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The South African Podiatry Association (SAPA) will be holding their Biennial Congress from 29-31 July 2011, at Khaya Ibhubesi, Parys, in the Free State. The theme of the congress is Developing You – Promoting Podiatry. An interesting mix of lectures, expert panel discussions and papers has been planned. For more information, contact the Congress organiser Ken Richards at Excel Solutions. Tel: 083 753 2937. Fax: 086 671 4444. Email: excelsol@mweb.co.za
Walking in the Bush can be one of the joys of living in Africa. However, it does have its drawbacks apart from the animals you may encounter!
Last week a young man came in as an emergency, telling me that whilst walking in the bush, a thorn had gone into the inside of his left ankle. The thorn was removed completely and initially there was no pain, but about 4 hours later it was excruciating. The thorn was from a tree called in Afrikaans Kameeldoring, one of the Acacia species, certain of which are poisonous.
A local Doctor prescribed antibiotics for 10 days, but now, the foot was still very painful and only relieved by taking an anti-inflammatory every 8 hours.
Examining the site of entry(parallel to the ground and straight into the medial malleolus – that's the lump on the inside of your ankle), - there was no inflammation, but lower down towards the arch there was some swelling and inflammation.
Standing on tip-toe was painful so initially thought of damage to the Tibialis Posterior Tendon. However, the pain was described as …"burning and running over the bridge(arch) of my foot." As I palpated down the foot towards the sole, it was possible to create the pain, which also went "into the foot".
A Sonar scan was ordered which showed some fluid collection around the tendon when compared to the right foot. No other pathologies were detected, such as a foreign body, thrombus, tendon tear etc.
So what is the provisional diagnosis? Possible trauma to the Tibial nerve. The diagnosis is based on the nature and site of the pain described, plus the fact that the Tibial nerve runs in the area where the thorn penetrated the foot. For the time being the treatment is local ice and continue with the anti-inflammatory.
Free foot screenings for people with diabetes are still available from certain podiatrists nationwide this week. Due to the demand, in our practice we will still offer them during next week too.
Protecting your feet from the complications of diabetes is a serious responsibility.
Managing your diabetes is the foundation of protection against complications that affect your eyes (Retinopathy), kidneys (Nephropathy) and feet (Neuropathy).
Feet can be severely damaged by diabetes and yet they are painless. This allows injuries to occur undetected and often leads to ulceration and amputation.
The purpose of the FREE FOOT SCREENING is to establish your risk level for developing foot complications, because many foot injuries can be prevented by being informed about the status of your feet.
Even people with severe loss of sensation can and do avoid problems by a combination of good blood sugar control and regular foot inspections by a podiatrist.
PLEASE DON"T BECOME A STATISTIC
World Diabetes Day takes place every November 14th. Diabetes is a serious chronic disease. It is estimated that 250 million people worldwide have diabetes (about 6% of the adult population between 20 -79 years). This number is expected to reach 380 million by 2025, (7.1% of the adult population)
Every 30 seconds a leg is lost to diabetes somewhere in the world!
Many diabetic foot ulcers and amputations can be prevented
Starting this week podiatrists nationwide will be promoting foot health awareness in various ways as their contribution to preventing the complications of Diabetes.
Check your local press for details of free screenings, talks, fun walks etc., often with Diabetes SA.
In our practice free screenings can be booked via Lauretta. 011 726 6363.
Nationwide contact the South African Podiatry Association; 011 7943297
Screening is a short observation of key signs to identify the risk level of your feet.
Not every person with diabetes is at risk, but some are and have no idea that they are.
If you know that you are at risk, the podiatrist will become a key person in your life.
Act now – your life might depend on it!
Take this opportunity to finf out your risk status.
