David Crome

David and Sylvia Crome, from Dobwalls, have been married for 46 years and it is fair to say that expert help from Foot Solutions transformed their lives.



David was told by a surgeon that, in basic terms, his foot had completely collapsed. He was in constant pain and had stopped daily walks with their dog. He lost interest in visiting National Trust gardens with Sylvia, and found simple tasks like walking upstairs and getting in and out of cars diffi cult. He was offered surgery to fuse ankle and toe joints but David and his surgeon were both reluctant.


“The recovery time was anywhere up to 6 months, and I needed follow up surgery too, with an equally long period out of action,” said David. “I decided to just stay on painkillers and try to cope.”


As well as limiting his walking, that coping included changing the car for one that was easier to get into, ordering a special ‘easy to get out of’ chair and even converting part of their home to a downstairs bedroom.

Fortunately, on a shopping trip in Plymouth, Sylvia found Foot Solutions. David visited them in May, and following a thorough assessment his bespoke arch supports were ready two weeks later – with stunning results.


“It was an immediate transformation,” said David, “I rated the pain as 8 or 9 out of 10; now it was just two or three. My foot position was hugely improved and I could walk much better.”


Sylvia noticed the difference straight away: “I couldn’t believe the change,” she said, “He was two inches taller, stood straight, he lost his stoop and his shoulders were back. Before, he got short of breath so easily, due to stooping, now he is much better – all from just having the arch supports!”


Other noticeable changes include less pain in his hips and knees, and some unexpected changes that Sylvia is pleased about: “He’d become short tempered and unsociable because of the pain. Now he’s completely different. He’s more patient and interested in things, we can visit gardens, he walks the dog every day. We’ve always enjoyed doing things together, now we can do that again.”


“David’s whole personality has lifted,” says Sylvia. “My husband has got his life back, and I just can’t thank Foot Solutions enough.”

Steve Morgan

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.

Colin Haylock MBE

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.”

Heather Paine

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.”