This month our topic is sore feet!  What a mundane subject, but we use our feet constantly every day, so pain free healthy feet are essential.  Good circulation to feet and legs is vital.  One of today's commonest causes of bad feet is diabetes. This often causes pins and needles, and numb feet as  blood circulation diminishes and nerve endings deteriorate.So, get a blood sugar test. Anything over 5.5 is now considered diabetes, and is readily treatable in the early stages. Cholesterol, the other circulation bogey should be 4.5 or less.

ARTHRITIS BOGEY

Arthritis of the myriad ankle and foot joints is also common.  Keep; them moving, and get onto medication if the pain is troubling.   Panadol-osteo (2 tablets once or twice a day) gives enormous long lasting relief.  Most other  anti-arthritis medications are still under a cloud, with  ibuprofen (Brufen) and Naprosynb (Naproxen ) being the safest of a bad bunch,

Plantar fasciitis and heel spurs can cause enormous discomfort.  A sheet of tissue just under the  skin of the soles runs from  the heel to the far end of the foot, and may become inflamed,  It gradually pulls on the heel bone, causing a bony spur to occur, which makes it worse as this presses into soft tissue.  It can make walking extremely painful, especially to the heel.

SIMPLE REMEDIES FIRST

Simple remedy is to roll the foot over a golf ball for a few minutes each day. Or over a glass bottle laid on its side. Sounds crazy, but it breaks down tissue adhesions, and pain often vanishes. Wearing padded shoes helps.  Alternate hot and cold  foot soaks (10 minutes) twice daily improves circulation and reduces inflammation.  Ultrasound from the physiotherapist is often very helpful. Again paracetamol is the safest medication.

Acupuncture helps many, and outcomes amazingly beneficial. Deep massage (use your knuckles) along the sole for 5 minutes twice a day is also helpful. Occasionally corticone injection is given, and at worst, surgery may be needed but not often. If you're into herbals, meadowsweet and feverfew and ginger are claimed to help, but I am dubious.  Again, keep walking. Your GP may suggest any or all of the above, but try the cheap remedies first.

NEED DOWNSIZING

If you or the rellies are getting on in years.and the family home is too big and too lonely, consider checking out friendly Vimiera Village at 217 Vimiera Road,  Eastwood. Independent  living units, or assisted Living Units are available.  Home cooked meals, linen supplied and laundered, domestic work carried out,  24 hour on site management, friendly staff, and plenty of new friends to cheer your day.  Phone David on 02 9868 7544, or let me take you on a virtual tour on vimieravillagte.com.au. Medi Aid is a non profit PBI. Welcome!

Till next month, every good wish,