My latest newsletter!
The Pain of Ingrowing Nails (Onychocryptosis)
Ingrowing nails are a common complaint in foot health conditions. The pain, tightness and discomfort experienced can also be accompanied by infection.
These are usually hereditary or caused by ill fitting footwear. It is a common condition among adolescent males where hyperhidrosis (moisture) occurs with constant trauma from footwear.
Poor nail cutting may also be a contributing factor.
The nails grow in to the lateral skin folds of the nail, frequently in the hallux (big toe nail), and can be uni or bilateral. Any moisture present makes the tissue easier to penetrate.
The problem occurs as the nail grows forward normally but a spicule pushes into the sulci (skinfolds).
Infections and overgrowth of skin (hyper granulation) increase the pain and discomfort, more often necessitating surgical intervention and antibiotics.
Use of files and drill burrs to smooth nail edges can be a quick and effective measure to treat ingrown nails and prevent complications.
Advanced and more complicated examples necessitate minor surgical intervention. Hyper granulation of the injured tissues may surround the nail spicule encouraging infection and pain. Removal of this overgrowth of tissue and treatment of infection are necessary prior to avulsing (removal) of the side of the nail.
The nail plate may be deformed in some way due also to thickened nails and where fungal nail infection is present. Also nails that have longitudinal ridges or splitting (onychohorrexis).
Early and regular attention with correct nail cutting techniques and smoothing of the nail edges encouraging natural growth is a simple method to prevent ingrown nails. Also checking of footwear and posture and maintaining foot hygiene help to prevent reoccurrence.
Linda Price
MAFHP, MCFHP
www.soothingsteps.co.uk
Mob: 07984 823 280
Reflexology and fibromyalgia
I see clients with fibromyalgia regularly as they find reflexology soothing for their pain and discomfort.Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition causing pain, stiffness and tenderness of the joints and muscles. Associated conditions include poor sleep, anxiety and depression. The cause is unknown. Inflammation is not a sympton. Symptoms are pain on touch at tender points. 9 out ot 10 people with fibromyalgia are women, developing more usually between age 30 and 60.
Other sympoms may include headaches and migraines, IBS, and painful periods, restless legs and increased sensitivity to smells and noise.
There is no specific cure but treatment is aimed at relieving pain and improving quality of life.
A reflexologist may plan a treatment to include the areas affected e.g. shoulders, legs and back reflexes. Detox the liver and kidney reflexes and work the LI4 reflex on the hand for elimination of pain.
One of my clients always notes how soothing it feels when the neck and head reflexes are stimulated, which may concur with a theory of vagus nerve stimulation, see following link.
Have a look at the web link for item on reflexology and fibromyalgia. Taken from Reflexology Today linked to my facebook page.
http://www.reflexologylymphdrainage.co.uk/blog.html
Treats for your feet!
My pedicures are available from the salon in Purity at Tidworth Leisure Centre or in your home.This is a step in the right direction to Foot Health treatments.
As a Member of the British Association of Foot Health Professionals, of the established SMAE Institute treatments available are:
Also! Add a reflexology treatment to Walk On Air! 15 mins = £7. 30 mins = £15.
This will also be available as a visiting practice.
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Sat 21 Sept 2013 - Pamper Day!
September 2013 Pamper Day!Once again my reflexology group and friends will be doing a Pamper day in Stockbridge town hall on Saturday 21 September 2013. Following last year's success we will be offering mini treatments in reflexology and head massages.
There will be more stalls offering pampering goods, art, a cleaning company, gift cards, Italian leather handbags and more, jewellry, candles. This year we have the whole building and more space.
This coincides with World Reflexology week, and gives you an opportunity to try reflexology at special rates.
Tickets at the door are £8 to include a mini treatment, refreshment and draw ticket.
Donations are going to two charities, The Endometriosis society and Enham Disabilties.
Come along and relax and enjoy a quality apmper day unwinding with us.
Supplements, vitamins, natural skin care
If you take supplements you may like to have a look on my website at the Nature’s Sunshine shop, where you can have 20 % discount. I have a few clients taking these natural and wonderful supplements, all of whom are very happy with their quality and service at Natures Sunshine.We swear by the Zambrosa for the immune system, I can’t remember when I last had a cold. I have a special offer price of £18, for a bottle, to try for a healthier Spring.
Solstic is also popular; a natural energy drink. No glucose, caffiene or additives. But you still feel energised, I use mine in the gym. And so does the gym instructor! It costs less and £1 for a 500 mls energy drink, compared to sugary drinks costing £1.40.
Nature's Sunshine