Sports injury specialist helps podiatry students get, set and go

University of Northampton’s podiatry students are getting steps ahead of their peers with the appointment of a new lecturer who specialises in rehab for people with running injuries.

Connor Ratcliffe joined the podiatry team as an Associate Lecturer, juggling this with his responsibilities as owner of The Running Shop in Northampton, a specialist footwear outlet for professional or amateur runners.

Students will benefit from his specialist area in developing rehabilitation exercise programmes for people with lower limb injuries, identifying correct orthotics (insoles) and looking at weight and load issues as people walk and run.

Connor, a Northamptonian who himself studied with the University of Northampton’s podiatry team, is helping students get immediate, hands-on experience as they put their theoretical knowledge to good use on real patients at the University of Northampton’s Podiatry Clinic in Northampton.

Commenting on his appointment, Connor said: “Coming back to work with the podiatry team here was a no-brainer. I love Northampton and was bowled over by the subject team and facilities at my disposal when I was a student.

“What students get from our course is an immediate, full-on, practical application of classroom theory. The same week you are taught something, you will be doing it with actual patients, giving students that extra bit of experience all through their studies.

“As a new, associate lecturer I’m hoping to bring a fresh take on podiatry, especially sport injuries and rehab and give students the confidence to treat people whom they might think need referring to other health professionals.”

Find out more about the podiatry course at University of Northampton.