Remember when you were a child and you could bend and reach and twist with ease. Can you still, or are the days at the computer or at the desk starting to take their toll?
The fact is, although we shouldn’t, many people lose their flexibility and mobility over time. This can lead to pain and poor performance in athletes.
How Flexible Are You?
The good news is that physiotherapy can give you the tools to restore your movement. Here’s Rob with 2 simple tests you can do at home to see if your mobility is normal.
It’s Never Too Late To Start
Now you know where your at, if you have started to stiffen up, remember it’s never too late to get moving again. As the old saying goes,
“The best day to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the second best day is today”
If you need some help to loosen up from the professionals, give us a call and book an appointment. Our hands on treatments and international programs will put you moving again 😀
Sick of sore feet, blisters and pain from your shoes?
Not sure if you have the right shoes for you?
Today, foot specialist and Kerry footballer, Niamh Carmody SCPI, from our Tralee Clinic, shows you the 3 simple tests you should do before you buy your next pair of shoes.
As a Podiatrist & Chiropodist, these are the tests Niamh uses when she’s is in a shoe shop. They are quick and easy and vital to help you pick your best pair of shoes for being active.
This is super important for anyone who is active, wants to be able to walk or run better for longer, or is returning from injury.
Remember if you have any queries on foot pain or foot problems please don’t hesitate to give us a call in our Limerick or Tralee clinic. We would be more than happy to help. 😀
Sweaty & smelly feet can be quite common and often occur together. Overly sweaty feet lead to a buildup of bacterial growth on the skin. These bacteria then cause the bad odour and can cause fungal infections like athlete’s foot.
The good news is that there are some very quick, easy home treatments that can make a big difference. Here are our favourites!
Apple Cider Vinegar & Epson Salt Soak
Bathe feet every evening for 15 minutes in a basin of warm water with 1 cap of apple cider vinegar and Epsom salts. This can be a powerful way to help your feet feel great!
Wear The Right Socks
Wearing the correct socks for you is important.
Avoid wearing cotton socks, as the cotton fibres retain heat which leads to an increase in microorganisms and odour.
Switch to materials that wick away moisture such as merino wool, smart wool or bamboo.
Foot Products
There are some excellent foot products on the market for sweaty or smelly feet.
Try applying talcum powder or an antifungal powder to feet and socks daily.
Apply Gehwol foot cream to the soles of the feet after work. It’s great to reduce sweat, help the feet become fresh and odourless.
Our in house Chiropodist & Podiatrist, Sarah Kerrane SCPI, talks us through orthotics and how to best wear them in.
What Are Orthotics?
Modern Orthotics come in every size and shape possible
Custom insoles, often called orthotics, are professionally developed inserts for your shoes, made with a personalised fit. They are used to straighten out the feet, correct posture are are used to help with a whole host of problems from flat feet to Achilles’ tendinitis, heel spurs and bunions.
How Are Orthotics Made?
Orthotics are made by taking very careful measurements of your feet and legs. A mould is taken of your feet and this is used to make a tailor made insert that is then placed into your shoes. This snug fit is crucial.
How To Wear In Orthotics
There are 4 big points that I recommend to all my patients when first getting used to their orthotics
1.The Right Shoe
Modern orthotics can be made to fit into lots of different types for shoes from work boots, to dress shoes, to football boots, golf shoes and even ski boots. These shoes can vary wildly in shape and design so make sure your orthotics are designed with the footwear you need them for.
2. Be Patient
It does take time for the foot and body to get used to have this new insert in your shoe. At the start it won’t know what happened. We recommend that you wear your new orthotics in gradually. Start with an hour per day. Aim to wear them for a full day after 2 weeks. It takes most people 4-6 weeks to really get used to them.
3. Walk Before Your Run
Running puts so much more pressure on our feet than walking does. If your orthotics are for exercising just make sure that walking feels comfortable first, then build up to exercising in them.
4. If They Squeak
If your orthotics squeak at the start don’t worry it’s normal! Some talcum powder can work a treat.
Hope you enjoy these tips. If you would like to chat to Sarah, you can contact us on 061 530 030 or drop us an email at info@totalcarephysio.ie.
