MedWorm: Chiropodists

Gout

Podiatry Update — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 04:00:00 +0100

I use this quote (not sure where I got it from) during lectures to students to suggest just how painful gout is: “Screw up the vise as tightly as possible - you have rheumatism; give it another turn, and it is gout” - AnonymousHere are a couple of good threads at Podiatry Arena on Gout:The latest on gout (this one has all the very latest news)Reason for gout in more peripheral joints (this one (Source: Podiatry Update)

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Running shoe forum

Podiatry Update — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 04:00:00 +0100

I have been asked to do some work on a Running Shoe forum. Here are some links to teh section that need some work: Running shoes Nike Brooks Best running shoes New balance Adidas Asics Mizuno Spira Saucony Newton Kids Running Shoe Reviews . The forum has not been officially launched yet, but they are looking for people to help out to get the content developed before the official (Source: Podiatry Update)

Stephen kite practice wimborne

The Stephen Kite Practice — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Stephen Kite Practice BSc (Source: The Stephen Kite Practice)

Wimborne

The Stephen Kite Practice — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Wimborne, Dorset and Images of Dorset – 1200+ photographs illustrating the landscape and rich visual diversity to be found across the county of Dorset, England. Covering every month of the year the pictures provide a pictorial guide to the county through all the seasons.Images of Dorset provide a great resource of information about the county. (Source: The Stephen Kite Practice)

Keeping an eye on ugly wounds

The Stephen Kite Practice — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100

SOMETIMES IT'S the little things that get you. Like a wound that doesn't heal up properly, which can lead to months of misery, and possibly even amputation of a limb. But often such dire outcomes could be avoided if wounds were better managed from the outset, according to experts.http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/health/2008/0812/1218232759242.html (Source: The Stephen Kite Practice)

Leg length differences

Podiatry Update — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100

This can sometime be a hot topic. In orthopaedic circles, what is considered a signficant difference between the two legs can be quite large and in chiropractic circles what is considered signifficant can be quite small. Both sides of the argument can be quite passionate about this. Reminds me of Payne's Law: "The amount of passion involved in defending a theory and the amount of emotional (Source: Podiatry Update)

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Sour grapes of the aussies

The Stephen Kite Practice — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100

3rd in the medal table in the Olympics in Beijing only behind some powerful sporting countries like China and USA has certainly ruffled a few feathers with the Aussies. They sure seem envious of our great little countries success! As usual... Anyway less of that as it isn't very sporting is it. lets not lower ouselves any further. Congratulations to all those Brits that won medals, especially the Golds! How many now is it 17 and more to come. lets make the London Olympics in 2012 the best ever results for us British and Team GB. Take a look at this and have a laugh! http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7571901.stm (Source: The Stephen Kite Practice)

Functional hallux limitus

Podiatry Update — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100

I am privileged with the honour of being invited to speak at many conferences. Most recently was at the Podiatric Surgeons conference. When I agreed to speak, I did not think to much about about the topic until I was back from another conference, then I had a OMG why did I agree to talk about that moment ? What the hell am I going to say? One reason I enjoy speaking at confernces is that it (Source: Podiatry Update)

Chi running

Podiatry Update — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Chi running is a "movement" within the running community based a particular running technique. I initially dismissed it as just another one of those fads until I noticed that one of the key Chi running webistes had an alliance with New Balance running shoes and they have a shoe that is specific for Chi Runing. I wonder where this will go? Will the Pose Running converts get a shoe as well? (Source: Podiatry Update)

New technology predicts healing potential of diabetic ulcers

The Stephen Kite Practice — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Bethesda, MD – Every 30 seconds, a lower-limb amputation is performed somewhere across the globe due to complications related to diabetes. But soon, just 15 seconds in a physician’s office may be all it takes to help prevent a devastating diabetic amputation. New research technology, named Hyperspectral Transcutaneous Oxygen Monitoring (HTcOM), effectively measures real-time oxygen levels surrounding the foot ulcerations commonly seen in patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes. The measurements taken with HTcOM are calculated in approximately 15 seconds, and can then be used to determine the most successful treatment plan for that particular wound. Two poster abstracts summarizing results from the study will be presented at the American Podiatric Medical Association’s (APMA) 96th Annual Scientific Meeting in Honolulu, HI from July 24-27.More here: http://www.takeforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=520&mforum=pod1 (Source: The Stephen Kite Practice)

Research on one foot, two feet, or one person

Podiatry Update — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

I have recently reveiwed several manuscripts that I recommended that editors not publish due to a fundamental flaw in the methodology. It concerned me enough to post a thread here about it (and will freely admit that I have been guility of this in the past, but times change as we learn more). One potentially appealing thing about doing foot or podiatry research is that each subject has two feet, (Source: Podiatry Update)

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Hubscher manoeuvre

Podiatry Update — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

There has been some good discussion at Podiatry Arena on the Hubscher manoeuvre (terminology primarily used in the USA) or Jacks Test (used by the rest of the world!). A poll in that thread showed that 82% of those that responded to the poll used it as a clinical test. A lot of the discussion focused on it value as a static clinical test used to predict dynamic function and, more important, as a (Source: Podiatry Update)

This is a fun read

Podiatry Update — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

At Podiatry Arena, a post was made about some research that should have never been published in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association. It was an appalling piece of research. The inclusion criteria was biased toward getting the result that the researcher wanted. No means or standard deviations of the data was presented, yet the author managed to do a t-test on the data! The (Source: Podiatry Update)

How were wrecking our feet!

The Stephen Kite Practice — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2008/04/01/nshoe101.xmlIt took 4 million years of evolution to perfect the human foot. But we’re wrecking it with every step we take.Stiletto heels to cowboy boots.The Emergence of Forefoot Pathology in Modern Humans?” in the podiatry journal The Foot. The study examined 180 modern humans from three different population groups (Sotho, Zulu, and European), comparing their feet to one another’s, as well as to the feet of 2,000-year-old skeletons. The researchers concluded that, prior to the invention of shoes, people had healthier feet. More here: http://nymag.com/health/features/46213/index1.html (Source: The Stephen Kite Practice)

The world at your feet

The Stephen Kite Practice — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100

http://www.takeforum.com/pod1/viewtopic.php?p=591&mforum=pod1#591 (Source: The Stephen Kite Practice)

Helping patients walk again

The Stephen Kite Practice — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Physical Therapists are helping people with central nervous system disorders learn to walk again. A wireless computer-enabled device aids those suffering from a condition called foot drop, which happens when someone cannot raise the front part of the foot to accommodate a smooth gate. When an individual swings his or her legs forward, a sensor in the shoe signals a microprocessor, which sends an electrical pulse to the nerve that controls the foot, lifting it, and allowing the patient to walk smoothly.More here:http://www.sciencedaily.com/videos/2007/1010-helping_patients_walk_again.htm (Source: The Stephen Kite Practice)

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Cracked heels?

The Stephen Kite Practice — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 05:00:00 +0100

We at The Stephen Kite Practice have a huge range of high quality footcare products available for sale at discount prices for Christmas.For example we can offer Australia's No 1 Heel Balm 56g Flexitol Heel Balm, for just £ 5.95 and the 112g size for just £ 8.95.Telephone your order on 01202 881088 / 01202 530356 and we will do our best to get you what you want at the best prices available to you between now and Christmas. (Source: The Stephen Kite Practice)

Ingrowing nails

The Stephen Kite Practice — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 05:00:00 +0100

An increasing number of patients are coming to me with ingrowing toe nails, most commonly of the great toe. It is usually the case that if you suspect you have an ingrown nail get it treated sooner rather than later.What is it?It is usually a curving inwards of a spike of the nail that grows inwards towards the side of the nail plate and can become very painful if not treated.Causes Heat of the foot bending the nail, hereditory factors, injury, altered walking patterns putting more pressure onto one part of the foot, fashionable shoes,tight socks even.What are the complications?Complications that can occur are septic inflammation. This makes treating the ingrowing nail more difficult as control of the infection is of most importance in order therefore to make the taking out the offending spike of nail that has penetrated the skin. If you suspect you have an ingrown nail it is most important that you seek medical advice be it either your G.P or your Podiatrist ( new name for Chiropodist ).Please do not try to take out the ingrowing nail yourself, this may cause more damage.Your Podiatrist can tell you what is the likely cause of the ingrowing nail and the correct course of action you need to follow.Nail Surgery can usually be avoided , and that is only as a last resort the nail is recommended for removal.Prevention of ingrown nails.Check you feet regulary, seek attention immediately if you suspect ingrowing nail (before sepsis develops) ideally, if you have a foot slightly bigger in size than the other always make sure you take the bigger foot into consideration when buying shoes,when cutting the nails do not be tempted to cut a v into the nail to relieve the ingrowing nail, this doesn't usually work.Footnote: We are able to give free footcare advise for patients who are worried about their feet, our phone lines are always open should you require advise.We cover Salisbury, Downton, Ringwood, Ferndown,Verwood, Merley, Wimborne, Poole, Bournemouth areas, more information can be found on our website www.stephenkitepractice.co.ukHope this helpsStephen J Kite (Source: The Stephen Kite Practice)

Podiatry expert witness

The Stephen Kite Practice — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Podiatry expert witness, what is it. It is a Podiatrist that gives legal testimony before a court.Usually expert are called upon by lawyers and are able also to provide them with a medico Lego report to help resolve matters in professional matters.However this kind of work that Podiatrists are called to undertake is usually very demanding and has to be tried and tested over many years, so any report writing must be able to stand the test of time.There are specialized organizations that are able to assist lawyers when choosing a Podiatrist expert witness, one of the leading firms that specialize in this work are known as the Round Table http://www.roundtablegroup.com/about/areasofexpertise/We at The Stephen Kite Practice UK are pleased to be a part of their portfolio of Podiatry experts.Other well established expert witness firms include Society of expert witnesses,also the society of chiropodists and podiatrists have a list of experts.This kind of work that podiatrists can undertake though can be rigorous and can involve having to present your finding in a court of law and having to be cross examined with questions from top barristers, so it isn't for the lite hearted !There are courses however that can train the podiatrists in court room techniques and if you are planning to take up such work it would be well advised to go on one of these courses.Stephen J Kite Podiatrist expert witness (Source: The Stephen Kite Practice)

Podiatry expert witness

The Stephen Kite Practice — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Podiatry expert witness, what is it? It is a Podiatrist that gives legal testimony before a court.Usually expert are called upon by lawyers and are able also to provide them with a medico Lego report to help resolve matters in professional matters.However this kind of work that Podiatrists are called to undertake is usually very demanding and has to be tried and tested over many years, so any report writing must be able to stand the test of time.There are specialized organizations that are able to assist lawyers when choosing a Podiatrist expert witness, one of the leading firms that specialize in this work are known as the Round Table http://www.roundtablegroup.com/about/areasofexpertise/We at The Stephen Kite Practice UK are pleased to be a part of their portfolio of Podiatry experts.Other well established expert witness firms include Society of expert witnesses,also the society of chiropodists and podiatrists have a list of experts.This kind of work that podiatrists can undertake though can be rigorous and can involve having to present your finding in a court of law and having to be cross examined with questions from top barristers, so it isn't for the lite hearted !There are courses however that can train the podiatrists in court room techniques and if you are planning to take up such work it would be well advised to go on one of these courses.Stephen J Kite Podiatrist expert witness (Source: The Stephen Kite Practice)

Podiatry expert witness

The Stephen Kite Practice — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Podiatry expert witness, what is it? It is a Podiatrist that gives legal testimony before a court.Usually expert are called upon by lawyers and are able also to provide them with a medico Lego report to help resolve matters in professional matters.However this kind of work that Podiatrists are called to undertake is usually very demanding and has to be tried and tested over many years, so any report writing must be able to stand the test of time.There are specialized organizations that are able to assist lawyers when choosing a Podiatrist expert witness, one of the leading firms that specialize in this work are known as the Round Table http://www.roundtablegroup.com/about/areasofexpertise/We at The Stephen Kite Practice UK are pleased to be a part of their portfolio of Podiatry experts.Other well established expert witness firms include Society of expert witnesses,also the society of chiropodists and podiatrists have a list of experts.This kind of work that podiatrists can undertake though can be rigorous and can involve having to present your finding in a court of law and having to be cross examined with questions from top barristers, so it isn't for the faint hearted .There are courses however that can train the podiatrists in court room techniques and if you are planning to take up such work it would be well advised to go on one of these courses.Stephen J Kite Podiatrist expert witness (Source: The Stephen Kite Practice)

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Robb's lucky break at last

The Stephen Kite Practice — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Clydesdale Bank Premier League Spl Latest...STEVEN ROBB can hardly believe that breaking his ankle at the age of 11 has cause him to endure three years of injury heartache as an adult.But now the winger has finally solved his fitness woes he's eager to help Dundee United keep flying high in the SPL.The 25-year-old has spent more time on the treatment table than he has on the pitch in recent times after being misdiagnosed with hamstring problems.More here:http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football-news/2007/10/20/robb-s-lucky-break-at-last-86908-19981207/ (Source: The Stephen Kite Practice)

Bbc sport | rugby union | rugby world cup photos

The Stephen Kite Practice — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100

BBC SPORT | Rugby Union | Rugby World Cup photos (Source: The Stephen Kite Practice)

Australia down and out!

The Stephen Kite Practice — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100

England won again! Score 12 -10 Well done lads you didn't play your best though, Johnny Wilkinson missed quite a few penalties the score could have been better. He did however become the leading scorer in Rugby World Cup history, and with Andrew Sheridan it had Australia's front row on the back foot for the whole match. I must also add that the wollabies did look a bit wobbly on their feet from the start. Perhaps a few nerves of the thought of facing the might of the English team I suspect in France. France will be playing New Zealand tonight. Bring on the next Victims!!Pictures here:http://news.bbc.co.uk/sporthttp://www.rugbyworldcup.com/ (Source: The Stephen Kite Practice)

Killer crocs stalk hospital

The Stephen Kite Practice — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Beware Crocs can kill More take a look at Podiatry 7 News http://www.takeforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=463&mforum=pod1 (Source: The Stephen Kite Practice)

The researcher vs the clincian

Podiatry Update — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100

This dichotomy keeps coming up. Most recently in this Podiatry Arena thread: No evidence for foot orthoses in children (notice the questions by clinicians directed at the researchers about the type of foot orthotics used) Previously it came up in this thread: Effectiveness of Foot Orthoses to Treat Plantar Fasciitis (notice the really poor understanding by clinicians of just what is a randomised (Source: Podiatry Update)

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Reliability of first ray position and mobility

The Stephen Kite Practice — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Reliability of First Ray Position and Mobility Measurements in Experienced and Inexperienced ExaminersCrystal Shirk,* Michelle A Sandrey,† and Mia Erickson†*Summersville Memorial Hospital, Summersville, WV;†West Virginia University, Morgantown, WVAbstract :Context: Neither reliability nor validity data exist for the Root method of clinically assessing first ray position or mobility by experienced and inexperienced examiners.Objective: To determine intrarater and interrater reliability for first ray position and mobility measurements in experienced and inexperienced examiners.Design: Single-blind prospective reliability study.Setting: Physical therapy clinic.Patients or Other Participants: Four examiners, 2 experienced and 2 inexperienced, obtained first ray position and mobility measurements. Both feet of 36 subjects (14 males, 22 females) were measured.Intervention(s): Each examiner evaluated first ray position and mobility for each of the subjects' feet on 2 separate occasions using the manual assessment techniques described by Root.Main Outcome Measure(s): First ray position (normal, plantar flexed, dorsiflexed) and mobility (normal, hypermobile, hypomobile) decisions were made.Results: We calculated kappa correlation coefficients for intrarater and interrater reliability. For position, intrarater and interrater reliability ranged from .03 to .27 for all examiners, experienced and inexperienced. For mobility, intrarater and interrater reliability ranged from .02 to .26 for experienced, inexperienced, and experienced/inexperienced. The percentage agreement (PO) values for all examiners were less than 58%. For individual values for position, intrarater and interrater reliability ranged from .00 to .26. For individual values for mobility, intrarater and interrater reliability ranged from .00 to .26. The PO values for all examiners were less than 50%.Conclusions: Clinical experience was not associated with higher kappa coefficients or PO values when examiners assessed first ray position or mobility. Clinicians should acknowledge the poor reliability of first ray measurements, especially when making treatment decisions. Finally, a validity study to compare the Root techniques with a gold standard is warranted.Refernce Source: Journal of Athletic Training 2006Full article here: http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1421489 (Source: The Stephen Kite Practice)

Feet for purpose

The Stephen Kite Practice — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100

ELDERLY people in the UK are being left housebound and disabled by a lack of footcare services, according to a national charity Age Concern.It has recently published a report called Feet for Purpose, revealing that although one in three people over 65 are unable to cut their toe nails, basic podiatry services are being withdrawn by the NHS.A lack of even the most simple footcare can lead to complications, resulting in falls, restrictions on mobility and social isolation.http://www.ageconcern.org.uk/AgeConcern/Documents/feet.pdfBy Steve Kite (Source: The Stephen Kite Practice)

Can vitamins replace diabetic drugs?

The Stephen Kite Practice — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100

GRAND RAPIDS -- The pain in Rosemary Sousley's feet had gotten so bad she could barely walk into the next room.Knowing it was caused by her diabetes and perhaps the chemotherapy she underwent for breast cancer a few years ago didn't help. Neither did the eight Tylenol she was taking every day.So when her podiatrist, Dr. Michael David, invited her to join a study to determine if a formula of vitamins and minerals could reduce diabetes-related pain, the 68-year-old Middleville woman agreed. Within two weeks, the pain in her feet had subsided enough she began cutting back on the Tylenol. Within a month, she was down to one Tylenol a day, and "now I'm at the point of taking two or three a week."The pain is virtually gone, Sousley said. "It's a warm awareness," she said, "but it's not painful."The group of Grand Rapids doctors who conceived and oversaw the study said the other participants had similar improvement in a nerve disorder common among diabetics called peripheral neuropathy, the death of nerves in the feet and hands, characterized by a burning pain and numbness.At the beginning of the study last February, the 30 patients were asked to rate their pain on a scale of one to 10. After four weeks, on average, they reported a 30 percent reduction in pain.After eight weeks, they said their pain was cut in half. After 12 weeks, their pain showed a 63 percent improvement."It was amazing," said Dr. Mark Gostine, a Grand Rapids pain specialist. "Some people got rid of their pain completely."The idea for the study grew out of a dinner conversation between Gostine and Dr. Larry Pawl, a Grand Rapids cancer specialist. Many of his patients on chemotherapy suffer neuropathy as a side effect of their treatments, Pawl said. He knew Gostine was a big believer in natural supplements, so he asked him if vitamins or other natural substances might help. "It was more of an off-hand remark by Larry, which turned into a challenge for me," Gostine recalled. "I'm a big believer in nutrition. I always tell people, 'It's not what you eat; it's what you don't eat that's hurting you.' "Gostine began on a year-long search through thousands of medical articles, looking for which micronutrients might work.He and Pawl narrowed them to five (N-acetyl-cysteine, alpha-lipoic-acid, L-carnitine, vitamin C and selenium) and contracted with a pharmaceutical company to manufacture pills with that formula. Pawl offered the supplements to his cancer patients and noticed it seemed especially helpful for those who also were diabetic.Thus, they undertook the six-month study, hired a researcher and recruited patients through Foot & Ankle Specialists of West Michigan. They published their findings in the this month's issue of the Journal of Practical Pain Management.Not only did the supplements help reduce pain, but also the numbness, which can lead to injuries and infections for diabetics.Gostine conceded the study did not use a control group of patients receiving a placebo for comparison, but said he is convinced supplements work for most patients.The apparent success of the Grand Rapids study attracted the attention of Celgene Corp., a multi-national pharmaceutical company, and Cleveland Clinic is considering a more-scientific study to see if the supplements can help reduce neuropathy for cancer patients.Reference Source: Sunday, August 05, 2007By Pat ShellenbargerThe Grand Rapids PressRelated reading on Diabetes go to http://www.takeforum.com/pod1/viewtopic.php?t=450&mforum=pod1 (Source: The Stephen Kite Practice)

Cairo toe earliest fake body bit

The Stephen Kite Practice — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100

An artificial big toe found on the foot of an ancient Egyptian mummy could be the world's earliest functional fake body part, UK experts believe. A Manchester University team hope to prove that the leather and wood "Cairo toe" not only looked the part but also helped its owner walk. They will test a replica in volunteers whose right big toe is missing. If true, the toe will predate the currently considered earliest practical prosthesis - a fake leg from 300BC. The Roman Capua Leg, made of bronze, was held at the Royal College of Surgeons in London but was destroyed by Luftwaffe bombs during the Second World War. Lead researcher Jacky Finch said: "The toe dates from between 1069 and 664BC, so if we can prove it was functional then we will have pushed back prosthetic medicine by as much as 700 years." Colleagues at the University of Salford will also be testing a second, even older ancient Egyptian big toe which is currently on display at the British Museum. This artefact, from between 1295 and 664BC, is made from cartonnage, a kind of papier-mâché made from linen, glue and plaster. The British Museum toe may have been cosmetic Like the Cairo toe, this too shows signs of wear, suggesting that it was worn by its owner in life and not simply attached to the foot during mummification for religious or ritualistic reasons. However, unlike the Cairo toe, it does not bend, suggesting it may have been more cosmetic. Jacky Finch said: "The Cairo toe is the most likely of the two to be functional as it is articulated and shows signs of wear. "It is still attached to the foot of the mummy of a female between 50 and 60 years of age. The amputation site is also well healed." The Cairo toe is on display at the Cairo Museum in Egypt.Refernce Source: BBC News health 27/07/07 (Source: The Stephen Kite Practice)

The 5 great fallacies of podiatric biomechanics

Podiatry Update — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Adam asks: "I've been refreshing my comprehension of pedal biomechanics of late and wondered if you had an opinion on what the 5 greatest mis-truths of this discipline are.In other words what concepts most people think/ assume are correct, that havn't yet been tested by science or are likely to be." Read the responses. (Source: Podiatry Update)

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A question of professional fees

The Stephen Kite Practice — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Our headquarters are moving to a new area, although this won't affect our practice areas of service to all our old patients , and new ones etc...I was just checking out the " competition " ! and came across an advert place in the local rag for Chiropody " female operator " charges £18.00.I wondered how on earth such practitioners can charge such low prices considering all the new legislation one has to abide by nowadays. Continued training ,sterilzation,waste disposale,professional memberships, insurance.I was recently reading an article on feet for life website whereby it was worked out after deductions and expenses a Chiropodist who charges £25.00 per patient actually end up with £7.50 profit! Private fees can vary according to location and the practitioner's experience - £25 to £40 a session. But fees below £20.00 must be treated with caution, they must be cutting corners somewhere,and may have a low opion of there work hence why their fees are so low. Thought of the day. "You get what you pay for". If it sounds too good to be true it usually is ! (Source: The Stephen Kite Practice)

A question of professional fees

The Stephen Kite Practice — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Our headquarters are moving to a new area, although this won't affect our practice areas of service to all our old patients , and new ones etc...I was just checking out the " competition " ! and came across an advert place in the local rag for Chiropody " female operator " charges £18.00.I wondered how on earth such practitioners can charge such low prices considering all the new legislation one has to abide by nowadays. Continued training ,sterilzation,waste disposale,professional memberships, insurance.I was recently reading an article on feet for life website whereby it was worked out after deductions and expenses a Chiropodist who charges £25.00 per patient actually end up with £7.50 profit! Private fees can vary according to location and the practitioner's experience - £25 to £40 a session. But fees below £20.00 must be treated with cautionare so low. Thoughts of the day. "You get what you pay for". If it sounds too good to be true it usually is ! (Source: The Stephen Kite Practice)

A question of professional fees

The Stephen Kite Practice — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Our headquarters are moving to a new area, although this won't affect our practice areas of service to all our old patients , and new ones etc...I was just checking out the " competition " ! and came across an advert place in the local rag for Chiropody " female operator " charges £18.00.I wondered how on earth such practitioners can charge such low prices considering all the new legislation one has to abide by nowadays. Continued training ,sterilzation,waste disposale,professional memberships, insurance.I was recently reading an article on feet for life website whereby it was worked out after deductions and expenses a Chiropodist who charges £25.00 per patient actually end up with £7.50 profit! Private fees can vary according to location and the practitioner's experience - £25 to £40 a session. Thoughts of the day. "You get what you pay for". (Source: The Stephen Kite Practice)

Forensic podiatry

The Stephen Kite Practice — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Last weekend I attended a conference on Forensic podiatry with some eminent speakers on the subject. Professor Wes Vernon who is widely regarded as the leading expert who specializes in Footware / insoles and Footprint collections and his colleagues Haydon Kelly specializing in cctc and Forensic gait analysis an and Owen Facey Shoe identification and footprint capture along with some other non podiatry experts who are leading experts in Forensic Medicine.According to the event organizers it was the first of its kind in the UK and to the present day the biggest conference of its kind in the world. There were about 60 delegates in total. Not all were Podiatrists some were Forensic experts wanting to familiarize themselves in this up and coming new science.The conference was spread over 2 full days at Regents College in London, and PEM professional events management were the organizers of the event.I can not speak more highly of the speakers.Congradulations to all involved. (Source: The Stephen Kite Practice)

Self-heal bandage helps diabetics

The Stephen Kite Practice — Mon, 28 May 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Self-healing bandages, which use patients' own cells, could help treat diabetic ulcers, their makers say.The bandage is being developed by CellTran, a company linked to the University of Sheffield.Currently, diabetics have to attend clinics over months or even years to have their wounds dressed.Trials of the bandage have shown it can help these difficult-to-treat wounds to heal in an average of eight weeks. It is already used to treat burns victims. Foot ulceration ... is the most common reason for people with diabetes to be admitted to hospital in the UKNatasha Ede, Diabetes UKThe bandage is created by taking a small tissue sample is taken from a patient and growing a culture from the cells in a laboratory.The cells are then placed on a membrane made from a medical-grade polymer. The membrane is then treated with a special cell-friendly coating, enabling skin cells to attach and grow on this surface.When cells are ready, the cell-membrane bandage is used to dress the patient's wound instead of a standard bandage.Because the cells belong to the patient, they are not rejected by the body but can actually transfer to the wound and grow.For particularly difficult wounds, the cells are applied every week.'Serious complication'Clinical trials of the bandage are now underway, and the technique is also being used on other types of ulcer.The research has been funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.Levels of diabetes in the UK are forecast to rise significantly in the years ahead. Chronic ulcers affect many diabetics, with sufferers often attending clinics for months or years to have their wounds dressed.Natasha Ede, care advisor for Diabetes UK, said: "Foot ulceration is a serious complication of diabetes. It is the most common reason for people with diabetes to be admitted to hospital in the UK."Foot ulcers should be treated by a healthcare professional and normally a sterile dressing and antibiotics are used."Diabetes UK would welcome any safe effective method of treatment which would help people with diabetes make a swift recovery from painful foot ulcers." Reference Source BBC News Health May 27 2007 (Source: The Stephen Kite Practice)

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The zimmers

The Stephen Kite Practice — Mon, 28 May 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Watch the video here the single is out now !http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqfFrCUrEbY&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Egoogle%2Ecom%2Fsearch%3Fsourceid%3Dnavclient%2Dff%26ie%3DUTF%2D8%26rlz%3D1B2GGFB%5FenGB210GB210%26q%3Dmy%2BgenerationTo download the song and interviews with the starshttp://www.myspace.com/thezimmersbandGeriatric 1927 himself talking about the event.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztclyGYYwHU&mode=related&search= (Source: The Stephen Kite Practice)

Osteoporosis

The Stephen Kite Practice — Sun, 06 May 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Annual treatment for osteoporosis :A once-a-year treatment significantly cuts the risk of broken bones caused by osteoporosis in post-menopausal women, international research has shown. Compared with a dummy pill, an infusion of Aclasta cut the risk of broken hips by 41% and of spinal breaks by 70%. The condition accounts for 60,000 hip and 120,000 spinal fractures a year in the UK, mostly among post-menopausal women - and numbers are rising. The study features in the New England Journal of Medicine.Full Story here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6615725.stmNational Osteoporosis Society have a lot of useful information. www.stephenkitepractice.co.uk (Source: The Stephen Kite Practice)

Alan ball tribute

The Stephen Kite Practice — Thu, 03 May 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Today saw the funeral of Alan Ball Footballer and a member of the 1966 world cup final in which England beat Germany 4 - 2. Alan, who most people and commentators agree that he was deservedly Man of the Match for his constant chasing of the ball and his continued efforts in creating chances that gave England their greatest Sporting achievement. Ball won 72 England caps in his career. Alan Ball 12/05/1945 - 2007At his service his Son read a poem "If" http://www.thefa.com/England/SeniorTeam/Archive/?pf=p&i=2291&searchname=Ball&ap=p (Source: The Stephen Kite Practice)

How to maintain 'happy feet'

The Stephen Kite Practice — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100

The human foot is a marvel of biomechanical engineering that most people take for granted until the system breaks down. The average person will walk the equivalent of twice around the world in a lifetime. Podiatrists in the UCLA Medical Group offer the following tips for maintaining healthy feet: +Inspect feet regularly and pay attention to changes in color, texture or appearance. +Maintain good foot hygiene, including washing and drying between the toes. +Hydrate the skin. Southern California weather and open shoes can cause rapid loss of moisture from the skin and may result in cracking or the formation of fissures. It is helpful to replace the moisture content by using lotions or creams on a regular basis. +Buy shoes that fit properly. A person may not wear the same size in shoes made by different manufacturers. Purchase new shoes late in the day when feet tend to be at their largest. Always buy the shoes that feel the best. +Don't ignore foot pain. Symptoms that increase or do not resolve within a reasonable period of time need evaluation by a podiatrist. +Cut toenails straight across. Never cut into the corners- this could cause an ingrown toenail. Gently file away sharp corners or rough edges with an emery board. +Exercise. Walking is a great way to keep weight under control and is an excellent conditioner for the feet. Wear appropriate athletic shoes when exercising. +Alternate shoes each day. Since the feet have sweat glands, shoes will absorb moisture from feet. It's important to allow shoes to dry out completely. +Avoid walking barefoot to help protect feet from injury and infection. +Put sunblock on feet while wearing sandals during the day to avoid sunburn. Reference Source: UCLA News. (Source: The Stephen Kite Practice)

Diabetes advice for patients

The Stephen Kite Practice — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Below is advice for Diabetic Patients here in the UK and around the World.A useful tip if you can't get down to inspect your feet you can use a mirror.Patient must be careful when standing up not to step on it and take care.All the best Stephen J Kite Dip.Pod.Med Podiatrist with 25 years experience of Private Practice.http://www.aofas.org/files/public/DiabeticFootCareEnglishTranslation.pdf (Source: The Stephen Kite Practice)

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Diabetes advice for patients

The Stephen Kite Practice — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Below is some useful advice for Diabetic Patients here in the UK and around the World.http://www.aofas.org/files/public/DiabeticFootCareEnglishTranslation.pdf Footnote :A useful tip if you can't get down to inspect your feet you can use a mirror. (Source: The Stephen Kite Practice)

Diabetes advice for patients

The Stephen Kite Practice — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Below is some useful advice for Diabetic Patients here in the UK and around the World.More and more people are developing Diabetes, it is an epidemic due to our lifestyles and diet. The feet can play an important role in ageing successfully and regular exercise together with a healthy diet is a start in the right direction.Regular check up at the Podiatrist is most important and many Diabetic Clinics in Bournemouth, Dorset have regular out patient departments whereby patients can receive the best of advice and the Diabetic Nurses their know that one of the most important things a diabetic patient should do is to have regular foot care from an HPC Registered Podiatrist. http://www.aofas.org/files/public/DiabeticFootCareEnglishTranslation.pdf (Source: The Stephen Kite Practice)

Diabetes advice for patients

The Stephen Kite Practice — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Below is some useful advice for Diabetic Patients here in the UK and around the World.More and more people are developing Diabetes, it is an epidemic due to our lifestyles and diet. The feet can play an important role in ageing successfully and regular exercise together with a healthy diet is a start in the right direction.Regular check up at the Podiatrist is most important and many Diabetic Clinics in Bournemouth, Dorset have regular out patient departments whereby patients can receive the best of advice and the Diabetic Nurses their know that one of the most important things a diabetic patient should do is to have regular foot care from an HPC Registered PodiatristBelow is some useful advice from our collegues. You can also visit www.stephenkitepractice.co.uk for free information regarding Diabetic Footcare. http://www.aofas.org/files/public/DiabeticFootCareEnglishTranslation.pdf (Source: The Stephen Kite Practice)

Diabetes advice for patients

The Stephen Kite Practice — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Below is some useful advice for Diabetic Patients here in the UK and around the World.More and more people are developing Diabetes, it is an epidemic due to our lifestyles and diet. The feet can play an important role in ageing successfully and regular exercise together with a healthy diet is a start in the right direction.Regular check up at the Podiatrist is most important and many Diabetic Clinics in Bournemouth, Dorset have regular out patient departments whereby patients can receive the best of advice and the Diabetic Nurses there know that one of the most important things a diabetic patient should do is to have regular foot care from an HPC Registered PodiatristBelow is some useful advice from our collegues. You can also visit www.stephenkitepractice.co.uk for free information regarding Diabetic Footcare. http://www.aofas.org/files/public/DiabeticFootCareEnglishTranslation.pdf (Source: The Stephen Kite Practice)

Reynaud's disease an overview

The Stephen Kite Practice — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100

First of all let us look at the condition itself Reynauds.What is it?It is a constriction or narrowing of the blood vessels, whereby the blood supply to the extremities are impaired. It causes the skin to change colour and the patient often complains of a burning sensation, cold, numbness and no feeling in the affected area often the foot.Some patients that have Reynaurd's may go onto develop autoimmune rheumatic disease.The exact cause of Raynaud's is unknown. One theory links blood disorders characterized by increased platelets or red blood cells that may increase the blood thickness.Causes:Can be hereditary, brought on by a nervous complaint, smoking, alcohol or a bactrial infection sometimes from the stomach.Dangers of Reynauds:With any vascular disease the dangers can be severe, although Reynaud's itself is not life threatening there is a danger of digital ulceration or gangrene.Less serious conditions such as thinning skin and toe nail changes can also occur.What can the Podiatrist do for the patient?One of the first things a Podiatrist should do is to take a full and detailed vascular assessment discussing with the patient any history of foot sugery or changes,to check for the presence of glucose in the blood and an xray again to be carried out by a health professional who can offer this service to the patient, the xray itself is to determin soft tissue calcification or osteopenia.An Ankle Brachial index test should also be perfomed to check the blood pressure of the foot.This will determin the severity of the disease and help in suggestions to the patient with regards as to type of treatments to be offered.Treatments to be considered:Exercises, eating more iron rich foods, dress to maintain body temperature, the use of polyester socks and not cotton, this will avoid the problem that cotton has with retaining moisture especially when the foot sweats,this can bring down the temperature of the foot, the use of a foot powder to dry the skin and thus not lowering foot temperature. eating hot food before going outside, ( this will raise body temperature ), don't smoke, drink plenty of fluids ( herbal teas ), tea and coffee and alcohol can contrict the blood vessels, the use of heat pads may be considered.By Steve Kite Podiatrist Copyrighted 17/04/07 (Source: The Stephen Kite Practice)

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Deep venous thrombosis, lower extremity

The Stephen Kite Practice — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Deep vein thrombosis is most commonly known as the syndrome that inflicts travelers who stay in one spot for long periods of time. You may notice that your feet fall asleep, giving you that pins and needles sensation. But people who have very poor leg circulation may also develop deep vein thrombosis, when a blood clot inhibits the flow of blood and causes severe leg pain. The blood clot due to deep vein thrombosis develops in a deep vein – thus the name, deep vein thrombosis. Deep vein thrombosis can occur when a vein is damaged or if blood flow slows down or stops completely. If you’re obese and/or over age 40, you’re at particular risk for deep vein thrombosis. Since poor circulation is the number one reason people develop deep vein thrombosis, it’s important to understand what can cause decreased circulation in your lower body. Aside from sitting still for long periods of time, like you do on long airplane flights, here are some risk factors for deep vein thrombosis: Smoking tobacco can lead to poor leg circulation and deep vein thrombosis. As we mentioned above, obesity is an important risk factor for poor leg circulation and deep vein thrombosis. Not exercising enough or at all can lead to poor leg circulation and deep vein thrombosis. Not eating right can contribute to poor leg circulation and deep vein thrombosis. High blood pressure can cause poor leg circulation and deep vein thrombosis. High cholesterol can lead to poor leg circulation and deep vein thrombosis. If you have diabetes, you’re at particular risk for poor leg circulation and deep vein thrombosis. Certain nerve and thyroid conditions can contribute to poor leg circulation and deep vein thrombosis. Women who are pregnant should be aware that they’re at risk for developing poor leg circulation and deep vein thrombosis. To make sure you don’t develop deep vein thrombosis, it’s important to address these risk factors. If you’re on a long airplane ride, make sure you get up and move around often, or at least do some leg stretches in your seat to avoid the development of deep vein thrombosis. It’s also important to keep your feet and legs warm. The cold can cause decreased circulation and thus deep vein thrombosis.Reference Source: Footsmart.com (Source: The Stephen Kite Practice)

On your nerves… the basics of foot-related nerve injuries

The Stephen Kite Practice — Sat, 31 Mar 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Sometimes patients may suffer from severe pain at the top of the foot. This is sometimes caused through nerve damage or results of paresthesia or change in gait or the foots biomechanics.MORTON'S NEUROMA A neuroma is the thickening of a nerve that usually occurs from chronic irritation caused by tight-fitting shoes or socks, repeated pressure on the ball of the foot, or abnormal foot biomechanics such as overpronation that can result in injury to the nerve or its surrounding structures.The most common location for a neuroma on the foot is between the third and fourth metatarsals and toes. Known as a Morton's neuroma, this condition usually has symptoms that include a burning or tingling sensation in the ball of the foot that radiates out to the third and fourth toes. You may also experience a cramping of the toes or a sensation that your socks are bunching up underneath your feet. If you remove your shoes and massage the area, these sensations will decrease, but the pain and discomfort usually recur when you resume activity.Treatment for a Morton's neuroma involves removing the pressure that is causing the nerve irritation and reducing the inflammation around the nerve. Often, if you switch to an athletic or dress shoe with a wider toe box, the symptoms decrease or even disappear. Using a toe separator between the affected toes may also take pressure off the nerve.If this self-care treatment does not relieve the discomfort, injection therapy can often reduce the inflammation around the nerve. If abnormal foot biomechanics are contributing to the problem, orthotics, combined with a metatarsal pad or other modifications to spread the metatarsals from each other, take pressure off the nerve. In most cases, conservative care will alleviate the problem. However, in resistant cases, it may be necessary to surgically remove the inflamed nerve branch to provide relief. This treatment will usually result in complete resolution of the problem.Reference SourceThe Basics of Foot-Related Nerve Injuries (Source: The Stephen Kite Practice)

The stephen kite practice

The Stephen Kite Practice — Sun, 25 Mar 2007 04:00:00 +0100

The Stephen Kite Practice (Source: The Stephen Kite Practice)

Metatarsalgia problems through heel pain

The Stephen Kite Practice — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Metatarsalgia denotes a painful foot condition in the ball of the foot or metatarsal region. This is a common disorder that can affect the bones and joints at the ball-of-the-foot. With this common foot condition, one or more of the metatarsal heads become painful and/or inflamed, usually due to excessive pressure over a long period of time. Ball-of-foot pain is often caused from improperly fitting footwear, excessive pressure over a long period of time, insufficient cushioning, and the natural aging process. Because the pain is in the forefoot metatarsal area, recommend properly fitting shoes with maximum forefoot cushioning and flexibility.A bunion is an inflamed swelling of the small sac on the first joint of the big or great toe. You can see it as a bump, but this bump is actually a protruding bone. With the continued movement of the big toe towards the smaller toes, it is common to find the big toe resting under or over the second toe. This causes a forefoot condition called overlapping toes. A bunionette involves the swelling of the small sac on the joint of the little or lesser toes. It is a smaller bump that forms due to the little toe moving inwards. Symptoms include swelling, inflammation, soreness, and discomfort while walking. This deformity can be caused by an abnormality in foot function or arthritis, but is most usually caused by wearing improperly fitting footwear it can also be brough on by an accident of the leg or foot. Shoes with a wide toe-box and metatarsal padding are recommended to alleviate the pain and discomfort in the forefoot. Any cushioning or pressure distributing insoles will also help. acement cushioning insoles are also recommended to alleviate this pain. Metatarsalgia and bunion of the big toe is sometimes brought on by the heel pain because the forefoot has overcompensated for the rear foot pain and there is impared heel strike because of that pain.Patients with flat foot are more prone to plantar fascilitis.Reference Source: New Balance.com (Source: The Stephen Kite Practice)