Items filtered by date: May 2023
Avoiding Pain When Standing All Day for Work
Blisters, shin splints, and swollen feet are just a few of the foot problems that can result from standing all day at work. There are various ways to take the load off your feet, during your working hours and after. Some of these include making sure to wear properly fitting, supportive, cushioned, close-toed, and comfortable shoes. Using anti-fatigue mats for repetitive tasks, doing exercises to strengthen the feet and legs for demanding work endurance, and taking regular breaks also help. Massaging your feet and soaking them after work may help relieve aches and pain. There are many other ways to prepare and take care of the feet when you must stand on them for prolonged periods. It is suggested that you visit a chiropodist to find out more.
If you stand all day, you may be at an increased risk of developing various foot conditions. If you are experiencing foot pain of any kind, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Foot Problems Are Caused by Standing?
Standing all day at work may increase your risk of developing foot or ankle problems.
Some common foot conditions that may arise from spending all day on your feet include:
Foot pain
Blisters
Corns and calluses
Arthritis
Flat feet
Bunions
Sprains
Athlete’s foot
Prevention
If you stand for prolonged periods of time for work, taking preventative measures to preserve the health of your feet is strongly recommended.
Measures you can implement to help prevent foot problems include:
Wearing shoes that are comfortable and fit well - these shoes should be made of breathable materials and provide you with arch support and cushioning. It is best to avoid shoes that have heels or narrow toe boxes.
Taking breaks to rest, walk, and stretch your feet throughout the day
Maintaining good foot hygiene - wash and dry your feet thoroughly every day
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!
Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!
Our Culture
Whilst the scope of practice may be slightly different between our two practices; the culture within the two practices is very much the same. (Check out our other blogs on our practice in Weybridge, Surrey, UK, and Niagara Falls, Canada).
The culture of the place has been discussed to some extent in a previous blog which can be viewed here.
However, to get a real appreciation of what life is like it’s always nice to ask others and it is no better reflected than when we ask new graduate and student-visitors attending our practices what their experience has been like. It is pleasure to be able to share the experience below of Ben Morris who joined our Weybridge practice, initially observing and assisting in 2022, just after he completed his MSc in podiatry and Lulian Corila who attended our Niagara Falls, Canada practice as a student during his training at in 2023 for some observational work.
Ben Morris, MRCPod, MSc Pod
“I joined The Footcare Centre in the summer of 2022 after attending the University of Brighton. The team at The Footcare Centre offered me the opportunity to attend the practice prior to my registration to assist in the transition from student to practitioner. Throughout the summer I met the team, shadowed experienced podiatrists and health professionals at the practice. I was able to develop my knowledge of new treatments offered (including needling, Low Level Laser and shockwave therapy) and I was also able to familiarise myself with additional local practitioners to aid with referrals, and observe biomechanical assessment and nail surgery.”
Lulian Corila Student, The Michener Institute, Toronto, Canada
“My Experience in Clinic at the Footcare Centre. This summer I have had the pleasure of shadowing Stuart Berry at his practice where I was able to witness the intricacies of the profession and gain valuable experience in the clinical setting. Being part of their team reinforced my interest in chiropody/podiatry and supplied me with knowledge that I was not able to collect at my school placement.
Working at the Footcare Centre was beneficial as their wide scope of practice made it possible for me to see the variety of pathways that podiatry offers. During my clinical placement at school, most of our visits consisted of routine care which made it difficult for me to apply my knowledge that was gained throughout the semester. After the completion of my first year, I felt that I was knowledgeable in theory but wanting to reinforce all the information I gathered which attracted me to Stuart’s practice. In my first week, I was able to oversee more cases than I did in 4 months’ worth of clinical practice at school, which has not only better prepared me for my second year, but also showed me what private practice is really like. From sport injuries and tenotomies to ischemic ulcers, I realized that the day to day operations of private practice is exactly what I was hoping it would be like.
The most fulfilling aspect of my time at the Footcare Centre was seeing the wide spectrum of ages that come for treatment to Stuart’s practice. We are able to help people return to their regular activities and live the lives that they want through various stages of life. From children to elderly patients, the importance of our profession was magnified to an extent that I was unaware of. In addition to this, seeing how relieved and happy people felt after their visits provided me with a great example of how fulfilling this profession can be.
The Footcare Centre is also fully equipped with technologies and interventions that I have not even learned in school yet. Being in a practice that is up to date is not only a testament to Stuart’s dedication to providing his patients with the best possible care, but is an example of how a practice can continue to better itself which is important.
Stuart’s professionalism, passion and ability to build relationships with his clients and staff reflected in the environment of the clinic that fostered comfort and a family-like feel. It is a perfect model of what a practice should feel like.”
Foot Pain From Using an Elliptical Machine
Some people find the elliptical machine to be an enjoyable and effective form of cardio fitness. These machines typically include an arm workout along with the movement of the legs. It is important to use these machines properly as repetitive stepping motion can cause foot pain. Heel pain is often a risk of using such machines in the wrong way. Some things to tend to when relying on this form of exercise include wearing running shoes that are comfortable and supportive, stretching the feet before embarking on a workout, and making sure feet are placed flat on the pedals of the machine rather than pushing off from the toes. If you use the elliptical machine as a form of exercise and would like to learn more about using it safely, it is suggested that you consult with a chiropodist for more advice.
Injuries to the foot and ankle are very common among athletes. If you have experienced an injury, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Common Injuries Among Athletes:
Achilles tendon injuries
Ankle strains or sprains
Plantar fasciitis
Fractures
Turf toe
Joint dislocations
Sever’s disease
Morton’s neuroma
Symptoms
Symptoms will depend on the cause and severity of the injury. Common symptoms for a foot or ankle injury include pain, swelling, tenderness, bruising, a reduced range of motion, and difficulty bearing weight or walking on the affected foot or ankle.
Diagnosis
Sports injuries are typically diagnosed after carefully examining the affected foot or ankle. This includes moving the injured area to test its range of motion. Medical history will need to be provided, as well as detailed information about how the injury occurred. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs, may be used to confirm or rule out certain diagnoses.
Treatment
Just like symptoms, treatment will depend on the type of injury and its severity. Initial treatment for many sports injuries is aimed at controlling inflammation and promoting the healing response. The acronym R.I.C.E is a helpful guide to implement for most acute injuries. This method involves resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot or ankle. In addition, anti-inflammatory medications may be administered and orthotic devices may be prescribed. For more severe injuries, surgery may be required. Lastly, rehabilitation or physical therapy may be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Reasons Cracked Heels Can Develop
Mildly cracked heels may feel better when a good moisturizer is applied daily. This is a foot condition that can happen for various reasons, including standing on hard surfaces for most of the day. It may also occur from wearing shoes that have an open back, such as flip flops, or possibly from washing the feet with harsh soaps. There may be existing medical conditions that can cause cracked heels to develop. This condition may be common for diabetic patients to get, who are often aware of the serious consequences if prompt medical attention is not received. Many people who are diabetic are unable to feel cuts on their feet, and cracked skin on the heels may rapidly become infected. Some people get cracked heels from a vitamin deficiency, or from a skin or thyroid disorder. If you have cracked heels, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a chiropodist who can provide you with the correct treatment techniques.
Dry, cracked heels are more than a cosmetic inconvenience. For many people, they are uncomfortable, deep, painful, and may even bleed. If you suffer from cracked heels, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility.
Causes
Prolonged standing
Wearing open-back shoes
Wearing shoes that don’t cushion the heels
Living in a cold or dry climate
Taking long, hot showers
Not moisturizing the heels
Eczema
Psoriasis
Palmoplantar keratoderma
Juvenile plantar dermatosis
Treatments
Soaking the feet
Exfoliating with a pumice stone
Moisturizing the heels
Wearing closed-back shoes that cushion heels
Avoiding prolonged standing
Taking warm, rather than hot, showers
Treating underlying skin conditions
While milder cases of cracked heels can be treated at home, some patients present with deep, painful, bleeding heel fissures that are at risk of becoming infected and may require medical care. Additionally, patients with diabetes or any other conditions that affect the immune system should be monitored by a chiropodist.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Do You Suffer From Painful Feet?
Painful deformities, such as hammertoes, can be treated. Stop living with foot pain, and have beautiful feet again!
How Did I Get a Bunionette?
The side of the pinky toe can be an area where a bunion develops. It is referred to as a bunionette, or tailor’s bunion, and may happen from wearing shoes that are too tight. This can cause a misalignment in the metatarsal bone, and the toe ligaments may gradually weaken. The pinky toe may become deformed, as the toe squeezes into the shoes. Additionally, having tight calf muscles may lead to developing a tailor’s bunion, which can be a result of extra pressure that is exerted on the outside of the foot. Mild relief may be found when a protective pad is worn over the bunion, and it can help to wear shoes that have large toe areas. Having surgery performed to permanently remove the bunion may be an option if the pain becomes unbearable. If you have developed a bunionette, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist who can properly treat this condition.
Bunions progressively worsen over time and may cause walking in your shoes to become difficult. To learn more about bunions, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Are Bunions?
A bunion is a bony bump that protrudes from the base of the big toe. Bunions are caused due to a misalignment of the first metatarsal. The characteristic bump of a bunion forms when the metatarsal shifts outwards from its proper position. Bunions develop slowly over time and progressively worsen without treatment. The skin over the bunion may develop calluses due to the friction from shoes. Eventually, a bunion can make walking uncomfortable or even painful. Bunions are one of the most common foot deformities and are especially common in women and older adults.
Symptoms
A bunion appears as a bulging bump on the outside of the base of the big toe.
The bunion may also:
Be swollen, red, or sore
Develop corns or calluses over it
Cause pain
Limit the big toe’s range of motion
Treatment
There are several different treatments available for bunions. Conservative treatment options include wearing shoes with a wider toe box, cushioning the bunion with a specialized pad, wearing shoe inserts, icing the bunion if it becomes inflamed, and taking medications to relieve pain. In more severe cases, more invasive procedures may be done. This may involve removing the swollen tissue around the bunion, straightening the big toe, realigning the bones at the front of the foot, or a combination of these procedures.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs
Inflamed Tibial Nerve and Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
The tibial nerve is found within the tarsal tunnel that is located in the back of the ankle. An injury can cause this nerve to become compressed or irritated, which may lead to tarsal tunnel syndrome. This is a narrow area, and may become swollen if a sprained ankle has occurred. Additionally, there may be an existing bone spur or varicose veins that can cause this condition. Patients who have medical conditions such as flat feet, high arches, diabetes, or a thyroid disorder may be prone to having this ailment. Common symptoms include foot and toe pain, and overall weakness in the foot. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is generally confirmed by having an examination performed. The inability to move the toes may lead to a positive diagnosis, which may be followed by having a nerve biopsy done. Treatment may include performing specific stretches, in addition to elevating the foot as often as possible. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you confer with a chiropodist who can guide you toward additional treatment methods.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome can cause pain and progress over time. If you are experiencing any symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the posterior tibial nerve, which is located within a structure called the tarsal tunnel on the inside of the ankle, is squeezed. Compression of the posterior tibial nerve can be caused by injuries, such as ankle sprains, systemic diseases like diabetes or arthritis, strain on the tarsal tunnel due to flat feet, or an enlarged structure like a cyst squeezing the nerve.
Symptoms
Symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear suddenly and are generally worsened by physical activity.
Common symptoms include:
Tingling, burning, or electrical shock sensation on the inside of the ankle or bottom of the foot
Numbness
Shooting pain
Diagnosis
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is diagnosed through physical examination. If initial treatment is ineffective, imaging or nerve studies may also be necessary.
Treatment
Nonsurgical treatments for tarsal tunnel syndrome include resting and icing the foot, bracing or immobilizing the foot, wearing an orthotic device, modifying your footwear, and taking medications to relieve pain. Surgery may be needed if nonsurgical treatments are ineffective.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
