Foot Health News Betafeet Podiatry April 2015 Issue Number 1 Contact Your Podiatrist Judith Ann Sullivan Danielle Kempster BSc Hons. MChS. HCPC Registered Wearing the right shoes is really important! Welcome to our first Newsletter. This is one way we hope to reach out to our patients and keep them informed of the latest happenings. Podiatrists and Chiropodists have to complete a 3-year degree course, and are regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC); the governing body that protects the public by regulating standards of proficiency and conduct in the profession. Registration of the HCPC is dependent upon successful completion of a Tel: 01442 822990 www.betafeetpodiatry.co.uk What is a Podiatrist? A Podiatrist is a health professional who deals with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of medical and surgical conditions of the feet and lower limbs. The term 'Podiatrist' is another name for 'Chiropodist', a term that has chiefly been used in the UK, while 'Podiatrist' is more commonly used in the rest of the English speaking world, and is the modern term used today. 110 High Street Tring HP23 4AF or 67 Marlowes Hemel Hempstead Herts HP1 1LE recognised course of training and continued professional education. Podiatrists and Chiropodists should not be confused with Foot Health Practitioners; who have not attained the same level of education in foot health, and are not regulated by the HCPC. Consult your podiatrist for: General podiatry advice Nail cutting and filing Corns, calluses and hard skin Ingrown toenails Thick and fungal nails Verruca therapy Nail surgery Diabetic foot care and assessment Foot and leg pain Insole, arch supports and orthotics Top Tips for Healthy Feet Basic foot hygiene involves keeping feet clean and dry. It is important to ensure areas between the toes are washed and dried thoroughly. Feet should be inspected regularly for early detection of possible problems. Problems such as dry skin and cracks in the heels can be avoided by the use of foot creams. Ideally creams that have urea in them are more effective as they permeate the top layer of skin. CCS and Flexitol foot creams are recommended. If you have corns or calluses visit a podiatrist regularly to have them removed. Corns and calluses are signs of pressure on the skin and can lead to ulceration if untreated. If you are able to, cut your nails straight across and use an emery board. If you have difficulties or are troubled with an in-growing toenail consult a podiatrist. There is evidence that certain types of footwear and footwear choice can be responsible for many foot problems. A good fitting, foot shaped shoe is the sensible option. If you have diabetes it is important that you have your feet checked at least once a year, so that you receive the appropriate level of care. A healthy diet and exercise can be of benefit in helping to avoid certain foot problems.
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