believe what a difference the special insoles have made. I didn’t realise how severe the pain had become – until it had gone!I can now walk tall and enjoy mylife without pain and discomfort,”said Marguerite.
Marguerite – who sings in the choir at Plymouth Cathedral – has also received an unexpected bonus because of Foot Solutions. “My posture was poor due to my fallen arches which restricted my lung capacity and in turn affected my singing. Now I can sing without having to take so many breaths,” said Marguerite.
