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A Great, Positive Change is Coming.

The many people who work in health care believe we can do a better job of empowering patients as partners in their own health care. We are now on that road.

What an exciting thought!

This is why so many of them came together at the 3rd Annual Patient Care Experience conference. It was filled with physicians and other health care and hospital professionals who want to create a much better system for their patients. It was so inspiring to see these people who will represent the first wave of change.

Their commitment was strong; their words inspiring. Their vision focused on one thing: empowering patients as equal partners in their own health care.

Change is Always Frightening.

The human psyche does not like change. It prefers the usual, the comfortable, the familiar. Perhaps this is why, for so many years, patients have not wanted to “rock the boat” with their health care professionals and specialists – or they felt they did not deserve a voice in their own treatment. They felt they were not knowledgeable enough to participate.

As well, previous generations have grown up with the philosophy that the doctor should remain unquestioned. Once, we would never have dreamed even to ask about our treatment protocol or our prescriptions. It was unheard of.

At the conference it was very clear that health care professionals no longer want this type of system, either. They appreciate patients who are prepared; who have done their research; who do not hesitate to ask why a treatment is prescribed, and what results they might expect. Doctors, nurses and other clinicians now feel they have a much better chance of success if they partner with their patients.

The tide is changing. It may take awhile, but it’s coming. And it will only change with your voice. Nothing will get better if we don’t speak up: to our doctors, our surgeons, our hospital personnel, our politicians. Ask questions; as many as you need to fully understand your condition and proposed treatment. Remember, you should be an equal partner with your health care team. Your opinion, your history are valuable and should be respected as such.

“If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him … We need not wait to see what others do.” – Gandhi

What Is Going to Happen When You and Your Loved Ones Visit Our Office for the Initial Appointment?

 Very often, people are apprehensive about visiting a new doctor or clinic. This is a natural reaction when you don’t know what to expect; and especially when you are in pain! You don’t need extra anxiety on top of that.

So here’s what will happen at your very first fisit! We will take the time to listen to you during your initial 60-minute appointment, which is quite unique in our community. You will be asked questions about your feet, ankles, legs, knees, hips and back, to identify your weakest links.

In the light of your personal history of your body’s musculoskeletal or locomotion system, a comprehensive physical examination, posture and gait analysis and digital radiological exam will be performed. A review of the overall findings will connect the dots so you will discover each one of your existing foot conditions and clearly understand:

1. The root cause of  your specific foot condition(s);
2. What should be put into action to get you back to vibrant health and out of pain fast!

If You are in Pain, Call Us Immediately.

We can often arrange for appointments the same day.  You don’t have to suffer needlessly.

If you are ready to go ahead with your personal plan designed to get you healthy promptly, we will commence your first treatment session without delay. We will take action to address the root cause right away and we will initiate the first treatment to support the repair of the most damaged foot structures. Many patients do experience a noticable improvement of their foot condition(s) right after this very first visit!

At the conclusion of your first appointment, you will be handed out a complimentary copy of Foot Pain and Nail Conditions, a book full of detailed information about many common foot problems. A detailed report will be faxed to your family physician (often the very same day) if this is your desire.

There is simply no reason to continue to suffer from foot pain, even if it doesn’t hurt all the time. We recommend you to make sure your very next step is a visit to our office so we can discuss your foot pain symptoms and find the right treatment for you.

Our entire team is passionately knowledgeable about foot health and dedicated to creating an outstanding patient care experience!  Right from the start.

We listen. We care. We make feet feel better.

Prevent Gout Attacks

Ah! Summer barbecues are filling the air with the smell of juicy hamburgers and sausages, and who wouldn’t love a big bite of one right about now? Unfortunately, that may be one of the pleasures you’ll have to forego if you want to avoid a gout attack in your big toe or other joints.

Let’s back up and see what really causes gout in the first place. It is a medical condition that makes you produce too much uric acid or be unable to properly process it. When it builds up in your bloodstream, it can crystalize, and tiny, sharp grains can precipitate in any foot, ankle or big toe joints where the temperature is lowest in our body and cause excruciating pain during sleep. The reasons you develop this condition can vary from injury, illness, and taking certain medications to crash dieting, drinking too much, or dehydration.

The foods you eat can also be triggers for gout pain. Any food high in purines may give your body problems when processing them. These include red meats (like hamburgers and sausages), shellfish, sugary beverages, and excessive alcohol—especially red wine—another summer barbecue staple you’ll need to watch. It is recommended that women limit themselves to one drink and men to two drinks in a 24-hour period.

Good Foods to Counteract Gout

To counteract the effects of these trigger foods and beverages, you can eat plenty of the kind that lower uric acid levels and promote heart health. They include vegetables, low-fat dairy, plant oils, whole grains, tart fruits, and water—or coffee if you are used to it.

If you have been dealing with gout for a while, you know what foods cause your gout attack, but if you are new to the disease, you may want to start a food diary. Each time your big toe pain strikes, write down what you remember eating over the previous few days, to narrow down which foods and drinks might be a problem for you.

For gout pain, or any other ailment affecting your feet, don’t hesitate to come to Ottawa Foot Practice for diagnosis and treatment. We will work closely with your family doctor to help you find relief. Just call our office in Ottawa at (613) 595-9700 and set up a time to come in. You can also schedule via our website.