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Healthcare Solutions Newsletter August 2010 

In This Issue
Healthcare Solutions Services
Barbeque Invitation
Plantar Fasciitis
Predisposing Factors
Treatment & Prevention
Monthly Specials


  
July/August
 
Homecare Specials
 

July/August
 
Physio and Fitness Rehab Specials
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Healthcare Solutions Services
          Healthcare Solutions is proud to have extremely dedicated and knowledgeable staff with up to 35 years of experience in the home and health care field. Healthcare Solutions services include professional fittings of surgical products and compression hose by any of the trained technicians. Male and female fitters are always available to consult with clients in the privacy of their homes regarding continence care. We also have technicians that set up and install equipment in homes often on the same day that it was ordered.
 
          Healthcare Solutions, "The Medical Surgical Superstore," is Edmonton's Largest and Finest Foot Health Center and Back Care Store. Healthcare Solutions is recognized as a leading provider of state-of-the-art foot health products that offer immediate relief from painful foot conditions.

We specialize in:
  • Bathroom and Shower Aids
  • Consumers Choice AwardDiagnostic Equipment
  • Surgical Elastic Stockings
  • Aids for Daily Living products
  • Orthopaedic/Surgical Supports
  • Walking Aids
  • Patient Room Supplies
  • Incontinence/Ostomy Care
  • Physical and Occupational Therapy Supplies
  • Mobility Equipment
  • Wound Care
  • Knee and Foot Immobilizers
  • Sport Medicine Supplies
  • Electric Beds
  • Lift chairs and Scooters
  • Fitness Equipment
  • Pressure Relief Products
  • Therapeutic and Lifestyle Footwear
  • Digital Foot Analysis
 
"End of Summer Barbeque"

 Healthcare Solutions is cordially inviting you to our "End Of Summer"/Seniors' Day Barbeque.

There will be complimentary:

  • Hamburgers
  • Hot dogs
  • Healthy ice cream (Courtesy of the Ice Cream Depot & Chapman's Ice Cream)
  • Pop and juice.
 
North:
 August 27, 2010
9499-137 Avenue
10:00 am- 3:00pm
 
barbequeSouth:
 August 26, 2010
 5405-99 Street
10:00 am- 3:00pm
 
To all Seniors (65+): Like always, Healthcare Solutions will be offering a 20% off discount off all regular priced items up to $200.00!
 
Healthcare Solutions will also be offering free:
  • Foot orthotic analysis
  • Blood pressure testing
  • Scooter and lift chair demonstrations
  • Walker tune-ups
  • Incontinent samples
  • Demonstration of medication reminder and record storage devices
 
To all O.T's and P.T's: Healthcare Solutions staff will also be demonstrating the new Aids for Daily Living Bathroom Safety Products and Rollators.
Plantar Fasciitis
August is Plantar Fasciitis month at Healthcare Solutions.
What is it?

       Plantar fasciitis is a common foot problem in sports participants. It starts as a dull intermittent pain in the heel which may progress to a sharp persistent pain. Classically, it is worse in the morning with the first few steps or at the beginning of sporting activity.

       The plantar fascia is a thick fibrous material on the bottom of the foot. It is attached to the heel bone (calcaneus) and fans forward toward the toes. It is responsible for maintaining the arch of the foot. 
       The problem usually occurs with repetitive stress on the insertion of the plantar fascia which is why it is most common in runners, walkers, and racquet sports players. This leads to inflammation at the heel bone and thus pain. Plantar fascia injury may also occur at midsole or towards the toes. Since it is difficult to rest the foot, a vicious cycle is set up with the situation aggravated with every step. In severe cases, the heel is visibly swollen. The problem progresses rapidly and is much easier to treat when it has juist begun and is not a chronic problem. As the fascia is pulled away from the bone, the body reacts by filling in the space with the new bone. This causes the classic "heel spur". This heel spur is a secondary x-ray finding and is not the problem but the result of the problem.
Predisposing Factors:
 The number one leading cause to plantar fasciitis is:
  •  Flat pronated feet: Occurs in the walking process when a person's arch collapses upon weight bearing, causing the plantar fascia to be stretched away from the heel bone)
 
Other causes may include:
  • plantar footHigh arched rigid feet
  • Overuse or sudden increase in physical activity
  • Inappropriate, improper, or worn out shoes
  • Soft terrain
  • Inflexibility of Achilles tendon
  • Excessive weight on the foot, usually attributed to obesity or pregnancy
  • Increasing age
 
Prevention Tips 
  •  Avoid running or standing for long periods of time on hard or uneven ground
  • Lose any excess weight
  • Wear shoes and orthotics that support your arch to prevent over-stretching of the plantar fascia  
  • Warm up before exercises and stretch as often as you can

Products for Plantar Fasciitis

 PSC Strap
(Pronation/Spring Control Device)
 
PSC Strap
 
The PSC Strap is good for treating:
  • plantar fasciitis
  • chronic heel pain
  • excessive pronation
  • heel spur syndrome
  • shin splints
 
 The PSC reduces the force of heel strike and bio-mechanically move the foot into a more normal position. The PSC Strap is especially great for footwear with no heel counter or sandle like shoes.
 
 
Strassburg Sock
 Strassburg Sock
The Strassburg sock is a sock that allows the plantar fascia to stay in a stretched position at night. This helps reduce the morning pain that patients experience. Over a period of time, the involuntary stretching of the plantar fascia helps to strengthen the foot's arch.
 
 
 
Sheepskin
 
Achilles Tendon
Sheepskin boots
 
Wearing or resting your feet on Austrialian Sheepskin can reduce against the effects of pressure and friction.
 
 
 
 Medilogics Night Splint
 
Achilles Tendon
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
This plantar fasciitis night splint has adjustable straps that control dorsiflexion and limit the nocturnal movement and contractures of both the Achilles tendon and the Plantar Fascia. It comes with a removable wedge that can be used for additional stretching of the fascia. The orthopaedic polyethylene can also be heated and molded for a custom fit.
 
 
 
N'ice Stretch
 
Achilles TendonThe N'ice Stretch is a lightweight and comfortable night splint that provides cold therapy to reduce inflammation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Posted Gel Heel Cradles
 
heel cradles
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
These gel heel cradles are recommended for those with "flat feet."  These unique heel cradles incorporate a medial post to gently realign the rearfoot while absorbing shock and cushioning painful heels. The Soft Gel plugs provide extra relief, and medical grade platinum gel helps provide immediate comfort for heel pain.
 
 
 
Orthotics
 
 Orthotics can be beneficial because they take the stress off the plantar fascia.
 
Two common orthotics used for plantar fasciitis are:
 
Aetrex Lynco L420
 
 
Achilles TendonThe Biomechanical Sports Orthotics are designed specifically for comfort, support, and weigh redistribution in athletic, walking, and comfort footwear. These tri-density orthotics feature a Pro-Shox™ top cover for superior cushioning and shock absorption. Pro-Shox's high tech polyester fibers wick moisture away from the foot and provide a cool, friction-free surface to prevent blisters, and other foot problems. It also features a molded Pedic® core for stability and resilience, while the Plastazote® bottom conforms to the footwear and keeps the orthotics light in weight. 
 
 
Aetrex Lynco L600 
 
Achilles TendonThe Lynco® Casual Orthotics provides maximum foot comfort and protection in casual and comfort footwear. These tri-density orthotics feature a high tech Carbosan® top cover that cushions the foot and absorts shock forces. This innovative material is anti-odor and anti-bacterial to help keep your feet in a healthy, clean environment. These orthotics are light weight, resilient, and provide unmatched support and stability.
 
iStep Evolution
 
iStep
Achilles Tendon
iStep technology is considered the leading digital foot analysis tool available on the market today. iStep identifies and analyzes pressure points, accurately measures for length and width, and creates a 3-dimensional image of your feet. This unique technology will then help you find the ideal footwear and orthotic solutions for your individual foot care needs.
 
The iStep SP5000 is the most revolutionary foot analysis device ever created. This patented technology features 3,744 gold-plated barometric sensors that measure the pressure exerted by the foot ever 0.25cm². The high concentration of sensors results in unmatched accuracy and allows the device to perform an accurate reading.
 
The iStep is now available at both Healthcare Solutions Locations. Come in for a free foot scan today and find out which Lynco orthotics work for you best.
Treatment

Ice

 Achilles Tendon
 
Icing the heel for 15 minutes several times a day can reduce the inflammation. It is also recommended that you ice your heel after activity. Be sure to protect your skin with a towel to prevent frostbite.
 
 
 
 
 Stretches
 
 Flexibility is an important part of injury treatment and prevention. For stretching to be effective, it must be done on a regular basis. It is important to stretch before and after activity. Stretching should not be painful. All stretches should be done in a slow static manner with no bouncing. Hold stretches for at least 30-60 seconds and repeat several times.
 
  1. Wall Stretch: Lean against wall with your back knee locked. Place the toe of your sport shoe under your arch to help maintain your alignment. Press forward until a stretch is felt in your calf muscle. Hold 30-60 seconds, then bend your knee towards the ground with your knee directly over your second toe. You should feel a stretch in your Achilles tendon. Hold 30-60 seconds. Repeat several times.
  2. Plantar Fascia Stretch: With the toes of your injured foot curled under your leg, slowly lower your knee to the ground. A stretch should  be felt down the length of your plantar fascia. Hold 30-60 seconds and repreat several times. The stretch in the fascia can be increased by pushing slowly back through your toes. Discontinue if there is discomfort in toes.

Exercises
 
  1. Towel Curls: Place a towel on the floor. Curl the towel towards you by using only the toes of the injured foot. Resistance can be added by placing a weight on the end of the towel.
  2. Bottle Roll: Roll a bottle or rolling pin fairly vigorously under the arch. Concentrate on really controlling the bottle by almost grabbing it with your arch as you roll it back and forth. As the pain lessens, a golf ball can be used directly under the heel.

Save 20%
Print and cut out this coupon to receive 20% off all regular priced items on your next Healthcare Solutions purchase. Coupon must be present at time of purchase and surrendered at time of use. Not valid with any other offers. Limit one per customer.
 
Offer Expires: August 31, 2010
Featured Items
Hours
South Location
M-F 8:30 a.m. 6:00 p.m.
Sat 10:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.
Sun Closed
North Location
M-F 8:30 a.m. 6:00 p.m.
Sat 10:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.
Sun Closed
FREE iStep Foot Analysis

FREE iStep Foot Analysis at both locations!

Aetrex