Podiatrist Liam McManus - Introduction

In this episode, Liam McManus from South West Podiatry in London shares his insights on foot care, particularly for runners. He mentions that approximately 20% of runners currently experience foot problems. Liam explains his role as a podiatrist specializing in musculoskeletal issues, which involves assessing movement-related problems in the lower limbs using advanced techniques like ultrasound and gait analysis.

The discussion also clarifies the distinction between podiatrists and chiropodists, with the former being the modern term for foot specialists. Liam recounts his experiences treating runners post-marathon, highlighting the severe foot injuries such as blisters and toenail issues he has encountered. He emphasizes the importance of wearing properly sized shoes, suggesting that runners should choose shoes at least a half to a full size larger than their usual size to accommodate swelling during runs.

Additionally, Liam touches on the topic of gait analysis, explaining that many assessments done in stores do not analyze full movement patterns but rather focus on basic foot mechanics. He encourages listeners to prioritize comfort when selecting shoes and to seek professional assessments for serious concerns. The episode wraps up by teasing future discussions on common foot ailments like athlete's foot, blisters, and plantar fasciitis, ensuring that foot care remains a central focus for runners.