Monday, April 20, 2015

The Write Way - Blogging for Life: Plantar Fasciitis and Surgical Options

The Write Way - Blogging for Life: Plantar Fasciitis and Surgical Options: As part of our daily and weekly blogs, we have covered a myriad of treatment options for those suffering from PF. These include shockwa...

Plantar Fasciitis and Surgical Options



As part of our daily and weekly blogs, we have covered a myriad of treatment options for those suffering from PF. These include shockwave therapies, along with cortisone injections and even trigger point massage. Today, we discuss surgical procedures as a last resort in permanently alleviating the pain and tension. Whether from plantar fasciitis or related foot ailments, surgery is an option for those experiencing excruciating pain and immobility. While your podiatrist or foot specialist will determine the verdict based on several factors, surgical options are discussed when traditional and conservative therapies have failed. While most sufferers know about surgical treatments, very little understand what the process entails.

Plantar Fasciitis in a Nutshell

As an industry leader in orthotics, arches, and footwear, Footlogics is committed to bringing its clients and readers relevant and useful information regarding PF treatments. With a strong presence in Australia, Oceania, Europe, and across the Americas, we have dedicated our lives to helping people tackle and recover from foot related injuries and mishaps. As we all know, plantar fasciitis is a form of acute inflammation situated at the bottom of the foot. While injured areas may differ, the most common ones are found in the ligament-type tissue that stretches across the bottom of the foot. If not treated in a timely and professional manner, individuals can experience severe pain and immobility. Heel spurs are also synonymous with PF, along with limited ankle motion range and standing for extended periods of time.

Surgical Options 

If you continue to experience heel pain or walking issues, chances are you may need surgery. In order to qualify, foot experts will first analyze and assess the depth of the issue. This is mainly done via x-rays that accurately pinpoint the injured or damaged areas. Depending on the severity of the pain, foot specialists will administer a battery of traditional treatments to effectively combat the issue. As mentioned above, shockwave therapy, cortisone shots, and certain medicines will be implemented. If these do not show significant improvement within a span of a few months, surgical options will be discussed. While orthotics goes a long way in helping PF sufferers regain mobility and flexibility, damaged tissue, ligaments, or tendons can only be repaired via surgery.

The Process

If you have normal or limited ankle motion range, plantar fasciitis release is the primary method in permanently alleviating the pain and stress. This surgical process requires the plantar fasciitis ligament to be partially cut. This helps release and relive the tension in the tissue. It also eliminates and eradicates the inflammation found within the ligaments, tendons, and joints. If any heel spurs or bone chips are present, your surgical expert will safely remove those as well. According to industry experts, 95-100% of pain sufferers are able to combat their PF issues with non-surgical treatments. Only a handful of people have undergone surgical treatments for plantar fasciitis. This is especially true for those that did not see a significant improvement with conventional therapies.

Other Surgical Procedures 

If your heel pain is severely restricting your daily activities, other surgical procedures are available. These, of course, correlate with plantar fasciitis release, however, target other known problems and issues. Among the most common are heel spur removal and stretching. The latter is designed to loosen specific nerves at the bottom of foot. In the past, most experts believed heel spurs were the cause of PF. In recent years and via extensive medical research, the fact is that heel spurs are actually caused by plantar fasciitis.  As a result, it is extremely rare to remove heel spurs, however, warranted when the heel pain simply will not subside or go away on its own.

Recovery Time  

Most patients are able to go home within a day or two. To secure optimal and lasting results, they may have to wear splints, boots, or special post-operative boots. Footlogics features a vast selection of orthotics designed specifically for post-PF surgical patients. Our top of the line brands have helped countless PF sufferers restore proper mobility and performance. Even with orthotics, however, patients will have restrictions on the amount of weight they place on the foot. This usually last for 2 weeks, which is the normal recovery time and range. After that, patients must inform their physicians and surgeons if any varying degrees of pain are present. For most that have undergone successful PF surgical treatments, the pain will completely subside within 2-3 weeks. For more information on plantar fasciitis surgical options and procedures, simply speak with your foot doctor or podiatrist. As always, you can also contact us for helpful tips and suggestions.

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Friday, April 17, 2015

How Can the Right Lights Transform Your Bathroom?




Bathrooms are more than just home or apartment extensions. In fact, they are humble abodes where loved ones can spend personal time and gather their thoughts. From elegant bubble baths to soothing showers and more, washrooms play a pivotal and essential role in any residential or commercial unit. As a result, they must be properly maintained at all times. This includes frequent cleaning, along with accessories and designs that effectively match the overall decor. In the UK, bathroom renovations and remodeling continue to soar in national popularity. With a strong emphasis on ambient and vibrant lighting, these rooms truly capture the allure and essence of fine living.

Illuminating Bathrooms with the Right Lights

While tubs, showers, and sinks are important, finding the right lights for bathrooms are also essential. From low wattage bulbs to track lights, there are a myriad of styles and designs available. These lights not only spruce up bathrooms but also accentuate tones and shadows. For years, numerous individuals have asked how can the right lights transform your bathroom? According to interior design specialists, selecting the right lighting systems can truly impact overall design and theme. For example: contemporary schemes usually entail systems that appear futuristic and streamlined. Similarly, flood lights are perfect for extensive bathrooms that feature large closets, cabinets, and extensive sinks and tile work.

Lighting Styles and Accessories

Whether for new or existing bathrooms, there are countless lighting styles and accessories to select from. This includes central lighting systems, along with ceiling fans and especially wall lighting. The latter comes in a wide array of designs that are affordable and match any scheme. This includes double wall lights, single wall lights, and even LED and tube lighting systems. From Padova and Olivia to Palermo and Mashiko, there are several leading brands available that will achieve desired results. If pressed for time, the Internet is a great place for brand and price comparisons. For those designing bathrooms on their own, local UK home and bathroom improvement stores are also great for accessing new ideas, tips, and suggestions.

Choosing the Right Design

Choosing the right lights and designs also depend on a number of factors. For one, the lights must coincide with the overall look of the washroom. This includes tiles, along with rugs, fixtures, and especially plants and wall hangings. The height of the ceiling also plays a crucial role in determining the right amount of lighting. While flush lights are great for low ceilings, discreet lights work best for tall ceilings and wide bathrooms. Chandeliers are great in capturing the allure and essence of romance and traditional decor. Contemporary lighting systems also offer simplicity at its finest. For UK homeowners, there are water proof controllers for centralized and streamlined lighting systems as well.

Professional Lighting Experts

If looking for professional lighting installers, companies like Abbey Gate Lighting are simply a phone call or e-mail away. With years of extensive industry experience, these companies have the tools and expertise to meet your lighting needs within time and budget. Whether you need upgrades or complete lighting system overhauls, local UK specialists are committed to excellence in all endeavors. No job is ever too big or small, and they are fully certified and insured to tackle all bathroom lighting projects and renovations. If you are tired of dully and moody bathrooms, securing the right lights will truly illuminate all master and smaller washrooms in your house or flat.




Rhythms of the African Continent



African rhythms are synonymous with tribal cultures and heritage. From the Masai to the Zulu, generations of African tribes have used drumming as a way to connect with Mother Nature. By chanting and beating the drums, tribes are able to communicate with each other and pay homage to their fallen brethren and ancestors. Over the years, African drum rhythms and patterns have been incorporated into several musical styles and genres. This includes pop music, along with new wave, tribal, dance, and especially hip-hop. In recent years, the popular African drums have also found their way into the corporate realms. In fact, many existing and new brands are using the drumming techniques for team building exercises and workshops.

Team Building in Australia

Australia is a burgeoning continent with countless businesses and brands. In fact, there are new companies opening up every week in Melbourne, Sydney, and other leading Australian cities. To foster greater unity among workers and staff, several businesses are using African drumming workshop and programs to elevate productivity and performance. Taught by industry leading musicians and percussion experts, these workshops are designed to teach vital skill building and learning techniques. Whether for corporate functions, educational programs, council events, or even weddings and social gatherings, the excitement and fun of learning African drumming is simply unsurpassed. Not only do these techniques soothe the body, mind, and soul, they also help to promote spiritual upliftment and bonding on several levels.

The African Experience

The Dark Continent and The Land Down Under have several things in common. For one, they are both continents with a diverse range of people, ethnicities, creeds, and colors. No truer is this then when it comes to the connection between Australian aboriginals and African tribes. For centuries, these tribes have used drumming for communication purposes. Drumming is also a permanent fixture in several tribal customs, nuptial ceremonies, and religious events. The African drumming workshop programs truly capture the allure and essence of global unity and rhythms. Not only do they foster greater unity for corporate events and functions, they are simply dynamic learning environments where all participants rejoice in hours of non-stop entertainment. If your employees or staff is feeling overwhelmed or unsuccessful in any areas, these workshops will truly rejuvenate and replenish their spirits.

Community Building and School Events

In addition to corporate team building events and exercises, these workshops are great for community and school events. From charitable drives to fundraising, African drumming programs are a great way to connect communities in joyful celebrations. Attendees will learn the basic of African drumming, along with percussion, patterns, and other musical instruments. As always, there will be plenty of dancing that helps tear down any communication, racial, or social barriers. Like the workplace, many communities suffer from a lack of communication, which commonly results in stereotyping and insinuations. These events are designed for people of all ages, economic backgrounds, and colors. What better way to unite your community and school then with fun and exciting exercises everyone can participate in?

Rhythm Connect

Rhythm Connect is an industry leader in African drumming workshops in Australia. They specialize in corporate team building events, school functions, parties, weddings, and so much more. With a group of highly talented musicians and percussion experts, you and your guests are guaranteed hours of joyous music and celebrations. The company has performed at countless events across Australia, including citywide festivals and philanthropic/charitable events. For more information on securing their amazing and unique services, simply visit their website or contact them today!