What Would Your Piggies Say?

Winter Walking

Now that winter is really here, take care to prevent slips and falls. If you use a cane, put a pick on the tip. Make sure your winter boots have good grip, or purchase ice grippers which pull on over the soles.

 Many patients have been asking about barefoot running lately. It seems there is still much research to do, but it is clear that barefoot running is not for everyone, and should perhaps be limited to use in training rather than during competition. For those interested in learning a little more about barefoot running check this link from Dr. Chris McLean of Paris Orthotics in Vancouver.

http://driveit.clickspace.com/ir/oi/1000107/1845099.pdf

Stay tuned,

Sole Savers will soon be stocking Kiotrend footwear for babies and children. This fashionable line of shoes and sandals is also very functional. They are true to the foot-shape, have great stability and arch support, and the insoles are removable so that they can be fitted with an orthotic if needed.

Meeting Man Tracker - Terry Grant

My collegues and I had the pleasure of meeting Man Tracker, Terry Grant at our recent Podiatry Conference in Ottawa. He gave an excellent presentaion and answered many questions about the show. His discussion on foot print tracking tied in well to the new field of Forensic Podiatry which was highlighted at the conference.

Melanie's work overseas

http://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/page.asp?PgID=68692&ClubCtteeID=4456&ClubID=609


Melanie has been on several Diabetes Foot Care Projects in the Caribbean, sponsored by Rotary International. The incidence of diabetes in the Caribbean is more than twice that in Canada. The number of amputations being performed was alarming, this was mostly due to a lack of preventive foot care and education. The first project in Trinidad and Tobago resulted in a 54% decrease in amputations due to diabetes, over the 6 years of the project. Health care workers were trained in Diabetes foot screening and in treatment and prevention strategies that are now part of their health care system. The last project ran in Montserrat and Nevis (St. Kitts & Nevis), where early data are showing positive results.

Melanie receiving the Paul Harris award for her work in Trinidad and Tobago

Training Health Care workers in Nevis to do preventive foot care

Fungal infection of the nails - there is a cure!

Fungal infection of the nails, Onychomycosis, is a very common problem. Until recently, the only effective treatment was to take an oral medication which has many side effects. There are also many over the counter and herbal remedies for fungus, most work well on the skin for athletes foot, but do not penetrate the nail. In the past some people have spent hundreds of dollars and many months trying to treat their fungal nails, with no cure. There are now new formulas of nail-penetrating topical medications which work very safely and effectively on nails. Your foot specialist can prescribe this for you, and advise you on strategies to prevent re-infection.

Biofreeze is available at our clinic.

http://www.massagemag.com/News/massage-news.php?id=10011&catid=1&title=biofreeze-featured-on-the-the-dr-oz-show#

Biofreeze is an effective pain relieving gel. It can be used for painful, arthritic joints, for sports injuries and bruises, muscle spasms and bursitis. Biofreeze was recently featured on the Dr. Oz Show.

Diabetes Education Classes

Melanie is very pleased to have been asked to present the foot care portion of the Diabetes education Classes held each month at the Kemptville Hospital. These classes are great for people newly diagnosed, and also for those who have had diabetes for some time and would like a refresher.

The Team at BodyKneads Health Centre in Kemptville

Jennifer Wheeler - Naturopathic Doctor, Melanie Atkinson - Chiropodist, Janet Racine - Massage Therapist



Diabetes Awareness Month

November is Diabetes Awareness Month. Most people with diabetes know that it is important to look after their feet, but many do not know exactly why.

Over a long period of time, diabetes can affect the blood vessels and nerves in the feet. This means that the circulation and feeling in the feet can be affected. These complications can be minimized by keeping the blood sugar in a good range.

When the circulation is affected, this means that any cuts or injuries to the feet may take longer than usual to heal, and may become infected. When the nerves are affected, the sensation in the feet may be less, so that someone may not feel it if they have an injury, and therefore, it goes unnoticed and untreated, leading to a bigger problem.

Foot problems which are neglected can lead to diabetic ulcers, infection, gangrene and amputation. The good news is, that most serious foot problems can be prevented by early detection and early treatment.

The CDA recommends that everyone with diabetes has their feet assessed annually. Anyone with loss of sensation (neuropathy) should be having their feet checked more regularly.

To book a foot assessment with Melanie Atkinson D.Pod.M your local Registered Chiropodist, call BodyKneads Health Centre In Kemptville, 613 258 6021.

Professional Foot Care Now Available in Kemptville

For the last several years, there has been no foot specialist in Kemptville. Melanie has bowed to local pressure and opened a satellite practice in Kemptville to fill this void. Melanie has been practicing in the Ottawa area for more than 15 years, and now brings her skills closer to home in Kemptville. You can find Melanie at BodyKneads Health Centre, 296 County Rd 44 (North west corner of 43 and 44), Tel: 613 258 6021.