Footwear developed by Newcastle-based, Peacocks Medical Group, has totally transformed the life of sports and fitness enthusiast, Jennifer Seaton.
61-year-old, Jennifer from Gateshead, was born with a congenital deformity in her right foot. Aged nine-months-old she had surgery to help correct this and subsequent surgery continued throughout her childhood and adulthood.
Each operation improved the functionality until the most recent operation that occurred in 2015 when Jennifer was advised to have mid foot amputation to address a bone growth issue.
Prior to the amputation, Jennifer wore surgical shoes up until her mid-teens and then was able to wear flat shoes, trainers and walking boots and had always been a keen sports participant. From school days she enjoyed hockey, rounders and sprinting through to tennis, squash, running and distance walking in adulthood.
Jennifer, retired from social care following the mid foot amputation as it was no longer feasible, whilst there were on-going problems with the stump and she was no longer able to participate in the hobbies that she once enjoyed.
In recent years, Jennifer was referred to Peacocks Medical Group and in 2020 she worked extensively with the orthotics team who applied their specialist skills and expertise to create a protype cross orthotic infill which acts as a running shoe. The impact has been transformational.
Jennifer, said: “Having been born with a congenital foot deformity I was able to manage my condition until a complication occurred. Amputation was deemed the best option. Prior to this I was able to work full-time, play tennis, enjoyed cycling and wore flat shoes, boots and running shoes.
“I was reassured that although I would have a stump, I would still be able to participate in the lifestyle I once enjoyed. However, following surgery part of the stump was still deformed and over time the bones moved forming a painful lump of bone in the stump.
“I was referred to the orthotics team at Peacocks Medical Group under the care of clinical lead orthotist, Mark Walbank and Craig Dixon, manufacture planning manager, who I cannot praise enough. They listened to me, understood the problems and developed a protype that meets my needs.
“The footwear developed by Peacocks Medical Group has made a significant difference as following the mid foot amputation I was subsequently presented with problems in all forms of footwear.
“Through listening and working with me, they adapted an original large infill which enabled me to wear a shoe but not feel the end of the shoe, which was highly problematic when walking. Thanks to their skills I now not only have a running shoe but they are currently in the process of devising a cycling shoe for me.”
Established in 1903, Peacocks is a multi-award-winning, family-run group, employing 140 staff, providing outstanding care in the delivery of both clinical services and medical equipment to the NHS and the private sector, nationally.
Operating across the UK, Peacocks provides orthotic clinical services, orthoses and custom-made footwear. Within these services it prescribes and provides devices that support, protect or improve the function of a limb or the torso.
Peacocks, is at the forefront of orthotic service, having achieved national and international recognition within the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (BAPO) and the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotists (ISPO) for its expertise in specialities as diverse as orthopaedics, rheumatology, neurology, paediatrics, diabetes and spinal orthotics. It has more than 25 orthotists, who run clinics in hospitals and community healthcare locations across the UK.
Mark Walbank, clinical lead at Peacocks Medical Group, said: “Jennifer has been a superb patient to work with and a complete pleasure. Her high motivation along with her positive mental attitude has helped her overcome so many challenges following excision of bony prominence following previous tarsometatarsal mid foot amputations at the RVI Freeman Hospital in Newcastle. I am looking forward to continuing our fabulous orthotics progress.”