Footnotes
“I highly recommend Total Foot Health. Everything you would expect from a highly developed team.
I visited for an assessment of ongoing foot problems. I was very impressed by the entire team’s experience, from the reception staff through to the clinical team. Mr. Owen conducted a very thorough history and assessment of my feet. A plan has been put in place with follow-up arrangements made. It was a very prompt and efficient service all around.
Thank you“
If your feet could speak, what would they say?
“Don’t underestimate the benefits of bamboo socks”
Perhaps you’ve seen them in the shops, stacked smugly next to your usual brand of socks and giving off an air of superiority? If so, you’ve probably also noticed that they are slightly more expensive. Maybe you’ve even touched them and, whilst reluctantly agreeing that they are notably softer, dismissed them as just being a fad and making a mental note not to buy into the hype.
Does any of that sound familiar? Then let me tell you why you should try a pair (or 3) before completely ruling them out.
Bamboo is a very absorbent fibre. This means that it is extremely effective at wicking moisture away from the skin which, in turn, helps to keep fungal infections at bay.
Bamboo is a more breathable fibre than both cotton and wool which can help to keep your feet smelling fresher for longer.
Bamboo is hypoallergenic which aids comfort and naturally antibacterial which helps to prevent foot infections.
Bamboo is a thermo-regulating fibre so keeps your feet cool in the summer and warm in the winter – the ideal sock for year-round wear.
Bamboo socks are extremely soft and silk like which reduces friction in your shoe and lessens your chance of developing blisters.
Bamboo plants are carbon neutral, self-generating, fast growing and need less water which makes bamboo fabric extremely eco-friendly.
Furthermore, we sell an array of competitively priced bamboo blend socks at Total Foot Health (including ones that have been specifically designed for diabetics). Please feel free to pop in to our clinic at 31 Brown Street, Salisbury SP1 2AS and have a look – and if we don’t have the colour and size that you are looking for, we will happily try to source them for you.
DISCOVER THE BOUNTIFUL BENEFITS OF BAMBOO
JUSTINE’S CORNER
THE NEW EMTRIX FOOT MASK
(An honest review)
The new Emtrix Foot Mask – designed to gently nourish and exfoliate cracked heels and dry skin.
One of the many perks of my job is reviewing new products before we decide if we want to sell them in clinic and this week I had the pleasure of trying the new Emtrix foot mask.
The first thing that I noticed was the quality of the two plastic sockettes. Whilst the ‘Aesthetics
Department’ were clearly not involved in the design process, it is obvious that this is a quality product.
Upon removing the seal on each sockette, I was quite overwhelmed by the scent of tea tree oil. Luckily, it is one of my favourite smells but it would be remiss of me not to mention it in my review.
Putting the (one size) slippers on my size 7 feet wasn’t exactly a challenge, but it did take some effort. They do need to be a snug fit in order for the product to come in contact with the feet and for them to stay in place, but it would be a struggle for anyone with larger feet to use.
I loved the cool, silky soft sensation of the product and enjoyed relaxing with my feet up while it worked its magic. The instructions specifically stated that I shouldn’t walk in the sockettes but, in the interest of providing a comprehensive and complete review, I decided to ignore the advice and gave them a whirl around my lounge. It proved to be a little challenging as my feet slipped precariously around inside, but the socks themselves were sturdy enough to withstand the physically activity. The warning is clearly one about your safety and the risk of slipping.
The prescribed 20 minutes was soon up. My feet had begun to feel a bit sweaty in their perfumed encasement so I was quite eager to release them. I immediately noticed how soft they felt. Being mindful of the task in hand, I scrutinised them in detail and was suitably impressed by the results which I can now confirm lasted a good few days.
That said, I’m not sure that I would recommend this foot mask as a replacement to regular podiatry care and / or moisturising. It would, however, be an excellent pre-holiday pamper or a boost for when life gets in the way and you perhaps neglect your feet for a while.
These are now available to buy at Total Foot Health.
Pop in to see our full selection of fabulous tried and tested foot care products at 31 Brown Street, Salisbury.
DO YOU HATE EXCERSISE?
You are not alone and one of the main reasons is that, intrinsically, we are not meant to exercise.
Our forefathers never exercised in the interest of keeping fit. Rather, they were fit as a result of the daily activities they had to undertake in order to survive. Hunter-gatherers would regularly walk 10-15 miles a day in search of food. Once found, this food would need to be physically carried back to camp. So, if the thought of a jog or gym sessions fills you with horror and dread, it’s because exercising for ‘fun’ is an alien concept as our bodies automatically want us to reserve energy for more life preserving tasks.
As modern-day living has removed our need to maintain an optimum level of fitness for survival, it is so important to make time for exercise in order to maximise your longevity. And the good news is, it is never too late to start.
Whilst January is officially ‘Walk Your Dog’ month, you don’t actually need a dog to appreciate the physical and mental benefits of going for a walk.
In fact, walking is considered the most recommended activity to help reduce the impact of many diseases on the body.
What you do need, however, is to ensure your feet are ready for any new physical challenges. At Total Foot Health we offer both general podiatry appointments (for all issues concerning the outside of the foot) as well as specialist musculoskeletal (MSK) podiatry appointments (for all issues concerning the inside of your foot).
Our general podiatry appointments include nail cutting and callus and corn removal as standard, as well has advice on the treatment of more complex conditions such as ingrown toenails, verrucae and fungal infections. We offer treatment options on all common foot issues but please note that additional charges and varying timescales apply.
Our MSK podiatry appointments typically start with a bio-mechanical assessment. This is a comprehensive diagnostic appointment which will highlight all your internal foot issues. Your podiatrist will also discuss treatment options and follow up their findings in a letter.
Alternatively, if you feel that your feet deserve a little pamper, perhaps as a reward for achieving an exercise goal. We offer a range of therapeutic appointments such as a medical pedicure or a warm wax treatment.
If a more strenuous activity is preferred, our rehabilitation specialist can assist with exercises to enhance your pursuit of peak performance. By tailoring his intervention, he will enable your body to perform at its absolute best within your chosen discipline.
Call us today on 01722 340057 to make an appointment or book online at www.totalfoothealth.co.uk.
Let us help you to help yourself.
INGROWN TOENAILS
What is an ingrown toenail (onychocryptosis)?
An ingrown toenail is when the sides of the nails (usually on the big toe) grow into and pierce the surrounding skin. It can be extremely painful and become inflamed or infected.
Why do they occur?
There are many reasons why a toenail may grow into your skin and here at Total Foot Health we can offer advice and treatment to prevent ingrowing toenails as well as treating them. These include:
- Your posture (a Video Gait Analysis appointment would help to highlight any issues).
- Your gait (a Video Gait Analysis appointment would help to highlight any issues).
- Foot deformities (eg: bunions).
- Foot pronation (custom made orthotics could help to align the foot and ankle).
- Tight footwear or socks (we sell an array of podiatry approved socks).
- Fungal infections.
- Inadequate toenail cutting.
Do I need to see a podiatrist?
You should see a podiatrist if you suspect that you have an ingrown toenail as the quicker you address the nail, the less painful the treatment will be. It is particularly important to seek ourl advice if:
- You have signs of infection (we can now supply a range of antibiotics).
- You have diabetes.
- You have poor circulation.
- You have a reduced immune system.
- You are experiencing pain.
What treatment is available?
The offending spike of nail needs to be removed. How it is removed depends upon the severity of the condition. For people who are prone to ingrown toenails, your podiatrist will recommend a Partial Nail Ablation (PNA). This is a procedure where part of the nail is removed under local anaesthetic. A chemical called phenol is used to prevent regrowth and you will be left with a permanently (but not particularly noticeable) narrower nail.
If you do need a PNA, NOW is the perfect time to address your ingrown toenail(s) because:
- The weather is too ghastly to be outside which means you have plenty of time to rest and recover.
- Your toe(s) will be healed in time for summer and ‘sandal season’.
- TFH offers a discount for your second foot – as long as the procedure takes place within 4 weeks of your initial surgery – should this be required.
- TFH offers a guarantee – if your nail grows back within 6 months of y our initial surgery we will repeat the procedure for free.
Call us on 01722 340057 to book an appointment.