Footnotes
“I went to Total Foot Health for toenail surgery a few weeks ago. I could not recommend them enough. The podiatrists performing my surgery were knowledgeable and friendly and put me at ease despite my nerves. Most importantly, the surgery went well and the excellent aftercare continues to ensure that everything is as it should be.”
If your feet could speak, what would they say?
“Just because you can’t see me, please don’t forget about me”
Typically, it seems to be a case of ‘out of sight, out of mind’ for our feet during the winter months. Encased in thick warms socks or tights, we barely acknowledge their existence at a time when they need us more than ever.
The cold weather dries out our skin and nails which weakens them over time and makes them more susceptible to damage (e.g.: cracked heels) and infections.
Compression from wearing ill-fitting shoes can lead to bunions, hammertoes and plantar fasciitis.
Constant friction from footwear can cause corns and calluses.
Wearing socks that don’t wick away moisture creates a breeding ground for fungal infections.
Prolonged exposure to cold air can cause chilblains or, if exposed to freezing temperatures for long periods of time, frostbite.
Neuropathy conditions such as Morton’s neuroma can be exacerbated by colder temperatures.
These conditions can affect anyone, but are especially prevalent for people who have circulation problems, diabetes and/or neuropathy.
We do understand why people might only address an issue when it arises, but we strongly recommend taking action before a problem occurs by having regular podiatry appointments. Call us on 01722 340057 to book an appointment or, alternatively, book online at www.totalfoothealth.co.uk.
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” – Benjamin Franklin
JUSTINE’S CORNER
REFLEXOLOGY
(An honest review)
Reflexology is based on the premise that all the body’s systems and organs are reflected in the feet, hands, ears and face. Stimulation of the nerves in these areas helps to release stress which, in turn, encourages the body to heal and regenerate itself. Reflexology is a low-risk complimentary therapy that can be used alongside conventional medical intervention.
Here at Total Foot Health we are absolutely delighted to announce that our very own Rebecca Billington is now a qualified reflexologist who will be working mainly with the feet. Appointments with Rebecca will be available in 2024, but I was lucky enough to have a sneak preview of what to expect.
Whilst a reflexologist cannot cure, diagnose or prescribe different conditions, they can relieve any symptoms, pain and discomfort that is present in the body as the result of stress, trauma or illness. At the time of my appointment, I was fatigued and felt that I was carrying tension in my jaw, neck and shoulders.
First of all, I completed a quick pre-appointment checklist which has been designed to highlight any contraindications. It is unlikely that these will prevent treatment taking place, but they do allow Rebecca to make informed decisions during the session.
Once settled on the treatment bench, Rebecca conducted a quick physical examination of my feet which gave her an insight into some issues that I was experiencing. She then began to stimulate the nerves by means of gentle but thorough physical manipulation.
So as not to distract from the relaxation element of the therapy, Rebecca dimmed the lights and played soft music. She purposely chose not to interact with me but did encourage me to ask any questions if I so wished.
Every touch had a purpose. Every movement was done with intent. Rebecca followed a carefully planned route around each foot and skilfully interpreted the different signals she encountered. She devoted more time to imbalanced areas which then contributed to restoring the natural equilibrium of my body which left me in a blissful state of relaxation.
Once she had completed the session, she briefly discussed her findings and advised me of some additional measures that I could do to further enhance my general state of wellbeing.
Whilst people experience different reactions post treatment, I personally had THE best night’s sleep that I had had in a long time. I slept soundly for a continued block of 9 hours and woke feeling so refreshed, calm and capable. This is something that I will absolutely treat myself to on a regular basis and would highly recommend to anyone that feels like they could benefit from restoring balance within the body and promoting the overall wellbeing of their mind and body.
Not only is this the most relaxing therapy session I have ever had, it is also the most enlightening.
Our reflexology sessions have been structured to ensure the patient has the most effective and fulfilling time in the treatment room, with each session being tailor made to suit the individual.
I would highly recommend this treatment – you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. We hope to be able to announce when we will be open for appointments in the New Year.
TIME TO RETIRE
We are all familiar with the expression that ‘time flies’ and that is certainly the case for Elizabeth who celebrates her 60th birthday in November. Whilst we, as a practice, wish her a very happy birthday we also acknowledge that after forty years as a podiatrist, now is the time for her to begin the process of retirement.
Elizabeth will be gradually phasing her retirement, reducing her clinical days until she finally stops her clinical work in the spring; she will still remain involved with the practice.
Initially, Elizabeth will reduce her clinical days to Tuesday afternoon and Friday morning only (dropping her Thursday clinical day).
Naturally, we value all our patients and please be assured that the whole clinical team will be here to meet your podiatry needs.
High blood glucose levels can damage the small blood vessels that supply the nerves in the feet. This stops essential nutrients reaching the feet which can result in irreversible damage called diabetic neuropathy.
Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy are particularly unpleasant and include:
- Burning or shooting pains (particularly at night)
- Loss of coordination (when you can’t feel the position of your limbs)
- Loss of ability to feel changes in temperature
- Loss of ability to feel pain
- Tingling and numbness
Numbness is a very common and concerning condition as it could easily result in you being unaware of a minor injury (for example, a blister) which, untreated, could then develop into an infection or an ulcer.
This is why diabetics need to take particularly good care of their feet.
Whilst our standard podiatry appointments will address issues with your nails as well as calluses and corns, our annual Diabetic Foot Assessment will also include:
- An enhanced neurological and vascular examination
- Foot pressure analysis using a pressure plate
- Detailed report sent to the GP
- Appropriate advice on foot health
- General podiatry treatment if time permits (nail cutting and callus/corn removal)
We cannot stress enough the importance of looking after your feet if you are diabetic and urge you to book yourself a Diabetic Foot Assessment appointment today.
Please call us on 01722 340057 or book online at www.totalfoothealth.co.uk
An hour of time for peace of mind
If you’ve ever had an appointment at Total Foot Health, you will already be familiar with that amazing feeling of soft, pain-free feet.
“It feels like I am walking on air” is a phrase that we often hear… Now imagine being able to package up and give that fabulous feeling as a gift this Christmas.
We sell Gift Vouchers for ALL our pamper treatments:
- Medical Pedicure
- Premium Medical Pedicure
- Therapeutic Warm Wax Treatment
- Warm Winter Indulgence
As well as a general Gift Voucher that can be redeemed against any appointment or treatment.
Please note that our Gift Vouchers are valid for 6 months from date of purchase.
After the overwhelming success of our footcare hamper raffle, we are excited to be offering made-to-order Christmas footcare hampers.
There are a wide range of lovely podiatrist approved products to choose from, such as:
- Emtrix hydrating foot mask
- Dr Remedy hydration nail treatment
- Flexitol Intensely Nourishing Foot Cream
- Flexitol Rescue Heel Balm
- Gehwol nailcare balm
- Lispro foot sander
- Diamond Deb nail file
- Socks
Choose and pay for a minimum of 3 products and we will gift wrap your hamper for free. Please note that we cannot guarantee continued stock of all products and we may need up to one week to create your hamper, depending upon stock availability.
Last day for ordering your hamper would be Friday 15th December 2023.
Please visit us at 31 Brown Street, Salisbury SP1 2AS for more information or to purchase your Gift Voucher(s) or order your hamper.
Our clinic is open Monday to Friday from 08:30 hrs to 16:45 hrs – please note that we close for lunch between 13:00 hrs to 14:00 hrs.
