Physiotherapist Talks about Podiatry & orthotics

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Hi All

Just heard it will be on Radio 2 today 19.11.2007@ 12/2pm Jeremy Vine show .

From the build up it is getting I think we will be discussing very soon

Cheers
Derek

 

Hi ALL

Well there we have it.

The answer to PF is to "tie your laces on the outside so the bias counteracts the pronation"

Go the the chemist for your orthotics

Hot feet have nothing to to with structural problems

Don't pay out for orthotics see a Physio who will teach you to "tape " your feet it's cheaper

A 10 year old will grow out of severe heel pain when he plays sport because its growing pains

But she wears stiletto heels even though "shoes are one of the main problems affecting the structure of the feet" AAAAAARRRGGGGGGGGGGGGhhhhh:bang::bang:

All on National radio for an hour

My emails came back as "too many listener requests"

Cheers
Derek

 

I did not hear the piece (although it will doubtless be available on a podcast) but if that was indeed the information that was being dished out, she needs to be challenged on what was said.

 

Hi Gavin

Yes I did listen and was sending email ( mentioning the possibility of Sever's which I'm sure you picked up on) at the same time trying to protest whist the programme was on air.

The girl IMO had a very very limited knowledge of podiatry. She explained there is two types , "!the Shhiropodist who.... And the "podiatrist" who deals with structural probs..

The whole presentation was full of inaccuracies with somewhat flippant overtones to the concept of foot problems.

I suggest if it is available on a pod cast then its worth a listen.

Cheers
Derek

 

Hi Derek.

That kind of mis-information going out on national radio is incredible. To say heel pain in a 10 year old child is 'growing pains' and that it will dissappear by itself shows a startling lack of insight I am surprised it wasn't caused by 'core stability issues' . For all interested here is a link to hear the show again. I'll be listening to it tonight. Sounds like an excellent opportunity to put some good information into the public domain has been lost.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/shows/vine/


:bang:

PS. To anyone who speaks about 'Shhiropodists' I would say, 'Do you go to the Shemists for your orthotics?'

 

Hi Gavin

Have you had a "sneaky Peaky" or was that an educated guess ?

Cheers

Derek

 

Educated guess. Was I right????

 

Guess

Cheers
D

 

Demonstartes just how well the Society is spending money on promoting the profession in the UK. Special thanks to those employed in media relations at Fellmongers path. Makes me real happy to pay toward your "inflated London salaries".

"if you're in marketing [at SOCAP] kill yourself..." Bill Hicks
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDW_Hj2K0wo
PS don't view this if you don't like the F word

 

I also heard this item and have emailed the station with my thoughts on an appropriate guest speaker for such a subject.

I am in total agreement with Simon - how on earth is the profession ever to be fully recognised in the public domain if every media opportunity is missed by our society who so woefully represent us.
Other such missed opportunities include high profile sports injuries such as the media savvy metatarsal fracture sustained by so many sports persons yet the expert/professionals interviewed are again physiotherapists or other.

Must remember to try and be interviewed for my opinion on rotator cuff injury next time Steve Harmisson sustains an injury!?!?!

 

Hi Cooking Pod

I bet you asked for a Musculo Skeletal Pod to be there in the future , and got the same reply as I did to your email ?

I'm sure "Zoe" was a gorgeous "Crumpet" with her "stiletto's etc( sorry all you PC people out there I just tell it like it is ) judging by the way the host had his "tongue" hanging out for her. So her "Expert" comments went unnoticed by a Very poorly researched programme and presenter.

I think Simon should widen his comments ( video ,loved it ) to the profession as a whole as a reminder how we MUST unite as one to go forward??

But that has been done to death as well

Hasn't it igs:

Cheers

Derek

 

Hi Derek

Unfortunatly I only got to a computer and managed to email once the programme had finished and have so far only recieved an automated reply.

I have also sent an email to Radio 4's "feedback" programme (a bit like points of view but for the radio audience) with similar comments and yes a request for a Musculoskeletal Pod to be used for such subjects.

Feeling a bit like Citizen Smith - power to the people comrades!!

I have to agree - at fault are also the programme researchers but if our profile was plugged properly by the society they would surely have stumbled upon it.

The real shame is the fact that thousands of people have now "heard the foot expert on the radio" and believe everything they heard as gospel!!!

End of rant!

Cheers

Mark

 

Hi Mark

Wouldn't bet on it unless we could put up an equally " gorgeous crumpet" ( and we have them in the profession) who has the wherewithal to promote the profession in a "media friendly" way

Yep that's it in a nutshell , what a waste of an opportunity to promote our profession , it's aims, function and to make another push at getting rid of the "foot trivia" attitude we adopt in this country.

Oh well perhaps next timeigs:

Cheers
Derek

 

Simon et al

So how much do you reckon todays media blunder was worth? Clearly you blame SCP for this. Any idea how PR works and can you provide a media interview at 12 hours notice? Drop everything and head to studios? How do you know that the BBC didn't request a glam physio defeating the SCP media agents?

So Physios are now experts on Podiatry and orthotics along with Osteopaths and Chiropractors. Whose fault?

Doctors, General Surgeons, Orthopods are experts on Partial and Total Nail Avulsions. Whose fault?

Orthopaedic Surgeons are reclaiming their foot and anke territory. Whose fault?

Age Concern are now the authority in nail cutting. Whose fault?

GP's and practice nurses are the experts in VP treatment. Whose fault?

GP's and practice nurses are the authority on preventative diabetic care and assessment. Whose fault?

Lets blame everything on SCP.

So whats left? Corn and callus removal. Pharmacists have the answer....

GB

PS Stop looking for fault. If you are that good find the solution....

 

netizens

To be fair to all concerned being interviewed is not always as easy as it appears. This is all the more so when 'going live' because the interviewer can (and does) ask unrehersed questions. Pre records are not much better since editing can juxtapose segments which are not always sequencial. The final interview to air will reflect what the producer wants the listeners to hear.

So as a freelance broadcaster I do have sympathy with the interviewee. But being ill informed is no excuse. Like others I have contacted the program.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/shows/vine/

and wrote the following:

News has reached the Antipodes of a rather ill informed segment on your program broadcast recently concerning foot problems. This is very unfortunate since
foot morbidity is of very real concern to millions and often co-moribund to other serious systemic disorders such as diabetes, peripheral vascular disease and rheumatoid disease.

I do hope you can find time to redress the issue with better informed professionals in the near future.


Perhaps you may wish to do the same.

toeslayer

 

I heard it and while foot orthotics are within the scope of practice of physiotherapists and a lot of physiotherapists do it well, they could have at least interveiwed one who knew what they were talking about.

 

Forward the lesbian who got struck off for showing her bondage photos. You can still help the profession. Why not bring a friend? Or two?

Regards
Robert

 

George,
the fault is not with one professional body - it is with us UK Podiatrists generally, who have not yet found a way to a cohesive and united profession in the UK.

Mind you - if I were a member of the SCPigs:
I'd be wanting to know exactly where my £3,000,000.00 a year (my estimation) fees were going.

You said:
"The SCP’s media activity in the three months from June to August 2007 reached at least 26 million people in the UK, the equivalent of spending at least £1,015,081 on advertising, according to the SCP’s quarterly analysis. "
Of course you must agree that this is hardly an impartial analysis.

As above - all we UK Pods are equally responsible. You will have already noted however that the only UK Podiatry professional body who wants to be, err, the only UK Podiatry professional body is the SCP?

PS I thought the radio programme pretty awful, but it showed Physio in a much worse light than Podiatry. At least were were acknowledged as being the foot experts.

Cheers,

 

Hi Robert

Hmmm Perhaps they could show the Physio some new "Taping" techniques ?

Cheers
Derek

 

netizens

Here is a reply from the BBC


"Thanks for your email about our Health Special on Monday. We appreciate
your comments about our chosen expert, but would also like to point out
that Sammy Margo is a chartered physiotherapist who has run her own
practice for almost twenty years. She has a wealth of experience working
in the NHS and in professional sport. She was English football's first
female physio and has also worked for the country's basketball and
athletic teams. As a result, an area of expertise for her is foot pain
and injury.

However, we do take your views into consideration and will bear them in
mind when picking experts in future.

Thanks again for your thoughts - they are always appreciated!"

toeslayer

 

Hi Cameron

Sorry thought they said Zoe

Surely she should be more clued up than she appeared on the interview.

I take your point about on the spot & nerves coming into it but ....

Still there we are all done and dusted now.

I wonder if I will still be around the "next time" they devote an hours discussion on "Feet" on national radio ?? :rolleyes

Cheers
Derek

 

Derek, Daveh et al

Take your points entirely.

However I find it worthy of note the response from the program was swift and the little I know about the workings of public broadcasters this would demonstratively indicate they are taking the comments seriously. So it might not be too long before you get another program on 'feet.' For what it is worth, I still maintain it would be a very good time for ALL subscribers to the Arena to politely communicate genuine concerns to the BBC and await the result.

Obviously program organisers maintain the integrity and reputation of their guests as a matter of trust. However somewhere in the small print there will be a clause which states the program may not agree with any information their guests give. I am sure this broadcast did not set out to be anti-podiatry perse albeit it may be perceived as such by those sensitised to the subject.

The individual in this case seemed to have less understanding of the subject than would meet general approval from acknowledged foot experts. This incident demonstrates clearly the precarious nature of becoming a public spokesperson - it is a two edge sword and very much a case of publish and be damned. So my sympathies always lie with the interviewee. The situation also reinforces the need to be thoroughly prepared beforehand. Myself, I always prepare a written statement on the subject(s) for the interviewer long before the recording. That way they know exactly what I am going to say, come what may.

On a related matter I was delighted to see the North American podiatry professional association had appointed a public spokesperson. Maybe that is something other professional bodies should do. Then you would have available an informed source to address the media.

What say you?
toeslayer

 

Hi Cameron

I don't think she came across as "anti Podiatry" in fact and Davidh pointed out we were acknowledged as he "experts"

I just felt the girls knowledge of feet /foot conditions and current treatment were sadly lacking and inaccurate from a podiatry point of view and it was a great opportunity wasted by our profession to "fly the flag".

I agree about the speed of response to you email , most impressive

Perhaps on the positive side we should again take this as another wake up call to unite the profession and move forward ?

Cheers
Derek

 

Society responds to an inaccurate description of Podiatry on BBC Radio 2



The Society has sent a letter voicing concerns over inaccuracies regarding the definition of Podiatry and treatment suggestions made by Physiotherapist Sammy Margo on the Jeremy Vine show on Monday 19th of November:

Dear Jeremy Vine Show

The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, the largest body of Chiropodists and Podiatrists in the UK has this week received many complaints from members regarding the description of podiatry and subsequent treatment recommendations by physiotherapist Sammy Margo on your show dated Monday 19th of November.

The Society is concerned that there were a number of inaccuracies in the advice given on the show and disappointed that the podiatry profession of 14,000 podiatrists has been misrepresented by Sammy Margo’s description of it and we would like the opportunity to explain the full scope of practice of podiatry to your listeners. The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists is the main source of authority comment for most journalists’ foot health queries, particularly BBC radio programmes and national papers, and we would be grateful if you would contact us for future programmes.

Sammy Margo started off by stating that Chiropodists and Podiatrists treat separate conditions of the foot, this is not the case, in fact, there is no difference between the roles. The definition of podiatry listed below demonstrates the wide breadth of knowledge and skills required by chiropodists and podiatrists.

What is Podiatry?
Podiatry (also known as chiropody) is the diagnosis and treatment by podiatrists (also known as chiropodists) of diseases and other disorders of the feet. Podiatrists are highly skilled health professionals who have been trained to prevent, diagnose, treat and rehabilitate abnormal conditions of the feet and lower limbs. They also prevent and correct deformity, keep people mobile and active, relieve pain and treat infections.

A podiatrist will treat or advise on:




Ageing feet

Athlete's Foot

Biomechanics

Blisters

Bunion

Callus

Chilblains

Corns

Diabetes (Foot related)

Footwear

Fungal Infections

Gout

Heel pain

Insoles (Orthotics)

Ingrowing toenails

Osteoarthritis

Podopeadatrics (Children’s Feet)

Rheumatoid arthritis

Sports Medicine

Surgery

Sweaty feet

Toe deformities

Verrucae

Walking and Hiking

Working Feet

Please Note. Some of these areas are treated by specialist podiatrists only.

Chiropodists/Podiatrists deal solely with the foot and therefore the Society would like the opportunity to be represented on the show next time you have a segment regarding feet so we can work with our physiotherapist colleagues to give listeners the most accurate recommendations of treatment possible.

Of great concern is the inaccurate advice provided on the show, some of which are detailed below.

Lady with acute pain in her midfoot

This was the most serious - the caller and has a probable diagnosis of Tibialis Posterior dysfunction. Needed urgent and active management with possible treatments including non weight-bearing cast for six weeks. If not treated, may well lead to tendon rupture and need surgical correction. It was completely incorrect to simply advice lacing up her trainers laterally!

Plantar fasciitus aka heel pain

Incorrect – was not known as policemans heel; policeman’s heel is actually a bursitis of the whole heel pad and not inflammation at the point of origin of the fascia. Often referred to as heel spur syndrome.

Incorrect - that it causes all day pain. Not typical of the condition. Classically painful first thing in the morning only. Generally resolves but resolution can take several years.

Needs active management from podiatry in combination treatment, calf muscle stretches, taping, orthotics, steroid injections, footwear, Non steroidal anti-inflammatories. Podiatrists have supply and administration rights on a specific list of drugs including steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. Physios do not have these medicine rights and would have to refer the patient on. Ideally these patients would see both physiotherapy and podiatry for management, this is the best outcome for the patient.

Child with heel pain

Diagnosis; osteochondrosis dissecans (Severs). Often caused by underlying flatfoot. Children always need correct evaluation and diagnosis. If Severs then treatment includes orthotics and calf muscle stretches. Avoid soft, wet surfaces. Seek advice of podiatrist in the first instance.

Child in ballet

Over pronating. Ballet is great for children with flatfeet as due to the discipline itself they discourage “sickling” in. Generally advice is to get any over pronation assessed and evaluated by a podiatrist to see if they need footwear or orthotic advice and treatment. The physiotherapist’s advising intrinsic muscles is simply not going to work in isolation.

Cheap shoe discussion

“As long as they are supportive there is nothing wrong with cheap shoes”. Actually cheap can be very good as much as very expensive can be very damaging to feet. Again would have been better with a podiatrist talking about shoes and the need for avoiding too flat, too high and slip on shoes due to all the long term foot problems that affect many people later on in life.

Osteoarthrosis case

A very common problem, but essentially it depends on where it is i.e. big toe joint, mid foot ankle joint etc. Podiatrists’ work is very important in keeping feet comfortable and pain free. Footwear advice, cushioning insoles and regular general chiropody treatments.

Shin splints

Biomechanical factors are the causative factors. See a podiatrist, who should treat the underlying biomechanical foot faults and then see a physiotherapist for soft tissue work.

Hammer toes

The physiotherapist stated they are not usually not painful, this is incorrect – they are often painful! The buckled toe causes pain in the joints and is associated with corns and callus. Often well managed with general chiropody and may need straightening surgically, simple and effective; can be done under local anaesthetic.

Mortons metatarsalgia

States that the usual place to start is with physiotherapy, this is incorrect. Firstly, correct diagnosis is essential. There is a need to differentiate between capsulitis and neuritis, check for stress fractures. The condition is often associated with a structural foot fault. Treatment ;Footwear changes. Steroid infection and insoles. May need surgical excision.

Haglunds lump

Incorrect - it is not fatty tissue - it is osseous i.e the heel bone is irritated and thus enlarges, generally needs footwear advice, heel cups if needed and surgical excision less commonly.

The Society would very much appreciate a reply to the concerns listed in this letter so that we can go back to our members and assure them that profession that they work in is being accurately described by your show. We again would like to offer the use of one of our media savvy podiatry experts to provide your listeners with accurate information.

Yours faithfully


Joanna Brown
Chief Executive
The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists

 

I hope the spelling /grammatical errors have occurred in translation to this forum and that this is not an accurate copy of what the Society sent. Personally, I disagree with some of Joanna's "advice". Moreover, is Joanna actually qualified to be giving advice on "Plantar fasciitus" ?

 

Hi All

Blimey sounds a bit like a lecture ??

I'm not sure if I was reading that as a "media person" if I would have got past the first couple of paragraphs

I think Cameron has a very VERY valid point that perhaps should be addressed by ALL concerned :bang:

Just my thoughts

Cheers
Derek

 

It was a simple cut & paste job Simon, so what you see here, must be the finished article, unless the person responsible for placing it on the SCPOD site is the culprit

 

Nice-makes my testicles swell with pride.:bash:

BTW who are you IGS?

 

Simon - this sounds quite concerning "makes my testicles swell with pride".

Maybe you should consider the possibility of PAN-

"An acutely painful and swollen testis mandates urgent diagnostic and therapeutic measures since this symptom complex may indicate torsion of the testis. Prompt scrotal exploration is necessary if the testis is to be saved from ischemic necrosis. Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a vasculitis involving mainly medium and small sized arteries and may damage any organ" Leibovici et al 1999.