At Total Care Physio we provide your orthotic solution. Podiatrist & Chiropodist  Sarah Kerrane MSCPI  explains what to expect from your orthotic appointment and also the real benefits you can expect from orthotics.

 

What are Orthotics?

 

 

Orthotics, also known as insoles are devices that are worn inside of shoes.  They can be used to treat a wide range of foot and ankle pain and problems, without the need of surgery.

 

How do Orthotics work?

Orthotics work by providing a solid foundation for your foot and body. They work by:

 

• Helping to correct the way you walk
• Providing pain relief by relieving pressure on a certain parts of the foot
• Supporting the arch
• Controlling abnormal motion across the bones and joints of your foot
• Preventing malalignment of your foot
• Providing cushioning

 

As well as treating foot and ankle conditions, orthotics can also be used as part of the solution to support knee, hip and back pain.  Even if your feet do not hurt.  The way you walk can impact the rest of your body.

What type of Orthotics do I need?

 

There are two types of Orthotics that I recommend:

 

Custom Orthotics: 

 

These are handmade orthotics, tailor made for your feet.  They are made from a mould of each  foot.  A spongy cast is made of your foot on the day of the appointment,  then sent away to the lab for manufacture.  These orthotics have a life time guarantee on the main shell and a 3 month gaurentee on the top cover. These can be refurbished as you need it.

 

Temporary  “Off the Shelf” Orthotics.

 

These are premade insoles that are stocked in clinic and are designed to be customised at chair side for  your foot shape.  They last approximately 6-9 months depending on how heavy you use them.  During the appointment we  will assess and examine the foot to determine the design of the insole and you  will leave on the day fully fitted with your pair of orthotics

The type of orthotic prescribed depends on the presenting problem.

 

 

What can I expect in my consultation for my Orthotic prescription?

At Total Care Physio, our goal is to provide you with the best pair of orthotics to suit your needs.

 

Step 1:

 

First we  ensure we know how and where your foot problem has come from. This is important to get your orthotics right when it comes to your prescription. We will take a history of your foot problem- how it started, how long you have it, where you get your pain and what kind of shoes you like to wear.

 

Step 2:

 

Next we determine if you would benefit from orthotics. To do this we  perform a biomechanical assessment of your feet. This involves checking the  movement of your joints, checking the strength of the muscles and tendons and evaluating the way you walk and move to  determine the best option for you.

 

Step 3:

 

Next we look at your shoes to see what type of orthotics will work best for you.  We have specialist  options from your favorite shoe type from narrow fitting dress shoes, to walking shoes, work boots and sports shoes.

 

Step 4:

 

At this point you will know what type of orthotics will be the best fit for you.

When making a pair of custom orthotics,  an impression of your feet is now taken and we send your prescription to the lab so they have the exact shape of both feet. This is important as 90% of people have little differences between their feet.

When your custom orthotics are back from the lab we will complete your fitting session. Here you get  walk in them  and we give you all the advice you need on how to best wear in your orthotics and how to care for them.

If you have any questions or want to speak  with us regarding orthotics, please do no hesitate to give us a call in our Limerick clinic or  Tralee Clinic.

© Total Care Physio, All rights reserved.

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In the first of our 2 part mini series on diabetes and its effects on the foot, our inhouse Chiropodist and Podiatrist, Sarah Kerrane MSCPI takes us through what this condition is, and it’s most common effects on the feet.

 

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a long term medical condition that causes high blood sugar levels. It is very common. In 2013 it was estimated that over 382 million people world wide have the condition. Diabetes can affect many parts of our body including the feet.

Here are some of the main ways that diabetes can affect the feet that I would regularly see in clinic.

 

Poor Wound Healing

Diabetes causes the blood vessels of the leg and foot to become narrow and hard. This means that blood flow from the heart to the foot is reduced. The impact of this is that it can make the foot less able to fight infection and heal, which is critical for when we get small cuts on blisters on our feet.

 

Nerve Damage

Diabetes can also cause nerve damage.  This lessens the ability to feel pain, heat or cold.  You may cause damage to the skin of the foot with a bruise or cut and not even be aware of it.  This can become a big issue as a small blister can develop into an ulcer if not dealt with quickly.

 

 

Cracked Sore Skin

Diabetes also damages the nerves that control the moisture of the foot. This can cause the skin to becomes very dry, cracked and sore.  It commonly can lead to calluses building up on high pressure point areas which need to be carefully pared and filed back.

 

Thick Nails

As a result of poor blood flow, the nails can become thickened and discoloured with Diabetes.

 

 

 

Foot Ulcers

Without proper care, the skin of the foot can easily break down which leads to an open wound that becomes infected. This is called an ulcer.  Ulcers can be very very hard to get rid of and often need hospitalisation to get right.  Prevention is very definitely the best cure here so daily checking of the feet is key.

 

If you have Diabetes, it is very important to take good care of your feet. Checking it with your GP, Chiropodist or Podiatrist is highly recommended. If you have any queries on your feet, we are more that happy to help! 

At Total Care Physio, our Podiatrist performs a Diabetic Foot Screen which is an overall check-up of you feet, the circulation in your feet, your sensation and your risk of ulceration.

For any more details on our Chiropody and Podiatry Service check our page here.

Tune in in the coming days for Part 2 of Sarah’s top tips for protecting your diabetic foot at home.

 

© Total Care Physio 2018, All rights reserved.

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Expert Chartered Physiotherapy, Chiropody & Podiatry in Tralee

We are delighted to announce the opening of the Tralee branch of Total Care Physio!!

Our new clinic is located in Moyderwell Medical Centre, just across the road from Moyderwell Primary School.

 

 

Why Moyderwell Medical Centre?

Moyderwell is anchored by the excellent, Dr. Bridget O’ Brien and Dr. David O’ Brien with a combined 40 years of General Practice medicine experience. The medical centre is in the heart of Tralee and has been newly refurbished to the highest standards. It has really easy access with  loads of free parking onsite and is fully  wheelchair user friendly.

As always we bring our usual dedication with out of hours service, late openings, guaranteed quick appointments and hands-on expertise.

 

Chartered Physiotherapy

We are delighted that the highly experienced Rob Hanley MISCP is leading up our Chartered Physiotherapy service in Tralee and is delighted to answer your queries on all things physiotherapy.

 

Chiropody & Podiatry

Sarah Fleming SCPI is heading up our Chiropody and Podiatry Service and we are very excited about her bringing her special skill set in treating foot problems.

 

For any more information, please do not hesitate to contact our dedicated team  on 066 71 06 303.

For directions and further details on our Tralee clinic, check out here:  https://www.totalcarephysio.ie/tralee-clinic/

We are also now taking online bookings so you can see our diary live, and book  a time that suits you best quickly and hassle free!

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 Today, our in-house chiropodist & podiatrist, Sarah Kerrane SCPI, talks us through Plantar Fasciitis Home Tips 

Plantar Fasciitis is the most common cause of heel and/or arch pain.

Plantar Fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia band located along the sole of the foot. The plantar fascia is a band of fibrous tissue, like a ligament, that connects the heel bone to the bones in the ball of the foot. Its function is to support the arch and absorb shock when standing or walking.

Causes

• Foot shape, i.e. flat feet, fallen arches or a high arched foot
• Footwear that lacks a good sole, cushioning and arch support
• If you stand and walk for long periods
• Training on a different surface
• Increasing activity
• Tight achilles tendon/ tight calf muscles
• Trauma to the heel for example, jumping off a high wall

Symptoms

Pain in the morning when getting out of bed or pain after periods of rest. The pain usually subsides with rest. The heel can also be tender to touch.

Treatment

Treatment for plantar fasciitis is focused on reducing the pain and inflammation and may be based on a biomechanical assessment by our Podiatrist. Treatment options include

• Rest and ice
• Anti inflammatory’s – if necessary
• Exercises
• Orthotics, heel pads and arch supports
• Therapeutic ultrasound
• Taping the foot

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 Today, our in-house chiropodist & podiatrist, Sarah Kerrane SCPI, talks us through Plantar Fasciitis Home Tips 

• Rest: it is very important to take a period of rest from weight bearing activity to allow the inflammation within the plantar fascia band to reduce. Therefore, avoid long periods of walking, running and standing.
• Footwear: Wear shoes that cushion the heel and support the arch and avoid wearing shoes that are too flat
• Avoid walking barefoot: this can cause sudden stretching of the sole which can cause further inflammation of the ligament
• Heel pads: You can purchase soft heel pads to place on the heel of all footwear to raise the heel and provide cushioning. You can also purchase simple insoles over the counter with cushioning for the heel and support for the arch.
• Medication: anti inflammatories, for example Ibuprofen, can be taken to help reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief. Also, the use of anti inflammatory gels and creams like Voltoral can be applied to the heel for the same effect.
• Massage: place a bottle of water into the freezer and let it turn to ice. Remove shoe and sock, and roll the bottle of iced water along the sole of your foot for 15 mins. This can work well to reduce inflammation and provide relief. Alternatively, you can use a tennis ball or a golf ball.

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Neck pain is very common. Today,  Chartered Physiotherapist, Rob Hanley, takes us through his top 3 stretches to help relieve neck pain.

 

Our Poor Necks

Our necks have it tough. We spend our lives in positions that our necks don’t really like; crouched sitting in front of computers, watching TV, driving, bent over browsing on our phones.

 Neck Pain is Common

It’s no surprise then that neck pain affects a lot of us, 70% of us, at some point in our lives. The real problem with it though is that up to 85% of us can get some degree of ongoing pain for many years after our first bout of it

 Top 3 Neck Stretches

So much neck pain can be prevented however. There are lots of exercises that can really help to keep our necks flexible and free. Here are my 3 of my favourites.

Note: Stretches must be pain free and never  provoke symptoms

Upper Traps Stretch

Great For:

• Tight trapezius muscles
• Pain when you look left and right

For this stretch, gently bring your ear towards your shoulder. Hold for 30 seconds.

 Upper Back Stretch

Great For:

• Loosing up a tight mid back
• Taking the pressure off the neck

 

For this stretch, a foam roller is really helpful, or a rolled up bath towel if you don’t have a foam roller. To do the stretch, place the roller between your shoulder blades and bend backwards gently to loosen out your upper back.

If you have medical conditions that cause you to bruise easily or have brittle bones, it is best to seek professional advice before doing this exercise

Front of Neck Stretch

Great For:

• Loosening out the muscles on the front of the neck

For this stretch, please see the excellent youtube video from rehabmypatient.com here:

 

We love these exercises.

If you would like to chat to our expert physiotherapists on your neck  problem you can contact us below. We’re happy to answer any questions you have.

 

 

 

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Today, our in-house chiropodist & podiatrist, Sarah Kerrane SCPI, Talks us through her top tips on how to recognise a verruca and how to get rid of it.

What is a Verucca?

A verruca is another name for a plantar wart, caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV).  Verrucas are a type of wart that affect the bottom of the feet. To view images of many different Veruccas you can Click Here.

How Do I Know if I Have a Verucca?

Verrucae present as one circular lump or a cluster of small lumps with overlying hard skin or callus and may sometimes contain small black dots.

• develop on the soles of the feet
• are white, often with a black dot in the centre
• tend to be flat rather than raised
• can be painful if they’re on a weight-bearing part of the foot

How Do I Get Veruccas?

Verrucae are very contagious and can be spread through direct or/ and indirect contact.

The most common areas to contract a verruca are swimming pools, gyms, locker rooms, communal showers (direct contact) and also sharing socks, shoes or towels’ with a person who already has the virus (indirect contact).

Verrucae can persist for years if left untreated and can sometimes cause pain.

What Can I Do To Get Verrucae Treated?

There are a number of treatment options available out there for verrucae, though no one treatment can guarantee a cure.

One very good option is salicylic acid which is a cream that is applied to the foot. We use a very strong version of this in clinic so it is excellent  for getting at the verruca.

Pharmacies also stock salicylic acid for you to put on at home. This can also be helpful but this is a much weaker form of the salicylic acid than we can use in clinic.

A third option is to see your GP. They can burn the verucca  over a number of session using liquid nitrogen cryotherapy.

Verruca Etiquette

 Do

√  Wash your hands after touching a wart or verruca

√  Change your socks daily if you have a verruca

√  Cover warts and verrucas with a plaster when swimming

√  Take care not to cut warts or Verrucas with nippers or scissors.

Don’t

X  Share towels, flannels, socks or shoes if you have a wart or verruca

X  Scratch or pick at warts or verrucas

X  Walk barefoot in public places with a verruca

 

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Today, our inhouse chiropodist & podiatrist, Sarah Kerrane SCPI, talks us through her top tips on how to recognise a fungal nail infection and how to get rid of it.

What is a Fungal Nail Infection?

A fungal nail infection, also called onychomycosis, in an infection of the nail.

It causes the nail to become discoloured and thickened. The nail may appear white, yellow, brown or black and may be easily lifted from its nail bed.

 

 

What Causes Fungal Nail Infections?

The main causes of fungal nails are sweaty feet, walking barefoot in swimming pools and communal showers, wearing occlusive footwear and sharing items with someone who already has the infection.

How Do I Get Rid of It?

Treatment of fungal nails can be difficult as the infection is in the nail bed, under the nail plate itself so it can be difficult to reach yourself

There are also a number of other nail conditions that can closely resemble a fungal nail infection; therefore it is important to be evaluated professionally by a qualified podiatrist

In clinic, we carefully file, bur and pair back the thickened toe nails.

There are also a countless number of over the counter products to help the paired back nail so we will advise you on the best compound for your foot.

 

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The Do’s & Don’t of Foam Rolling

Foam rolling is simply a phenomenal way to massage out your tight muscles at home. Chartered Physiotherapist, Rob Hanley MISCP, takes us through his do’s and don’t of foam rolling.

Foam rolling has been around for quite a while now and it has lots of great benefits. It can do so much for us including:

• Breaks down adhesions in muscles
• Increases circulation
• Helps muscle relaxation
• Improves joint flexibility

Those of you that have tried it before know just how good it can be but how uncomfortable it can be too. The benefits far outweigh the aches however, and here are my Do’s and Don’t of how to get the best out of your foam roller

The Do’s: 

• To begin with, keep it really simple
• Start with a soft foam roller and progress to a firmer one once you get used to it
• Be careful and go slowly, working into is slowly
• Remember to breathe and relax
• There are some great spots to foam roll from the arms to the mid back and legs. Here are a couple of great examples!

• • Glutes/ IT band

 

 

• • Quads

 

The Dont’s

Now that we have looked at the Do’s lets look at where we need to be careful when foam rolling.

• Foam rolling is often uncomfortable  but should never ever be painful
• Never roll over bruises, broken skin or swollen areas
• Be super cautious around body parts such as the
  • Lower back
  • Neck
• It’s not always good to foam roll for if you have certain medical conditions.
  • Get medical advice before you foam roll  it you have conditions such as osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, blood thinning disorders or if you are pregnant.

Foam rollers are great.  If you would like to chat to our expert physiotherapists on how to use your foam roller contact us below. We’d love to answer any questions you have!

 

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