Happy Valentine's Day! There's no better day than this one to declare we're sweet on feet! The connection between Valentine's Day and chocolate provides us with the perfect segue to talk about the link between diabetes and foot care.

People with diabetes are more vulnerable to leg and foot problems because diabetes can damage your nerves (neuropathy) and reduce blood flow to your feet. One in five people with diabetes who seek hospital care do so for foot problems. The most serious health problems can be prevented by taking proper care of your feet.

Proper foot care - what you should and should not do

You should

• Inspect feet daily for changes and breaks in skin. Redness, swelling, sores, bleeding, numbness or tingling all need to be addressed by a health professional.
• Wash feet daily with mild soap and water. Test the water temperature with elbow to avoid burns. Dry thoroughly especially between toes.
• Apply moisturizer to prevent cracks and dry damaged skin. (not to be applied between toes)
• Always wear footwear to prevent trauma. Check inside the shoes every time you put them on since even a small stone or uneven insole can cause serious wounds.
• Utilize white cotton socks that are smooth with no rough seams. White socks will allow early detection of wound discharge or bleeding.
• Make sure toes nails are cut straight across and are even with the end of your toes.

You should not

• Use heating pads, hot water bottles or thermal packs. Insensitive feet can be badly burned.
• Cut corns, calluses or ingrown nails. This can cause potential infections.
• Use medicated corn pads. They can cause ulcers in diabetic feet.
• Wear tight socks, garters, panty hose, shoes or any other clothing which restricts blood flow to your feet.
• Smoke. Tobacco impairs blood circulation.

To learn more about diabetic footcare. Be sweet on your feet! Make your diabetic footcare appointment today! 

Winter is here and this season has its own set of foot problems. Unfortunately, cold weather can be harder on the feet for people with conditions like poor circulation and diabetes. These conditions can make it harder for you to know when your feet are too cold. That’s why it is always a good idea to bring your winter shoes along to your chiropody appointment – before the thermometer begins its descent. Your chiropodist knows your feet and will let you know if your winter foot wear has the right kind of support and structure to keep your feet warm and dry.

What are Chilblains?
Chilblains are a common cold weather foot problem.  Chilblains are small, red, itchy swellings on the skin. They are caused when the skin is exposed to cold weather for long periods of time. In the cold, the blood vessels in your toes get smaller in size. When your toes get warm again, the blood vessels go back to their normal size. If your toes get warm too fast, blood can leak out of the blood vessels and cause the redness, swelling, blistering, and pain associated with chilblains. Chilblains usually form on the smaller toes, but they can also develop on areas of the feet that carry more pressure — the same areas where bunions, corns, and calluses form.

How are Chilblains treated?
Chilblains can be a simple podiatric problem. They can be treated and cleared up within a few weeks. There are lotions and creams that your chiropodist can prescribe to get rid of the redness and itchiness.  If not treated correctly, chilblains can become a bigger problem. Left untreated chilblains can lead to ulcers. Ulcers are serious issues for diabetics and patients with poor circulation. If an ulcer becomes infected, the situation becomes very dangerous. Thankfully, you can schedule an appointment for treatment and get more information about proper foot care and foot wear during the winter.

Preventing Chilblains
The first thing you should do to prevent chilblains is to be sure you are keeping your feet covered and warm when you are outdoors. When you return home, do not rush to heat your feet. Do not dip your feet in a warm foot bath or use a heated blanket. If you have a fireplace, do not warm your feet by placing them close to the fire. Let your feet warm up a little at a time. Try walking around the house or gently massaging your feet to warm them.

Wouldn’t you just love to be on a warm tropical island right now and away from these bone chilling temperatures (and snow to be shoveled)? Who wouldn’t! Do yourself a favor and pay extra attention to your feet during the winter months, especially if you have circulation problems or diabetes.  Keeping your feet healthy during the winter will be rewarded by the enjoyment of warmer weather when it comes.


The fungal infection of a toenail might be a common foot problem, but it's also one the majority of people ignore.

When everyday fungi invade the nail, the tiny organisms take hold, and the result is the nail may become thicker, yellowish-brown or darker in colour and foul smelliing.

While we can't avoid these micoscopic organisms, we can certainly take precautions. Here are seven sensible secrets that will help you reduce the risk: 

Sensible Secret #1: Clean, dry feet resist disease. Wash the feet with soap and water, remembering to dry thoroughly.

Sensible Secret #2: Shower shoes (or flip flops) should be worn whenever possible in public areas.

Sensible Secret #3: Shoes, socks, or hosiery should be changed daily.

Sensible Secret #4: Toenails should be clipped straight across so that the nail does not extend beyond the tip of the toe.

Sensible Secret #5: Use a quality food powder with talcum, not cornstarch.

Sensible Secret #6: Wear shoes that fit well and are made of materials that breathe.

Sensible Secret #7: Avoid wearing excessively tight hosiery, which promotes moisture. Socks made of synthetic fiber tend to wick away moisture faster than cotton or wool socks, especially for those with more active lifestyles.

One of the products we recommend in our foot clinic is Formula 3 Antifungal Professional as a topical alternative to oral medications. It works wonders!

Learn more about onychomycosis (fungal nail) and onychauxis (thickening of the nails).

She Was Back… But For a Limited Time Only

Our first year Podiatry student and oldest child, Kaitlin made it home for the holidays. We were thrilled to have her back if only for a short time. Having a child living abroad for the first time, regardless of their age, is certainly an eye opener for the child and an education for parents.

Unfortunately, Kaitlin arrived home on December 19^th with a nasty virus, spent the holidays laying low, and will shortly be returning to school to write first semester exams. Ouch!

Needless to say, the Werkman family holiday was enjoyed by ALL!

 You haven’t “tried everything” unless you’ve tried this! We use Formula 3 Antifungal Professional in our foot clinic as a topical alternative to oral medications for nail fungus – and it works wonders! Tetra, manufacturers of the product say that Formula 3 Antifungal is an oil-soluble tolnaftate formula, which is absorbed easily into the nail bed seconds after application. Say goodbye to fungus – and hello to beautiful nails! Read more about Formula 3 in Podiatry Today.

Formula 3 is only available in professional chiropody or podiatry offices. Come get yours today! 

Office Manager by day, movie star by night?

In addition to other practice duties, Vicki Werkman is on the Board of the CFPM (Canadian Federation Podiatric Medicine) as a representative for assistants. Here are a couple of paparazzi photos snapped at the recent CFPM conference.

Vicki was asked to do a video spot for the CFPM website that will hopefully create a certification process for podiatric assistants certified with the CFPM.

She looks really comfortable, doesn’t she?

Patients have been telling us – and we’ve been noticing - that the “white dots” that often appear on toe and finger nails after long term nail polish use, are fading away!  We’re so pleased with the results we’ve created a “Christmas Comes Early to Oakville” special!

Special Offer: For every two bottles of Dr.’s Remedy Enriched Nail Polish (base, colour, or top coat) purchased from now until December 31, 2011, we’ll give you Dr.’s Remedy Nail Polish Remover absolutely FREE!  Purchase three bottles (base, colour, or top coat) and we’ll give you the fourth bottle free!
 
Dr.’s Remedy Enriched Nail Polish is the only over the counter enriched polish, created by doctors, designed to be free from harmful toxins found in most commercial nail polish (DBP, Toluene and Formaldehyde). Use Dr.'s REMEDY® as a healthy alternative to commercial nail polish, and especially if you suffer from: nail fungus, brittle, discoloured nails, have an allergy to chemicals in commercial nail polish, or are pregnant. Learn more at: http://www.remedynails.com/

Did you know?  At Werkman Chiropody we always recommend that people who have pedicures – at the very least - bring their own base coat. The reason is because it’s the base coat that is mostly likely the cause of shared nail fungal infections. Why take the risk? We encourage all our patients to take all three products, base, colour, top coat to every pedicure appointment.  

NEW! 20-30mmHg SIGVARIS Active Therapy Sock is now available.

When an athlete slips on a SIGVARIS Active Therapy sock, his or her legs will instantly feel supported and comfortable, but the real benefit of wearing “true graduated compression” happens at a deeper level.

All SIGVARIS Active Therapy socks use the science of true graduated compression. Learn more...

Consult with your physician to obtain a prescription for the appropriate SIGVARIS® product and compression strength for your condition. Then call our office and schedule an appointment with one of our SIGVARIS® Certified fitters and we will take the appropriate measurements to ensure a proper fit of your SIGVARIS® garment, as well as instruct proper donning (taking stockings on & off) and care.

NEW! and "oh so soft and comfortable" Soft Opaque Medical Compression Hosiery

SIGVARIS Soft Opaque Medical Compression Hosiery is the ideal complement to any casual, dress or office attire.

This hosiery combines all-day softness and comfort with the greatest possible durability. Soft Opaque stockings look as great as they feel. They provide flawless perfection for legs and are stylish enough for everyday wear.

Available in 15-20mmHG, 20-30mmHg and 30-40mmHg (Q3), 3 styles and 5 fashion-forward colours. Loved by all who wear them (including our office manager, Vicki Werkman!). 

Consult with your physician to obtain a prescription for the appropriate SIGVARIS® product and compression strength for your condition. Then call our office and schedule an appointment with one of our SIGVARIS® Certified fitters and we will take the appropriate measurements to ensure a proper fit of your SIGVARIS® garment, as well as instruct proper donning (taking stockings on & off) and care.

Remember how exciting it was, as a kid, to prepare for your first day of school? Remember the butterflies swirling around in your stomach, mixed with the pride you felt as you embarked on your new adventure? Ditto.

Here's Kaitlin on her first day of school, starting the five year podiatry program, at her #1 choice - the prestigious Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, Scotland, where she was also awarded a ₤2000 scholarship!

 I'm not sure who is more proud... Kaitlin or her parents! 

We're passionate about continuous learning and practitioner studies.

This Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (October 20-22) we'll be participating in the 12th Annual Canadian Federation of Podiatric Medicine conference. That means the office will be CLOSED! 

We have available appointments on:

• Tuesday, October 18
• Wednesday, October 19

We want to make sure your foot care needs are taken care of on a timely basis. Contact us to book your appointment today!

We are thrilled to announce that we have been chosen by Claimsecure to be included on Air Canada's Approved Provider List for employees extended health coverage. We are one of only three in Oakville to be on the list. Our clinic has been approved to provide:

• Custom-made Prescription Orthotics
• Footwear
• Medical Compression Stockings

We have 2 SIGVARIS certified compression stockings fitters on-site everyday. Give us a quick call or email our office for an appointment.

Kudos to us!

Introducing our new Chiropody Assistant...

We’re delighted to announce the summer addition of a Chiropody Assistant to our practice.

Our new CA has been accepted into the five year podiatry program, starting this fall, at her #1 choice - the prestigious Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, Scotland, where she was also awarded a ₤2000 scholarship! 

From an early age, she has always shown an interest in chiropody/podiatry and has worked extremely hard to achieve her personal and academic goals. We are thrilled (and incredibly but quietly proud) to welcome our daughter Kaitlin to the practice. Please come and visit us over the summer, meet Kaitlin, the newest member of the Werkman Chiropody team.   

 We are indeed thankful to have the opportunity to take a holiday with our family.

The office will be closed for family holidays from Monday, July 11 through Friday, July 22. 

We will reopen Monday July 25^th at 9:00 a.m. 

Your foot health is important to us!  That`s why we have extended our office hours the week of July 25^th to accommodate patients that would like to schedule an appointment.

Contact us today to make your appointment either by email (info@werkman.ca) or by phone at 905.845.4817.  Times are filling up fast!

 Thank you and have a wonderful and safe summer.

Rick and Vicki Werkman

Each May Chiropodists/Podiatrists internationally mark Foot Health Month. It is a time to raise awareness with the public about foot health issues and the unique qualifications of Chiropodists/Podiatrists to treat them.

In this province, Chiropodists/Podiatrists are regulated by the College of Chiropodists of Ontario. While many health providers today provide some aspects of foot care, and some provide orthotics as a sideline business, members of the College of Chiropodists of Ontario are the only practitioners rigorously and exclusively trained and licensed as specialists in all aspects of foot health. Their ability to provide complete treatment for all foot problems sets them apart. Strictly regulated to the highest standards of care, you might even say that your good foot health is their "sole" interest!

Chiropodists/Podiatrists are able to provide solutions for conditions like foot, heel, ankle, knee, hip, and back pain caused by structural foot problems, painful ingrown nails, corns, callus and plantar warts, wounds from diabetes, prickling, tingling or numbness caused by nerve damage, thick/fungal nails, athlete’s foot, and much more. They use leading techniques and technology including custom orthotics, computerized infrared light therapy, ultrasound, pharmaceutical therapy, physical therapy, and for severe or chronic conditions, they may address a problem through soft-tissue surgery.

Chiropodists/Podiatrists also provide routine nail care. The advantage to seeing them for regular nail care is that they can catch and treat other and potentially more serious foot health issues.

It’s been said that when your feet hurt, you hurt all over. Our summers are far too short to spend in pain or with a nagging problem. Don’t suffer needlessly: make a point of booking an appointment with our office and start feeling better soon. Call today...905.845.4817

We are proud to be one of the many returning exhibitors and educators for the bi-yearly Arcelormittal-Dofasco's Health & Wellness Fair.  This event was yesterday and today 8am-8pm on-site and is open to all employees and their family.  This venue is a great way to educate the employees on podiatric medicine and what a chiropodist can do to make their feet more comfortable.  Please refer to our posted newsletter: Stepping Up Productivity:  Understanding the role foot health plays in the workplace. for further information.

Don't forget to vote!

The Canadian Federation of Podiatric Medicine has applied for a grant for $100,000 as part of the Pepsi Refresh Project.  But we need your vote to win! 
 
The CFPM has put together a proposal for a “Knock Your Socks Off” Campaign to develop and implement a Diabetes Amputation Education and Prevention Program.  This program would reach out to the public and medical community to stress the importance of foot examinations during routine visits as it is customary for patients to leave their socks on, thus the title “Knock Your Socks Off”.  $100,000 would go a long way to ensuring the success of this campaign and the education and prevention of diabetic amputations in Canada.


How to Vote
This GREAT idea is not enough.  We need your votes.  The proposal with the most votes (ranked #1) will win! You have until April 30, 2011 to register your votes.
 
Follow the link below to register and vote.
 
 http://www.refresheverything.ca/knockyoursocksoff
 
 
Vote Everyday!
Tell Your Family and Friends!
Link it to Your Facebook Account!

Daily foot care

As always, prevention is the best medicine. A good daily foot care regimen will help keep your feet healthy.

Start by putting together a foot care kit containing nail clippers, a nail file, lotion, a pumice stone and a non-breakable hand mirror.  Having everything you need in one place makes it easier to follow this foot care routine every day:

1. Wash your feet in warm (not hot) water, using a mild soap. Don’t soak your feet, as this can dry your skin.

2. While your feet are still wet, use a pumice stone to keep calluses under control.

3. Dry your feet carefully, especially between your toes.

4. Thoroughly check your feet and between your toes to make sure there are no cuts, cracks, ingrown toenails, blisters, etc.  Use a hand mirror to see the bottom of your feet, or ask someone else to check them for you.

5. Clean cuts or scratches with mild soap and water, and cover with a dry dressing suitable for sensitive skin.

6. Trim your toenails straight across and file any sharp edges. Don’t cut your nails too short.

7. Apply an unscented lotion to your heels and soles. Wipe off excess lotion that is not absorbed. Don’t put lotion between your toes, as the excessive moisture may cause infection.

8. Wear fresh, clean socks and well-fitting shoes every day.  Whenever possible, wear white socks – if you have a cut or sore, the blood or pus will be easy to see.

Visit our website for more information or call/email our office for an appointment.

This past weekend we were proud to be a sponsor for the "Docs on Ice".  Every year local physicans, specialists and medical students get together for a hockey tournament.  The tournament is run by physicians and volunteers to raise money through donations, sponsorship, registration fees, and special events.  This year, Oakville hosted the event, and Docs on Ice - Oakville raised $150,000 for the Alzheimer's Society Hamilton/Halton.  An all-time record for money raised by Docs on Ice for charity to date. 

Congratualtions to everyone.

I decided to post this Blog for everyone who is participating in the 2011 CrossFit Games.  Your recovery time is very short and every little bit helps.  I could not be prouder of our team Crossfit Connection (Burlington)http://www.crossfitconnection.com/- after the 2nd WOD we are placing 10th in the World, and 1st Place for Canada East.  AND... our own chiropodist - Rick, is 5th in the Ontario East division. http://games.crossfit.com/athletes/rick-werkman - Awesome!

and now for the sock information;

Athletic Recovery for Men and Women

Designed to improve athletic recovery and performance, the Athletic Recovery sock helps to flush out the lactic acids built up in the leg muscles during exercise, as well as relieve tired, aching legs and exercise-induced muscle soreness. More information available at http://www.athleticrecoverysock.com.

Additional Features and Benefits

• 67% drirelease® polyester -- ideal for athletic performance and recovery
• Lactic acid flush-out and relief of delayed onset leg muscle soreness
• Superior Athletic Sizing Assortment, comfort and fit with 50+ years of graduated compression expertise
• Patented drirelease® and latex-free yarns with an embedded environmentally-friendly Freshguard® treatment that virtually eliminates odors
• True Graduated Compression from the global leader of graduated compression socks
• Available in white and black 

Compression:15-20 mmHg Controlled Graduated Compression

Fiber content:67% dri-release polyester, 26% nylon, 7% spandex

Latex Free

Give our office a call or email for your pair.  I will require your shoe size and colour preference - White or Black.

Why should your nail polish be Enriched?
Healthier looking, Stronger looking, more beautiful nails... It's that simple.

Dr.'s REMEDY® Enriched Nail Polish is the only over the counter enriched polish, created by doctors, designed to be free from harmful toxins.

Use Dr.'s REMEDY®

Dr.'s REMEDY® is also great for kids!

Dr.'s REMEDY® is Naturally Unique: Free from toxins found in most commercial nail polish
( DBP, Toluene and Formaldehyde) Developed by Doctors

Only Dr.'s REMEDY® is ENRICHED WITH NATURAL INGREDIENTS.

To view the full range of wonderful colours go to: www.remedynails.com.
Better yet, come visit our office.  All colours are in stock.

• Thursday, February 24th

  Everyone Deserves Healthy Feet

  7pm Free

  • Basic Foot care information for all ages, from children to adults and seniors
  • Learn how to find a quality shoe for your foot type.
  • Orthotics – What you need to know ~ Solving the Mystery of why some work & others don’t
  • Disease and how it affects the feet

  Class Registration Info

  Please call 905.849.8400 for more information or to register.