Reflexology

English: Foot reflexology is a "pressure therapy" and involves applying focused pressure to certain known reflex points located in the foot to cure or prevent disease. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Therapeutic reflexology, a popular therapy around the world, involves massaging the nerve endings of the feet to reduce stress and tension and promote healing in other areas of the body. The practice is based on the ideas that our body parts are reflected in the feet, with the front of the body on the sole of the feet and the back of the body on tops. For example, massaging the toes can help relieve headaches and other symptoms in the head. Massaging the ankle bone can help with hip problems. The feet have always played an important role in healing and reflexology dates back to 2500 BC. Some podiatric offices are now hiring therapeutic reflexologists as a complementary service.

It’s always a good idea to listen to your feet, as they often have lots to tell you, including giving you clues about the rest of your body’s well-being. When  your feet tell you there’s trouble somewhere, as your podiatrist, Shenandoah Podiatry will work as a team with you to keep you and your feet healthy and pain free. Feet that feel good mae the rest of you feel good, too so why not give us a call and start the process of feeling better today!

Foot Exams Help Prevent Ulcerations

diabetic foot syndrome

We urge all of our patients to make sure their primary-care physicians check their feet during every office visit for signs of ulcerations that, left untreated, can lead to infection and ultimately result in lower limb amputations.

It’s a simple exam that takes two minutes to determine if you are at risk for developing a foot ulcer. Perhaps the easiest way to remember to get your feet checked is to remove your shoes and socks in the examining room. Most diabetic patients are vulnerable to foot ulcerations caused by poor blood circulation in the lower extremities and neuropathy that inhibits nerve sensation.

Ulcers are the leading cause of foot amputations among people with diabetes, but they are preventable in most cases if doctors routinely check their patient’s feet.

In a routine foot exam we check for nerve sensation, skin irregularities (corns, calluses, punctures and areas of redness), swelling, drainage, and foot deformities that cause unnatural pressure points that are prone to ulceration.

Patients with diabetes who have their feet checked regularly can prevent foot ulcers or have them treated at early stages by their podiatrist.