Health & Fitness

FEET FIRST

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7 December 2010

ADVERTORIAL

The average Londoner can take up to ten thousand steps a day. Modern footwear is often designed for style rather than support, and this can create acute, but also long term health problems. 

Often we neglect our feet as they are hidden in shoes. However, your feet are one of the most important parts of the body.  They are not only responsible for navigating irregular road surfaces whilst  supporting the weight of your entire body, they also have an important role in co-ordinating your movement and balance abilities.  Having a good pair of mobile and comfortable feet is essential to sustaining and improving your quality of life.

“You should treat your feet as your best friend”,  says Marion Yau BSc (Hons), Specialist Podiatrist. “Your feet help support the whole of your body in any activities that you do. Whether you are just walking to the office, running in the gym, waiting for the bus or even riding a bike around the city, it is important to take care of them, as your feet are there with you to face all the daily strain that you put onto them.

Routine treatments are recommended every three to six months, similar to a dental check-up. It consists of a pain-
free half hour  session where nails are cut and filed, callous and hard skin removed and cracked heels smoothed. The same treatments are perfect for dealing with  problematic nails, painful corns and treating skin infections such as athlete’s foot.

Spending time in public areas such as the gym and hotels can often mean getting verrucae.  “Verrucae should be treated  immediately, before having the opportunity to spread further,” says Marion, who offers a special
treatment called cryotherapy, that freezes the verrucae virus over several treatment sessions.

Marion also recommends that flip flops should be used in any communal areas such as showers, as they are places where the virus is easily picked up.

Complete foot screenings give a key insight into vascular and neurological health, with diabetics recommended to go at least once a year. “Diabetes is not a condition that should be taken lightly - it causes nerve damage, dampens your immune system and decreases the blood flow to your limbs.

These three body systems are vital in foot health. If not properly monitored by a professional it can lead to serious complications such as leg amputation, at its worst”. It has been reported that in England there are 70 diabetic related amputations a week!

For those who are particularly active, custom-made orthotics can be prescribed to be inserted into their existing footwear to correct their foot posture. These specialised inserts can prevent and benefit those suffering with lower back pain, knee pain, bunions and other ailments that can be traced back to the way their feet move.

Alastair experienced a podiatrist treatment with Marion at The Stress Exchange. “The treatment started with Marion asking me a few questions about my health and any foot concerns that I may have had.

She then examined the temperature of my legs and feet, listened to the pulses in my feet with an Ultrasound Doppler device and tested my sensation with a painless pen, before giving me a clean bill of health.

Marion noticed that I had hard skin, even though I had a pedicure not long ago. She carefully removed hard skin I didn’t know I had, and buffed the rough areas with a Podiatry drill. After just a few minutes my rough skin was completely gone and my feet felt great!”

Marion joins The Stress Exchange team as a fully certified practitioner of Podiatric Medicine and is the official podiatrist for the Premier and Standard Typhoon Dragon Boat Team, that competes in the National League within the UK.

The Podiatry Clinic has been open since early 2010 and all are welcome. The Podiatry Clinic has already helped 100s of people with their feet problems. Maybe our podiatrist can help with yours.

Routine treatment, including Complete Foot Health Screening,
is £45. For a full list of services visit their website:
www.stressexchange.co.uk
click on Clinic Lunch time and evening appointments available with advanced booking.
To schedule your
appointment call
The Stress Exchange
on 020 7357 7006.

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