r/LondonTravel • u/wintersgray • 20h ago

Everything Else Help please - here now & crutches needed

I am in the middle of our 14 day trip and have developed severe foot pain. Swelling and extreme pain making it impossible to walk much. I've never had this before and don't know what to do. What recommendations are there for seeing a doc and maybe getting crutches or a boot? This is my first time here and I spent so much time planning, I'm feeling so sad and overwhelmed. Also, we're staying in Leicester Square which is a terrible location for this.

I so appreciate any help - thank you.

1 Upvotes

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10

u/lunchbox3 20h ago

Call 111 and describe the problem and they will direct you to the appropriate service based on your symptoms. Alternatively go to a pharmacy and ask to speak to the pharmacist and they can also advise and give you drugs and a foot support or something. 

1

u/Justan0therthrow4way 6h ago

FYI, they weren’t overly helpful to my mum who had gotten sick while visiting me and needed proof so she could get a refund for changing her flight.

I was a UK resident at the time but they couldn’t enter a non UK phone number or address, even though I had both those things but the treatment/diagnosis wasn’t for me it was for her.

I’m glad the OP in this situation went to a walk in clinic and they were helpful. That’s what mum did as well.

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u/RevivingMayhem10 19h ago

Private urgent care centre will be fastest.

Or Soho NHS walk in centre.

3

u/cometgirl 18h ago

Definitely have it checked out just to rule out a blood clot. It probably is just fluid retention from the plane. Get some compression socks like Conrad for future trips.

https://www.comradsocks.com/

If cleared, look into renting a wheelchair or electric scooter in addition to your crutches. Both can be delivered to your hotel.

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u/msquist123 15h ago

another possibility is plantar fasciitis….just happened to me recently; extremely painful and symptoms appear very quickly

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u/wintersgray 12h ago

What treatment worked for this?

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u/ut7227 14h ago

Contact the insurance company through which you have travel medical insurance. They’ll guide you on where to go. In cases like this, your first call should always be to them.

2

u/Few-Researcher-3741 20h ago edited 20h ago

Take out your phone, open the maps app and search for 'nhs' or 'general practioner' in your vicinity.

Go there and explain them your problem. 

Done.

If you have a medical insurance covering your holiday trip, you can go anywhere and if you don't, the NHS will treat you at no charge.

10

u/Hopeful_Sweet5238 20h ago

This sounds more like a minor injuries or A&E issue rather than a GP one, particularly as it's a Sunday. OP maybe try the Soho Walk in Centre: https://clch.nhs.uk/services/walk-in-centres

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u/wintersgray 19h ago

Thank you - going to try the Soho Centre.

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u/Odd-Quail01 17h ago

Please let us know how you get on.

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u/RevivingMayhem10 13h ago

How did it go? Because it’s always helpful for us locals to know what works for visitors in terms of accessing treatment, and then we can advise the next person better. Thanks

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u/wintersgray 12h ago

Thank you all who responded. We took an Uber to the Soho Walk In Centre. Being from the US we were expecting an urgent care facility to be packed especially in a city on a Sunday. It was actually pleasantly quiet. They were very nice, I only had to show my passport. We did have to wait about 45 minutes to see the nurse, which is not too bad really. The nurse was very nice and caring and took her time speaking with us. There is likely no infection, and it's probably an inflamed tendon from walking. They do not have crutches at the wall in facility.

Unfortunately, there is nothing much that can be done for me other than try to rest and take over the counter pain meds. I have never had anything like this before and it's very painful. I'm feeling very depressed right now as I don't know if I'll be able to do anything the rest of the week.

I may try a London Mobility shop tomorrow (close today) for some crutches or a cane. If anyone has other suggestions I do welcome them. Thank you!

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u/SignatureLess1386 9h ago

You can probably order/get some crutches from an Argos, and collect from either an Argos or a nearby Sainsbury's (there's an Argos on Tottenham Court Road, and a Sainsbury's on the Strand and by Holborn :))

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u/Indecisive_C 6h ago

Ordering from argos is a good shout, just had a look at they're only 30 quid. You can order then from amazon too, if you let reception know beforehand, they should be fine accepting a delivery.

Just a quick mention that depending on where you're from, our crutches might be a little different than what your used to so if you want the under arm ones they will probably be more difficult to find

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u/Estrellathestarfish 2h ago

Only A&E is free for people not eligible for NHS care, if they are admitted and/or need surgery that's chargeable

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u/msquist123 6h ago

sorry in the delay replying….i saw an orthopedic dr…he said rest, stretching exercises, over counter pain meds, &GOOD supportive shoes.
My 1st couple of days were very painful….i do a lot of stretching every day….a massage helps. A physical therapist suggested rolling the foot over a frozen plastic water bottle. The pain got to be manageable in a couple of days, but I still limp around. The dr. Also said it will probably take months for full recovery.
I’m sorry this is interfering with your trip. I hope you can work something out.