Our feet bear the weight of our entire body, yet they often receive little attention until a problem arises. Foot issues can range from minor inconveniences to severe conditions that impact daily life. Understanding common foot problems and how podiatry can help is essential for maintaining foot health and overall well-being. This article explores prevalent foot problems and the role of podiatry in addressing them.

Common Foot Problems

1. Plantar FasciitisWhat It Is: Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes. It is one of the most common causes of heel pain.

   Symptoms: Sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of rest.

   Causes: Overuse, poor foot mechanics, obesity, or improper footwear can contribute to plantar fasciitis.

2. BunionsWhat It Is: A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, causing the toe to angle towards the other toes. This condition can lead to pain and difficulty finding comfortable footwear.

   Symptoms: Pain, swelling, and redness around the joint at the base of the big toe. The big toe may also become misaligned.

   Causes: Genetics, abnormal foot mechanics, and wearing tight or high-heeled shoes can lead to bunions.

3. HammertoesWhat It Is: Hammertoe is a deformity where one or more toes are bent downward at the middle joint, resembling a hammer.

   Symptoms: Pain, corns, and calluses on the affected toes, and difficulty finding properly fitting shoes.

   Causes: Muscle imbalances, inherited traits, or wearing ill-fitting shoes are common causes of hammertoes.

4. Ingrown ToenailsWhat It Is: An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain and potential infection.

   Symptoms: Pain, redness, and swelling around the toenail. In severe cases, there may be pus or an infection.

   Causes: Improper nail trimming, tight shoes, and injury to the toenail can cause ingrown toenails.

5. Athlete’s FootWhat It Is: Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, commonly between the toes.

   Symptoms: Itching, burning, redness, and peeling skin. The infection may also cause blisters or sores.

   Causes: Fungal infections thrive in warm, moist environments, making communal showers and swimming pools common sources of infection.

6. Flat FeetWhat It Is: Flat feet occur when the arches of the feet collapse, causing the entire foot to make contact with the ground.

   Symptoms: Pain in the feet or lower legs, especially after standing or walking for long periods. There may also be swelling around the ankles.

   Causes: Flat feet can be inherited, or they may develop due to injury, ageing, or certain health conditions.

7. Morton’s NeuromaWhat It Is: Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition involving a thickening of the tissue around a nerve leading to the toes, often between the third and fourth toes.

   Symptoms: Sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot, which may radiate into the toes. There might also be a sensation of having a pebble in the shoe.

   Causes: High-heeled or tight shoes, and excessive pressure or irritation of the foot, can contribute to Morton’s neuroma.

How Podiatry Can Help

Podiatry is a specialised field of medicine focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of foot and ankle disorders. A podiatrist is a healthcare professional trained to manage a wide range of foot problems. Here’s how podiatry can assist with common foot issues:

1. Diagnosis and AssessmentPodiatrists conduct thorough assessments to diagnose foot problems accurately. This may include physical examinations, patient history reviews, and diagnostic imaging (e.g., X-rays or MRIs). Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.
2. Treatment PlansBased on the diagnosis, podiatrists develop personalised treatment plans. These plans may include:
   • Orthotics: Custom-made insoles or shoe inserts to correct foot mechanics and provide support.
   • Footwear Advice: Recommendations on appropriate footwear to alleviate pain and prevent further issues.
   • Physical Therapy: Exercises and stretches to improve foot function and reduce pain.
   • Medications: Prescribing medications for pain relief or inflammation.
   • Surgical Interventions: In severe cases, podiatrists may recommend or perform surgical procedures to correct deformities or other serious conditions.
3. Preventive CarePodiatrists educate patients on preventive measures to avoid foot problems. This includes advice on proper foot care, suitable footwear, and maintaining a healthy weight to reduce stress on the feet.
4. Management of Chronic ConditionsFor chronic conditions like diabetes, which can lead to foot complications, podiatrists provide specialised care. They monitor foot health, manage any emerging issues, and educate patients on self-care practices to prevent complications. For more information on podiatry services and how Talaria Podiatrist can help with chronic conditions, you can view website here.
5. RehabilitationFollowing surgery or injury, podiatrists guide patients through rehabilitation, focusing on restoring function, strength, and mobility. They may recommend specific exercises and therapies to aid recovery.

Conclusion

Foot problems can significantly impact daily life, but podiatry offers effective solutions for managing and treating these issues. By understanding common foot problems and seeking the expertise of a podiatrist, individuals can address foot health concerns and improve their quality of life. Whether it’s through diagnosis, treatment, preventive care, or rehabilitation, podiatry plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy and functional feet. If you’re experiencing foot pain or discomfort, consulting a podiatrist can provide the relief and support you need.

Achieving and maintaining good posture isn’t just about appearances—it’s fundamental to our overall health and well-being. Proper posture supports the immune system, enhances circulation, and ensures optimal function of the musculoskeletal system. However, maintaining good posture is often challenging in modern lifestyles characterised by prolonged sitting and repetitive movements.

Osteopathy offers a holistic approach to improving posture and relieving associated pain. Osteopaths specialise in assessing and addressing musculoskeletal imbalances that contribute to poor posture. Through gentle manual techniques, they aim to restore proper alignment of the spine and joints, relieve muscle tension, and improve overall balance. This comprehensive approach not only alleviates immediate discomfort but also prevents future issues by educating patients on ergonomic principles and lifestyle adjustments.

In this article, we delve into the techniques used by osteopaths to enhance posture, including soft tissue manipulation, joint mobilisation, and visceral manipulation. We explore how these methods contribute to better alignment, reduced pain, and improved physical function. By understanding the principles and practices of osteopathic care, individuals can take proactive steps toward achieving sustainable improvements in posture and overall musculoskeletal health.

Soft Tissue Techniques

Osteopaths use gentle manipulation of muscles, joints and tissues to improve movement and release blockages. This helps to restore balance between muscle groups that promotes even posture.

Over time, poor posture can increase pressure on spinal discs, nerves and other joints resulting in pain or discomfort. An osteo is trained to assess the underlying cause of your symptoms and develop a tailored treatment plan that may include manual therapy techniques, education, and lifestyle modifications.

For example, a common pattern of imbalance is known as pelvic crossed syndrome where one side of the body becomes overactive while the other is underactive. In this case, osteopathic treatments may focus on mobilising and manipulating the hips, lower back, and shoulders to relieve tightness or tension. They can also use myofascial release techniques to break down adhesions in the connective tissue that surrounds muscles and organs to reduce muscular tension and improve movement. They can also recommend exercise to strengthen weakened muscles and improve stability.

Articulation

When muscles are tight and overused, they pull the spine in a direction that creates spinal misalignment and increased pressure on joints, leading to pain. The osteopaths at Excel Body & Health use a variety of gentle, hands-on techniques to restore the relationship between the bones, muscles, ligaments, and nerves of the musculoskeletal system.

These include soft tissue manipulation and joint mobilisation. Osteopaths also perform myofascial release, a technique that focuses on releasing restrictions in fascia (the connective tissue that surrounds muscles and organs). This enables the body to move more freely and improves the balance and flexibility of the musculoskeletal system.

A key aspect of osteopathy is educating patients on proper ergonomics and movement patterns, which can prevent postural imbalances and reduce strain on the musculoskeletal system. Patients are encouraged to participate in their treatment plan, including performing recommended exercises and implementing lifestyle modifications, to ensure lasting improvements and overall health.

Visceral Manipulation

Osteopaths are trained to palpate, assess and manipulate your internal organs to release restrictions that may affect your posture. This technique is called Visceral Manipulation and encourages normal movement within and between the organs and their connective tissue attachments.

Because these organs are encapsulated in fascial wrappers, osteopathic manipulation can help to improve the function of the organ and relieve associated pain. For example, if the stomach is restricted and has moved forward in your abdomen, this can compress the large intestines and cause symptoms such as gastric reflux and heartburn.

Similarly, a slouchy or hunched posture can compress the digestive system and interfere with normal functioning. Osteopathy also addresses the relationship between posture and balance. As the body improves its posture, it distributes weight evenly across the musculoskeletal system, which positively influences balance. Throughout the course of treatment, your osteopath will provide valuable education on posture and balance to promote sustainable improvements in your daily lifestyle.

Exercise Prescription

While good posture is often seen as a matter of etiquette and aesthetics, it’s also an integral part of our musculoskeletal health. Proper posture helps ensure that muscles work efficiently and reduces pain by relieving pressure on spinal discs, nerves, and joints.

Slouching and hunching can lead to spinal misalignments, muscle imbalances, and joint stiffness that cause back and neck pain. Osteopaths can assess for these issues and use manual techniques to address them.

They may use soft tissue techniques to stretch tight muscles and improve flexibility, articulation to gently move joints through their full range of motion, and visceral manipulation to release compressed organs. They can also provide postural training exercises and dietary and lifestyle advice. Their holistic approach improves posture and alignment while alleviating pain, reducing fatigue, and enhancing overall function and health.

Enhancing Posture Holistically

Maintaining good posture is crucial for optimal health and well-being. Osteopathy provides effective tools and techniques to address the root causes of poor posture, such as muscular imbalances and spinal misalignments. Through gentle manual therapies like soft tissue manipulation, joint mobilisation, and visceral manipulation, osteopaths not only alleviate pain and discomfort but also restore proper alignment and improve overall musculoskeletal function.

Furthermore, osteopathic care emphasises patient education on ergonomic principles, movement patterns, and lifestyle modifications, empowering individuals to actively participate in their health journey. By integrating these holistic approaches, individuals can experience lasting improvements in posture, reduced pain, enhanced mobility, and better overall quality of life.

As we continue to recognise the importance of posture in daily health and function, osteopathy stands out as a valuable ally in promoting sustainable improvements and supporting long term musculoskeletal health.

A urologist specializes in medical conditions that affect the urinary tract and reproductive system. For that reason, it’s common for men and women to feel nervous about their first urology appointment.

A few tips to help you prepare for your upcoming visit include keeping a bladder diary with details about the severity and timing of symptoms, as well as any medication or supplements you currently take. Your urologist will likely also ask you about your family’s medical history.

Medical History

When you search the web for a urologist, you can search ‘Urologist Appointment Near Me‘ to find the best doctor online. It’s very likely that the urologist will ask for your medical history. It may feel uncomfortable discussing things like urinary habits and sexual health, but it’s important to be upfront and honest with your doctor. This will help them create a more accurate diagnosis for you. This is especially important with conditions like incontinence, as your urologist will need to know exactly what you’re experiencing to come up with the best solution for you

A urologist is also likely to want to take a urine sample, so make sure you have a full bladder before you arrive at the appointment. They’ll probably also ask you questions about any medications you’re taking, so it’s a good idea to keep a list of all the prescription and over-the-counter drugs you currently use, as well as any supplements or herbs you might be taking.

If you’re a new patient, it’s a good idea to arrive at the urologist’s office with all the paperwork that needs to be filled out, such as a registration form and a Physical and History sheet. If possible, you should try to bring a copy of your insurance details and information about the severity and timing of your symptoms. Some urologists will even ask you to fill out a bladder diary, so you can provide them with a detailed record of your symptoms before the appointment.

Urine Sample

Your urologist may ask you to provide a urine sample during your appointment. To ensure that you get the most accurate results, be sure to attend your appointment with a full bladder. Your urologist will give you a cup, sterile wipes and instructions for collecting the sample. It is important to use the correct technique, as this helps prevent bacteria from your penis or vagina from entering the sample.

You might also be asked to complete a bladder diary, which is a written record of your symptoms, including how often and at what times you experience them. This information will help your urologist determine the severity and duration of your symptoms.

If your urologist uses the clean catch method to obtain a sample, they will instruct you to sit on the toilet and use one of the premoistened wipes to clean around your urethra (the opening where urine flows out of the body). Next, open the lid of the specimen cup and place it inside the stream, filling it until it is at least half full. Once the sample has been collected, close the lid and return it to a designated area in the restroom.

Urine samples are examined visually and with a microscope to look for things that don’t belong in the urine, such as blood or bacteria, which could indicate an infection. The urine can also be tested for its acidity and sugar content, which can indicate health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

Physical Examination

A urologist will need to take a complete medical history in addition to a physical exam. This will include a detailed questionnaire regarding your current symptoms. Often, you will be asked to rate the severity of your symptoms and to provide details on when they occur, as well as a list of any medications, over-the-counter drugs, or vitamins/supplements you are taking. It is important to know the answers to these questions before your appointment so that you can give accurate and thorough information.

You will also likely have blood tests, a urinalysis, or a urine culture to help diagnose a urinary tract infection (UTI) or another urological condition. The doctor will also likely perform a male genital exam or a digital rectal examination, depending on the symptoms and the reason for your visit.

In select cases, the urologist may have to insert a small scope into your bladder and urethra, which is called a cystoscopy or an endoscopy. This is usually done for a diagnosis of prostate problems, such as an enlarged prostate, or to rule out other conditions, such as cancers. If you have a fear of needles or claustrophobia, it is helpful to let the urologist know ahead of time so that they can find an alternative method. Alternatively, the urologist may perform imaging, such as an ultrasound, CT scan, or an MRI, which can provide valuable insight into any problems.

Diagnosis

Your urologist will need a urine sample to examine so it’s best to arrive at your appointment with a full bladder by drinking 16 ounces of water. You will also be asked to list all of the medications you are currently taking including over-the-counter and prescription drugs, as well as vitamins and supplements. This will allow the urologist to gain insight into other conditions that could have an effect on your genitourinary system.

The urologist will then perform a physical exam. This will differ depending on your symptoms. For example, males will undergo a prostate examination while females may have a pelvic exam to check for signs of abnormalities. During this time, it’s a good idea to write down any questions you have so that you don’t forget them.

The urologist will then ask you about your medical history and why you are visiting for this particular appointment. You will also likely be asked to fill out paperwork. This is because the urologist needs to get a clear picture of your health and medical history for proper diagnosis. It is important to be as honest as possible when providing this information.

Perera Urology
Suite 118/55 Flemington Rd,
North Melbourne VIC 3051
1300 884 673
www.pereraurology.com

Many of us know that a physical therapy plan is often recommended after an injury or chronic pain condition. Usually the plan includes both hands-off and hands-on techniques.

Hands-on treatment or manual physical therapy involves passive movements of the body’s joints and soft tissue. These movements can be used to increase flexibility of a muscle, decrease pain or stretch stiffness.

The therapist’s hands

If you’ve ever watched a physical or occupational therapist in action, you may have seen them moving their hands through a range of motion to stretch muscles, joint and ligaments. This is known as “hands-on treatment” and it’s one of the most effective techniques in physiotherapy.

Hand therapy focuses on treating upper extremity injuries and disorders. Patients ranging from those with simple isolated fingertip injuries to complex tendon and neurological conditions count on hand therapy to guide them back to the upper extremity functions they find necessary in their daily lives. This includes work functions like typing and lifting and personal functions such as unlocking doors or holding a baby.

Physio Franklin also play an important role in the industrial setting, providing ergonomic consulting and education to employees and employers to assist with state-of-the-art injury prevention and return to work protocols. They can help reduce loss time and employer indemnity costs by improving worker performance and injury rates through proactive case management strategies.

Hands-on treatment is a form of orthopaedic manual physical therapy (OMPT), which encompasses a broad array of therapeutic techniques that are performed by trained physical and occupational therapists. These include soft tissue mobilization, which involves passive movement of the muscles, joints and ligaments to elongate the tissues. This helps to release scar tissue and break up adhesions.

The therapist’s eyes

One of the most odd things about being treated hands-on is the way your therapist stares at you. While it can feel invasive and oppressive at times, therapists do this for good reason. They know that the way you hold your shoulders, the speed at which you speak, and eye contact can tell them all kinds of things about your mood and how they can support you.

They also know that holding your gaze is a powerful signal to your brain and body that they’re invested in your success. It activates your “natural high” center, called the endogenous opiate system. And research has shown that eyes-on treatment can reduce the pain from spinal cord injuries, concussion, and other conditions by releasing this chemical.

Another reason they may hold your gaze is to use EMDR techniques to help you process traumas and negative emotions. During an EMDR session, your therapist will move their fingers side to side in front of your face for 30 seconds at a time while you follow their movements with your eyes. This works to improve the way your eyes work together and helps with a variety of symptoms, including headaches and nausea.

Some therapists will even use this technique in conjunction with other treatments, such as acupuncture or joint mobilization. The key is to find a therapist that respects your feelings about the way they treat you and doesn’t push you to do anything you don’t want to.

The therapist’s ears

When physical therapists perform manual therapy, they use a variety of techniques. These include soft tissue massage, which is a series of stroking and gliding motions over a muscle or connective tissue to improve its relaxation and mobility. They also perform joint manipulation, which is a quick thrust-style technique that takes the joint beyond its normal range of movement in order to promote mobility and decrease pain. They also educate patients on proper posture and breathing, to reduce strain on accessory breathing muscles that may contribute to ear symptoms.

Interestingly, although most participants in our study expressed concern about the changing model of hands-on treatment, they largely offset these concerns with optimism. They described how they developed processes to augment their observation skills in the OTA-PTAs by becoming, in effect, their ‘eyes and ears’ in a new role that requires frequent, direct interaction with their patients.

Hands-on treatment is an important part of physical and occupational rehabilitation, but it’s not one size fits all. It’s crucial to find a physical or occupational therapist who can customize your treatment plan to meet your specific needs, including assessing and treating a wide variety of injuries and conditions that affect the body’s musculoskeletal system. To get started, contact Reddy Care today for an appointment with a physical or occupational therapist who uses hands-on treatment methods.

The therapist’s voice

There are some concerns that hands on treatment could create dependence or that it may not be helpful. However, it’s important to remember that every person is different and that the treatment isn’t intended to be a replacement for other therapies. The goal is to help patients move in new ways that they wouldn’t have otherwise, and this can make a big difference in the outcomes of their injuries.

Although prior research has shown that people change their voices in specific contexts, such as an adult using “baby talk” with a young child or a physician delivering potentially difficult news to a patient, it is rare for studies to model the way that vocal features fluctuate across portions of a therapy session. Specifically, this study found that the therapist’s voice pitch, energy and speaking rate decrease during the middle portion of the therapy session. This is consistent with psychotherapy theory and pedagogy that suggest a check-in or small talk at the beginning and therapeutic work during the middle of a session.

This study also demonstrated that the therapist’s use of unfinished sentences, repetitions of the client’s words and her touch are all forms of active engagement with the patient. Furthermore, the therapist’s use of gaze, termination of her actions and acceptance of interruptions from the patient promotes mutual participation in the encounter.