Biomechanics

Insoles (otherwise known as Orthotics or Orthoses) can help with a variety of disorders of the foot and ankle, not to mention some other conditions affecting the lower limbs and spine (for example shin splints). By altering the shape of the sole of your foot with an insole, the pressures across the sole of the foot and even the alignment of the legs can be changed. The science behind this is known as biomechanics.

Simple insoles can be purchased on the high street or prescribed and supplied by your surgeon in the Windsor Foot and Ankle Clinic. Sometimes, bespoke insoles are needed, and can be made by a Podiatrist or Orthotist. We work closely with Podiatrists and an Orthotist in the clinic, who can help you if required.

Sometimes splints, supports, braces or immobilisers are necessary to treat conditions affecting the foot and ankle, and we are also able to supply these at the Windsor Foot and Ankle Clinic as appropriate. Foot care professionals allied to the clinic are:

Arun Bhargava, Podiatrist

Mr Arun Bhargava qualified as a State Registered Podiatrist in 1992 with a BSc in Podiatry from the University of Westminster. He is a member of the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists and registered with the Health Professionals Council. Since graduating he has gained extensive experience in the NHS sector in London (Royal Free and Middlesex Hospitals) and Berkshire, as well as in the private sector at the Spire Thames Valley Hospital.

His interests have primarily been in Biomechanics and Gait Analysis, Nail Surgery (with use of local anaesthesia), Rheumatology, Podo-Paediatrics, and Wound Care. Further training has enabled him to administer cortisone injections as well as X-ray reporting after completing courses in IRMER and diagnostic imaging. He is currently completing his Masters in Podiatric Surgery to attain a Fellowship in the Surgical Faculty of the College of Podiatrists.

He works alongside both Mr Dega and Mr Clark in their Foot and Ankle clinics.

Michael O'Neill, Podiatrist

Alan Hews, Orthotist

Alan Hews graduated from Salford University with Honours in Prosthetics and Orthotics in 2003. He is registered with the Health Professions Council as an Orthotist and is a member of the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotist.

He has comprehensive experience in all aspects of orthotic treatment having worked within the NHS in Orthotics at University College London and North Middlesex Hospitals. Alan has been working at Wexham Park and Heatherwood Trust for the past 5 years. He also treats patients with complex biomechaincal pathologies in a Gait Analysis Laboratory outside of Birmingham . He is IRMER registered and has specialised in lower limb Musculo-skeletal Biomechanics. His main interests are complex orthotics and lower limb function with a specific interest in foot orthotics for use in sport. He also works alongside Mr Clark in his foot and ankle clinics

Outside of work he is a keen wakeboarder, skier and snowboarder. He also follows with interest Harlequinns and the England Rugby team. 

Edward Henstridge, Podiatrist (Joining soon)

Edward Henstridge is a Heath Professions Council Registered Podiatrist having achieved an honours degree in Podiatry from the University of Southampton in 1999. Preceding this he also graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University in sports studies where he studied sports injuries and the biomechanics of sports techniques. After graduation he set up and ran a private podiatry company before committing full time to the NHS in 2001. During his time with the NHS he has worked with many multidisciplinary teams including Orthopaedics, Podiatric Surgeons, Endocrine and Vascular consultancy teams. His current specialism includes the prescription and manufacturing of orthoses, assessment and diagnosis of functional foot disorders, biomechanics and complex gait analysis. He is also qualified for use of local anaesthetics and steroids on the foot and ankle. He is IR(ME)R registered. He is a member of several professional bodies and specialist interest groups including the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, the International Foot and Ankle Biomechanics group and the Footwear Biomechanics group
 
Outside of work Edward has played and coached hockey at national level but now plays socially for Newbury Hockey Club, of which he is president. He also organises a real ale festival to help raise money for local good causes. He has a keen interest in rugby, particularly London Irish and cricket. He is married with a young family.