THIS Kendal based health centre specialist has earned its nomination for our Trader of the Week for always putting its best foot forward.

Z.W. Foot & Ankle specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of the foot, ankle and associated structures.

The business was founded in September 2017 by Podiatrist and businesswoman, Zoe Wilson.

The Westmorland Gazette: TRADER: Podiatrist, business woman and entrepreneur, Zoe Wilson, nominated for Trader of the Week TRADER: Podiatrist, business woman and entrepreneur, Zoe Wilson, nominated for Trader of the Week

Zoe has a Bachelor of Science degree in Podiatry or Podiatric Medicine (BSc Hons) and a Master’s degree in Theory of Podiatric Surgery.

In 2021, Zoe will launch Z.W. Footcare, a new eco-friendly skincare range which is a natural alternative to chemically based footcare.

The Westmorland Gazette: TRADING: Z.W. Foot & Ankle, based in Kendal, is a leading health care organisation for foot careTRADING: Z.W. Foot & Ankle, based in Kendal, is a leading health care organisation for foot care

Zoe said: “Personal appointments that might otherwise have been delayed, because of a job for instance, have been possible for those who haven’t been able to work in the usual way. I’m delighted that clients are putting foot health first; it’s so important.

“My journey into the profession started with my own personal ‘pain.

The Westmorland Gazette: WORKING: Best foot forward for foot clinic, Z.W. Foot and Ankle, as they ‘boom’ in lockdownWORKING: Best foot forward for foot clinic, Z.W. Foot and Ankle, as they ‘boom’ in lockdown

“As a child, I visited numerous podiatrist, before being inspired by a Yorkshire-based specialist whose use of Custom-Made Orthoses (insoles) solved my problems. After that, I was hooked.

“I knew helping people through podiatry would bring me reward and joy; it has!” says Zoe, who describes her work as human interaction combined with ‘solving a problem’. She thinks of herself much like an engineer and credits her Master’s with enabling her to apply practical learning with theory-based study.

The Westmorland Gazette: WORKING: Best foot forward for foot clinic, Z.W. Foot and Ankle, as they ‘boom’ in lockdownWORKING: Best foot forward for foot clinic, Z.W. Foot and Ankle, as they ‘boom’ in lockdown

“I was taught the importance of a thorough history, assessment and treatment plan, which may or may not progress to the last resort of surgical management.”

The practice offers a vast array of services from routine Podiatry care, vascular assessments, neurological assessments, bio-mechanical assessments, Custom Made Orthotics, stretching and strengthening regimes, extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), nail surgery, verrucae management, steroid injection therapy, footwear, specialist sport services and diabetic foot care.

Launching Z.W. Foot & Ankle three years ago was a huge step, but Zoe has worked tirelessly to now offer a ‘one stop shop’ of services, from routine care to custom orthoses, braces, shockwave therapy, steroid injection therapy, minor surgery and footwear. Knowledge, education and a patient-centric approach has seen her become one the region’s most successful specialists, attending on-going conferences and events to ensure she remains one step ahead.

The Westmorland Gazette: TRADING: Nominations for trader of the week TRADING: Nominations for trader of the week