Andrea Mahn

Recruitment manager Andrea Mahn was in so much pain with her feet that she could barely walk at times.

This fit and active 40-year-old had for 18 months been suffering from a common condition called plantar fasciitis – sometimes known as policeman’s heel – which is a painful inflammation of the connective tissue on the sole of the foot.



“I had treatments by an osteopath, a physiotherapist and a sports therapist but nothing really eased the pain,” said Andrea. In her job for Working Links she has to drive, walk and stand a lot but life was becoming unbearable. She is also an enthusiastic runner and her favourite hobby was suffering due to this extremely painful condition.


“I was taking painkillers all the time and it got so bad that I couldn’t even walk down my stairs at home.” she said.


Then Andrea saw an advert for Foot Solutions in Plymouth and decided to pay them a visit. “I just turned up hoping that someone would be able to help me,” she said. “and it was the best decision I have ever made.

“The staff were knowledgeable, helpful and attentive and after about half an hour of tests and examinations they identified the problem. It was the most fantastic service I could have imagined.”


The Foot Solutions team adapted all of Andrea’s trainers and also provided her with a special device to help stretch her foot at night time.


“I wore the device at night and it gave me immediate relief from the pain, allowing me to sleep better.

“But when the special insoles were fitted in my shoes it made a 100 per cent difference.


“I had faced the prospect of never being able to wear high heels – but I can now wear a beautiful pair (which I bought from Foot Solutions) for 14 hours a day if I have to.


“The great thing about Foot Solutions is that the shoes are very fashionable too. I was genuinely surprised at the choice of stylish high heeled shoes available.”


“Now I don’t suffer at all. I can do my job and my running, the difference being I enjoy the experience, rather than being in constant pain.


“I will never buy shoes anywhere else again but Foot Solutions. I have already recommended my
mother and a number of friends to them.”


Andrew Scowcroft of Foot Solutions said: “Plantar fasciitis is like a hidden epidemic. We see dozens of people coming into our Plymouth store every month and we have extremely good success rates with this and other debilitating conditions.”

March 28, 2025
Steve Morgan loves attending concerts at London’s many music venues.  However, in recent years, his enjoyment has been increasingly marred by foot and back pain that prevented him standing for prolonged periods. A keen sportsman, Steve, 44, has a high pain threshold, but about a year ago the discomfort became debilitating, limiting both his mobility and quality of life. Recommended by a work colleague whose mother had been successfully treated for a similar complaint, Steve made an appointment for a free, no obligation assessment at Foot Solutions. “The assessment was detailed, rigorous and really interesting” explains Steve. “All the consultants at Foot Solutions are highly-trained specialists and really know their stuff. I learnt that I have over-pronating feet which means that my arches flatten on impact with the ground. The recommended treatment was customised arch supports. The consultant explained the benefits without applying any sales pressure. After consideration, I decided to proceed with the purchase.” Have the arch supports helped? “They’ve been an absolute godsend” says Steve, “The foot pain has been massively reduced and the back pain has completely gone. I can now enjoy a night out with hardly any discomfort. Plus, my balance and posture have improved so much that I’ve realised that I’m taller than people I thought were bigger than me!” Would he recommend Foot Solutions? “Definitely” confirms Steve, “Foot Solutions are massive in America and it’s easy to see why. The assessment process is excellent, the products are superb and the staff are outstanding.” If you’re suffering from foot, back or joint pain, contact Foot Solutions today to arrange a free foot and gait analysis.
March 28, 2025
Although officially retired as a Consultant Maxillofacial Prosthetist, Colin Haylock MBE still travels the world using his specialist life-changing skills to help rebuild people’s faces.  However, following a motorcycle accident which left his left foot badly deformed, Colin’s mobility was significantly restricted. “I was really struggling,” explains Colin, currently an honorary tutor at Guys Medical School. “Following the accident, my movement became painful and awkward and I had to drag my left foot sideways. The problem was accentuated during my travels when I was on my feet a lot of the time.” At first, Colin sought help from the usual channels, visiting casualty, a physiotherapist and even an orthoptist who prescribed rigid (and uncomfortable) half-sole inserts. Unfortunately, nothing worked. Then Colin decided to visit Foot Solutions in Richmond. “I’d been aware of the Foot Solutions free foot assessment offer for some time,” adds Colin “then one Sunday morning I called in to the store. I’m so glad I did because that visit changed my life for the better.” Colin was seen by Foot Solutions consultant Asif, who after taking a full case history, performed a series of tests and scans which identified in addition to the injury, a fallen arch which was exacerbating the problem. “Asif was extremely patient and thorough,” continues Colin, “he recommended custom-made arch supports and advised on suitable footwear, but applied no sales pressure.” Colin accepted Asif’s recommendations and followed his detailed instructions on how to use the arch supports. “I can now walk normally with virtually no discomfort,” says a delighted Colin, “Foot Solutions is a very good product and I am happy to endorse it.”
March 28, 2025
Food Scientist turned designer jeweller, Heather Paine was finding her mobility and comfort increasingly marred by the effect of arthritis in her ankles and feet. This was exacerbated by a painful condition known as hammer toes, where the toe joints curl downwards, causing friction with footwear. After enduring much discomfort, Heather eventually had an operation in an attempt to reduce the pain. Following the surgery, she was prescribed rigid, three-quarter length standard orthotics, which could only be used in a limited range of very unflattering footwear. “I came across Foot Solutions in Richmond, and decided to call in. I was very patiently and thoroughly taken through a detailed foot assessment process including two scans. Custom arch supports were recommended and I was shown a selection of stylish, comfortable and orthotic-friendly shoes.  After I was fitted with my new orthotics and footwear, the improvement has been dramatic. Life is a lot less painful and I can wear nice shoes, sandals and boots. I recently went to Brazil and spent a lot of time on my feet without any discomfort! I am more than happy to recommend Foot Solutions.”