Contact dermatitis and plants
Summer certainly attracts more plants and visitor activity than other seasons. Yet, even as I write this article, I feel itchy. We need to know what to avoid and if we are unfortunate to have a contact rash, we should know what to do. One point about the 10 plants I have picked is that many originate outside the UK while others remain in North America. Given the serious concerns with Japanese Knotweed for example, demonstrates that boundaries do not guarantee that you will come across something that has a kick in its leaf, stem or sap. Skin and respiratory problems arise in some but not all.
A dying healthcare system
Consultants split their time between the NHS and the independent sector, although some remain loyal to the NHS alone. Surgeons often make up their salary in this system, taking away an essential NHS resource – experienced professionals. This was the deal that Bevan had to negotiate. It is true that junior consultants have found it harder to follow their senior colleagues into the independent sector but eventually they trim back their hours if they want to work this sector.
Podiatry as a mature student
Victoria did an access course to boost her school educational credentials as she did not have the appropriate ‘A’ Levels. And so she started her career in podiatry as a mother and mature student.
“I had a five-year-old and a one-year-old. And I have to say it was the best three years studying I’ve ever had. It was fabulous. The course was great, the students that I was with are now fabulous colleagues all around the country and the world actually. And the lecturers were great. It was a really positive start.”
Arthritis and the big toe
I confess I am not keen on the word arthritis as it conjures up a disease of the worst kind. So let us use the phrase ‘arthrosis’ because the term means a condition associated with deterioration of any joint, not just the big toe. Severe forms of arthrosis come under a wonderful term – the arthritides (arth-rit-eedees), which sounds like a member of Jason and the Argonauts crew in Greek mythology. Rheumatoid arthritis and gout are two such conditions which are highly destructive. Already you can see Latin and Greek in our language. Medical people love to make everything sound complicated and a bit of old language helps!
Morton’s Nerve Pain
Nerves can recover but often start off because there is local inflammation. The symptoms of what we call neuritis can shoot back up the foot, are often short lived and occur when the foot is compressed initially. Most of the population consult someone between the ages of 40-60. However, there are some who experience the condition as early as 20-30. If caught young then recover can be encouraging. In 1995 Gordon Bennett looked at 115 patients and followed them for 2 years. Thirty-nine percent did well with insoles and footwear alterations. In other words altered their footwear.
Podiatry and professional opportunity
Ben’s story is not just about making good, but it illustrates that if you have a goal and are prepared to work hard, you can achieve respect and fulfil your dreams. Of course, as a professional, each of his experiences required him to develop an aptitude to learn. So he sought out those who could best influence his expertise. Still, by volunteering and making use of skills overseas, he ensured he was able to expand his podiatry career with confidence.
Podiatric Sports Medicine in focus
The London 2012 Games changed the vision of what a podiatrist could offer overnight. Today Professor Padhiar’s personal clinical workload is around 80% with sports. This ranges from Sunday warrior to professional and elite sports. To be a podiatric sports medicine specialist he believes in total involvement. He says of biomechanics, the study framework around musculoskeletal medicine and human movement “ is like an investigation. You look at why athlete keeps getting recurrent or chronic injury to see what factors are playing a part in their biomechanics.”
What age is best for bunion surgery?
Wouldn’t it be nice to read something that told you exactly what age and when to have your bunion operated? This is but a taster to make you consider your options carefully. There are other links from ConsultingFootPain
What Career to Choose After School?
Read about podiatry and its various roles for students keen on a career in a medical profession, Why not chose Podiatry as a career choice? This article is aimed at school pupils, career teachers and schools in general where pupils are looking to the healthcare professions as a career choice. It’s tough to make that decision with so many options from the age of 13 onwards.
Tennis player loses her toenails
Good foot care should be carried out for all sportspeople. They spend huge sums on their sport so they should invest in ensuring the foot is stable and the footgear is correct for their foot shape. Shoes should be fitted with care and the constituent materials should be considered equally important. Consultingfootpain is keen to ensure the public receives good advice so here is some self-help information