26/07/2011 This month announced the introduction of prescribing rights for Podiatrists in South Australia. However it hasn't come easily and has a number of provisos attached to make sure that those podiatrists who will gain the right to prescribe are set at the highest standard. These standards mean that nearly all podiatrists will be required to do more study. This is only one of the requirements, and in our opinion, the most important, as it means that our South Australian practitioners are up to date and ready to provide the highest level of care that is required with such a responsibility. Even our Senior Podiatrist, who has already studied a full year of pharmacology at university, will be required to do an additional subject- in short, it means we're going back to uni!

With Adelaide's coldest night in 3 year, our feet are at a great risk of chilblains than they have been for some time.

Chilblains are an inflammatory response in the skin that occur when the micro-circulation in the skin does not respond adequately to a change in temperature. The cold exposure damages capillary beds in the skin, which in turn can cause itchyness, redness, blisters and a burning sensation in the feet.

For tips on keeping your feet warm, click here
For more info on chilblains click here

For many of us who are diagnosed with an injury during winter, the though of applying ice as part of the RICER principal is not a pleasant thought. After all, its cold enough as it is outside without applying ice to your already cold feet.
The trouble is, there are some really good scientific reasons as to why it is suggested. I dont blame anyone who is reluctant to apply ice to their feet in winter. So we suggest the following solutions to make your life more bearable this winter:
- If it is a small area of injury, apply a wheat bag above and below the area, only keeping ice on the area that is injured.
- If the thought of ice on your feet is too much, try considering taking your shoe off the sore foot and resting it on the cold floor to cool it down.
- If your feet are naturally cold, avoid hot bath or shower water on the feet- avoiding heat on a new injury is almost as important as keeping the area cool in the first place, especially if your feet are cold already.