As sitting is such a big part of many people’s lives I advise patients to get a chair that allows the correct natural posture to be maintained. The best chair that I found and now use in my clinic is the ‘BackApp’ chair. It allows you to maintain an excellent posture with virtually no effort whilst also exercising the core muscles. What a bonus – we could now say, ‘Sitting benefits the back!’

For advice or a free spinal check or more advice on the BackApp, please contact the clinic on:
Harpenden Osteopath Sports Injury Clinic
Tel: (01582) 764361 mob: 07969 138607
Email: info@gbosteopathy.co.uk
www.gbosteopathy.co.uk

Why do diabetic patients suffer with their feet more in winter?

Diabetic patients are a higher risk due to problems with their circulation, the peripheral neuropathy and the problems associated with healing. Cold and wet weather can lead to cold and wet feet, which increases the risk of friction and tissues breakdown causing in shoe repetitive trauma, and also leads to the discomfort of cold feet.

In the winter there are a number of steps to assist you with circulation problems;

1. Wear two pairs of light cotton socks instead of 1 big pair. It dissipates the friction and creates greater warmth through the layers of trapped air.
2. Do not wear thick socks and tight shoes as this causes rubbing and tissue break down.
3. Wear your orthotics and if you experience cold feet you can have them recovered with 3mm starsuede which is a warm top cover and provides cushioning as well as warmth.
4. Buy a good winter shoe.  Walking or trail shoes are hard wearing, very supportive, deep enough for an orthotic and waterproof. They will keep your feet warm and dry in the winter and allow you to wear your orthotic device without taking too much room in the shoe. They also look good and can be worn with trousers.
5. Avoid chilblains by drying feet and warming gently if they get cold and wet and make sure to dry insoles and shoes if they are wet. Stuff the front of shoes with newspaper so that they do not contract and feel tight next time you wear them.

Check your feet regularly – make sure that there are no issues developing. Prevention is the best cure.

If you are suffering from diabetes or want advice on your feet please call the clinic for a Gaitscan assessment today.

Tel: (01582) 764361/ 07969 138607

Gillian Brown –

Clinic manager Harpenden Osteopath Sports Injury clinic

Its Back Care Awareness week this week, and we want to get the message out there that parents and teachers need to consider the health implications of small bodies carrying heavy school bags.

Heavy bags can put pressure on the discs between the vertebrae which can cause long-term back pain in small and still-developing bodies and children can suffer muscular pain, headaches, tingling and numbness in the arms and legs and even mobility problems.

Having treated some of the damage caused by carrying excessive loads there are guidelines that parent and teachers can follow to help support children’s health including; children should never carry more than about 15% of their own body weight. Parents can help by packing their children’s rucksacks and making sure that the heavier items are nearer to the child’s back. Heavier items on the outside of the bag tend to throw out the child’s centre of gravity out of balance, which leads to bad posture and increases the chances of them straining their back”.

Other suggestions include;

• A backpack is usually more comfortable than a bag that puts strain on only one shoulder, but even a backpack shouldn’t be overloaded.
• When buying a bag, buy a sturdy, well-designed bag with wide, padded shoulder straps that reduces pressure on the neck and shoulder area. Buy a bag with adjustable straps which can be altered as the child grows.
• Check your child’s posture after he/she has put the bag on. If you notice your child leaning forward or slouching, check if the bag is too heavy or if it has been packed incorrectly.
• Make sure your child is only carrying the items they need for school that day –remove any unnecessary books and equipment
• An increase of and more use of permanent child lockers for storing equipment or books that can be left at school.

The long-term effects from carrying heavy bags include strains on the neck and shoulder leading to headaches, fatigue and an early development of poor posture along with strain to arms and wrists.

Another challenge to children’s health, and one which is specifically an issue for girls, are shoes in the form of high heels and flat pumps.  Wearing high heels (anything over 2”) is especially stressful on the joints of the foot because the whole weight of the body is forced into a narrow, pointed area.

High heels can contribute to knee and back problems because of the way wearers are forced to pay attention to their balance and to take
shorter strides. Heels also force the thigh muscles to work harder, putting
extra strain on the knee joints and tendon that runs from the knee cap to the thigh bone. Compared with walking barefoot, high heels increase the pressure on the inside of the knee by around 26 percent and over time this increased pressure on the knee can lead to osteoarthritis.

As with most things, moderation is the key here. Wearing the same type of shoe all the time can force your foot into an unnatural position.  Flat shoes are usually easier on your feet than heels, but with no shock absorbency and little heel support, there is a risk of developing a painful condition called plantar fasciitis (pain on the soles of you feet) and calcaneal bursitis (pain under your heel). “

The answer is to changeChildrens school bags – back pain your style of shoes regularly and
avoid the extremes – don’t wear heels that are too high or shoes that are too flat.”

For more advice on any subjects discussed please contact
Gillian Brown at Harpenden Osteopath clinic. The clinic specialises in foot/gait analysis and orthotic prescription.

I would love to hear your comments.

Tel: (01582) 764361 info@gbosteopathy.co.uk
www.gbosteopathy.co.uk

So here are my top tips…

If you do find you have back pain you can go and see your GP for medication and that is a good idea –  but you will not get hands on treatment.

Go and see an Osteopath – we have a great deal of success in treating back pain which is backed up by clinical evidence. The earlier the intervention the less pain for you and you will generally get better quicker

Generally if the pain is very acute ‘ice therapy’ is advised - 10 mins of ice (bag of peas is ideal) wrapped in a tea towel.

Gentle movement is normally good for the back (walking, rolling in a ball, gentle stretches) to reduce inflammation and prevent you from getting  stiff.

Ideally don’t life anything too heavy and don’t sit down for long periods.

There are many things to consider as to why you might be getting back pain including; sleeping posture, sedentary lifestyle, overweight, inactivity, work-station posture, previous injuries….Your Osteopath will talk through with you to identify your individual reasons and give you appropriate advice.

Hope this has been useful,

Gillian Brown – Harpenden Osteopath Sports Injury clinic