An online treatment session, also known as a Telehealth consultation, is a great way interact with our Chartered Physiotherapists, Chiropodists or Podiatrists. We use Zoom for our online sessions. It’s a powerful tool: safe, secure, super easy to use and best of all it’s free for you to use! If you are new to Zoom, here are the simple steps to follow to get yourself ready.

 

 

 

 

Using Zoom On A Desktop Computer

 

Step 1

Find the link that you have been sent by us. It will look like this:

 

Total Care Physio is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Zoom Meeting

Time: Apr 14, 2020 08:00 AM Dublin

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/12345678910abcdefghij

Meeting ID: 123 456 789

Password: 0123456

 

Step 2

If you are not taken straight to the Zoom app then add the meeting ID to the box.

 

Step 3

If you have never used Zoom before then you will be prompted to download and run Zoom. Click on this link.

If you have the app installed, then you will be given a message “Do you want to allow this page to open zoom.us ?”. Select allow.

 

Step 4

Allow Zoom to be installed or opened and wait for your host to begin the session. Make sure that you have selected the ‘join with video’ and join with audio.

 

Using on a Mobile Device

 

Step 1

Begin by downloading the Zoom App. You will get a link to this when you get your booking appointment confirmation email from us.

 

Step 2

You will get an email invitation for your Zoom session. It will look like this:

 

Total Care Physio is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Test Zoom Meeting

Time: Apr 14, 2020 08:00 AM Dublin

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/1234567?

Meeting ID: 123 456 789

Password: 0123456

 

 

Step 3

Open your App and click on the ‘Join a Meeting’ button

 

Step 4

Enter the meeting ID from Step 2 and click ‘Join’

Before you do so make sure that you have selected the check boxes regarding audio and video un-selected

 

Enjoy and if you need us we are here to help on 061 530 030, or info@totalcarephysio.ie

 

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To protect your health, our clinics are currently closed to the public while social distancing measures remain in place.

We have a great tele-health service to support you  in the meantime.

This is a 2 way video call with your therapist from the comfort of your own home. You get  all the supports you would get from us normally:

• Dedicated one to one support
• A clear plan to get you back on track
• Top tips for what you can do to help your condition
• Guided exercise and a personalised program

You can book online now at:  https://total-care-physio.selectandbook.com/ 

Given these unprecedented times, we are charging a discounted rate until 29th March 2020:

 

• Chartered Physiotherapy Tele- health Consult: €45

• Chiropody & Podiatry Tele-health Consult: €25

 

If you have any queries, please contact us on 061 530 030 or info@totalcarephysio.ie 

 

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Important Patient Information Regarding Covid-19

 

The health and safety of our staff and patients is at the forefront of our care. 

 

We follow the Health Protection Surveillance Centre  advisories so if you are concerned that any of the following factors apply to you, please ring us before you come in and we will advise you how to proceed:

 

• recent travel to places with presumed ongoing community transmission to COVID-19
• recent contact with anyone with confirmed COVID-19
• recent work  or visits to a healthcare facility where patients with confirmed COVID-19 were being treated

• If you  have any of the following symptoms – fever, cough, shortness of breath or any other features of an upper respiratory tract infection such as nasal discharge or frequent sneezing.

 

We are also asking all patients to wash their hands in the sink provided in reception  when entering and leaving the clinic. Thank you for your cooperation.

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In today’s blog, in-house Chiropodist and Podiatrist, Sarah Kerrane, talks to us about flat feet in children and what to look our for as a parent.

 

What Are Flat Feet?

Flat feet, also known as pes planus, is the name given to feet where there is no arch present.

The arch is like the foundation for the body and ensures that pressure, when we are walking and standing, is evenly distributed along the sole of the foot.

 

Are Flat Feet Normal In Children?

Flat feet in toddlers and children is very common.

Firstly, children are born without arches in their feet. The foot is made up of cartilage and a fat pad is present along the sole of the foot until the age of five years. This fat pad helps the foot while the bones are developing.

At the age of five or six, as children grow and walk, the soft tissues start to tighten, the bones start to harden and fuse together and this gradually shapes the arches of the feet. By the age of eight, the arches should be fully developed.

In some cases, children never develop an arch. This can be a normal variant, i.e some people simply have flatter feet than others. It often is nothing to be concerned about and does not mean your child will be prone to problems with their feet later in life. It is very much an inherited condition and generally does not cause pain.

 

When To Get Help

If your child is complaining of pain in their feet or are having difficulty performing certain activities, this may be a sign of a more serious problem. If this is the case, we would strongly recommend that you get your child’s feet evaluated by a specialist Podiatrist. Our specialist podiatrists in Limerick and Tralee are here to help if you have any queries.

© Total Care Physio 2018, All rights reserved.

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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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