Footnotes
“Professional and knowledgeable and helpful. Appears to be a well run practice.”
Pain in your heel?
It could be Plantar Fasciitis (Heel pain under the foot)
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar Fasciitis is the most common form of heel pain and is caused by injury of the fascia band which links the heel bone to the base of the toes and provides stability to the foot.
Additionally, the plantar fascia acts as a shock absorber for the foot, cushioning load as we move. This is not a condition that should be ignored, it can result in chronic heel pain which would impact on your regular activities. In addition, due to the pain you experience you are likely to walk in a different way which may lead to problems in your foot, knee, hip or back over time.
Why have I got Plantar Fasciitis?
Whilst anyone can have plantar fasciitis, the most common age group for this condition are those between 40 – 60 years of age. In essence, it occurs when there is too much pressure on this band of tissue running underneath your foot. The most common reasons for developing plantar fasciitis are:
- Recent changes in activity such as a new job involving more standing, or starting running.
- Wearing unsupportive footwear or change in footwear
- Flat feet or high arches.
- Tight muscles in the back of your leg.
- Being overweight.
- People with medical conditions such as diabetes may be more likely to develop plantar fasciitis.
How can you treat Plantar Fasciitis?
The most effective form of treatment for plantar fasciitis are:
- Prescribed exercises by your podiatrist to stretch the plantar fascia, the Achilles tendon and to develop the calf muscle.
- Extracorporeal Shockwave therapy to stimulate the recovery of the plantar fascia.
- Bespoke orthotics which will help manage the mechanics of the foot and distribute the loading more effectively in order to reduce stress into the plantar fascia and help prevent re-injury.
- Activity modification.
- Footwear advice.
- Taping and braces.
- In very painful cases the patient may benefit from a period of time in a special boot or Ultrasound guided Corticosteroid injection is used in some instances in order to decrease the inflammation.
Meet Joanna
Joanna is the newest member of the Total Foot HEalth team.
We are pleased to welcome her to the podiatry team at Total Foot Health.
Joanna has extensive experience within the NHS and joins us after completing her final podiatry training at Total Foot Health; she may already be a familiar face to some of you.
Joanna began seeing podiatry patients on 31st July and this is already helping to increase appointment availability.
To book your next appointment with Total Foot Health please call our reception team on 01722 340057 or alternatively book online www.totalfoothealth.co.uk.
The Power of SWIFT
A revolutionary treatment
BBC news has recently highlighted the power of SWIFT, the treatment based on low dose microwave technology, which saved a diabetic gentleman from a double amputation.
Mr Mayled had severe diabetic ulcers on both of his feet and after extensive NHS treatment he was facing a double amputation. That was until a student observing his treatment mentioned SWIFT. Currently not available on the NHS to treat ulcers.
Mr Mayled received private treatment from a podiatry clinic in Cardiff, Nine months of treatment later, the ulcers had been transformed and his legs saved. What was first thought to be just a bruise could well have been an underlying verrucae infection that turned infectious, thus creating ulcers.
Mr Davies, who carried out the treatment on Mr Mayled was quoted as saying:
“Barry’s case has highlighted verrucae infection as a possible cause of foot ulcerations failing to heal and has increased the possibilities of using SWIFT in such cases. This could be far-reaching in the treatment of non-healing foot ulcerations, thus preventing unnecessary amputations,”
We at Total Foot Health offer SWIFT and have seen for ourselves how effective a treatment this is for verrucae. The treatment works by stimulating the body’s own immune system by agitating water molecules, creating localised heating and destroying infected tissue.
SWIFT enables patients the very best chance to get rid of those stubborn verrucae that may have been around for years.
With advantages such as no invasive procedures, no open wounds and no downtime required afterwards; together with an 80% success rate, we feel that it is the best treatment currently available.
Why not book an appointment with one of our podiatrists, to see how we can help you. Appointments can be booked online www.totalfoothealth.co.uk or alternatively you can call our reception team on 01722 340057.
Take that first step to remove that verrucae.
Credit: BBC News Scotland
Late cancelled and failure to arrive for appointments
(DNA – Did not attend)
As the majority of our patients already know, we currently have a four to six week lead in for appointments and consequently recommend patients book their following appointment each time they attend clinic to ensure they get the most convenient time for them. However, we have experienced a significant increase in the number of patients who either simply do not arrive for their appointment or decide to cancel at the last minute despite our 24 hour notice (working day) cancellation policy.
In the first half of 2024 we have had 62 appointments where patients have failed to arrive. Not only does this generate a loss for the business at a time when we are trying to keep costs down despite rising costs elsewhere, but it also means that our clinical team could have helped another 62 patients, especially those in pain. Consequently, we have decided that now is the time to amend our cancellation policy so that we are able to address this issue and reallocate appointments to other patients where possible.
From the 1st September the following policy will apply:
- Appointment cancellations must be made no later than 24 hours before the appointment, the 24 hours’ notice DOES NOT include weekends. (A cancellation for a Monday must be made no later the morning of the previous Friday.)
- Appointment reminders are now sent out in both text and email format 48 hours in advance of your appointment to allow time to reschedule appointments if necessary.
- Reminders are sent out prior to the weekend to ensure no patient is disadvantaged.
- Failure to cancel within 24 hours or a failure to attend will result in a patient being charged £32 which represents 50% of the cost of a podiatry follow-up appointment and is in line with other clinical practices.
We would like to thank all our patients for your understanding and we hope to see you in clinic soon.
World arthritis day
Arthritis affects many people of all ages and is relatively common in feet. To ease those aches and pains, try our Warm Wax Treatment.
This soothing treatment is combined with a gentle foot massage leaving your feet relaxed and rejuvenated.
Cracking up?
Try one of our podiatrist approved creams
Whether your feet need a bit of a moisture boost, or your heels are cracking and need some help, we have the perfect cream for you.
Have a chat with your podiatrist to find the best cream for your feet.
