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Featured news
A month of healthcare engagement: Algeos’ role across five key events
Last week, Team Algeos proudly participated in five major events that spanned podiatry, education, and healthcare advocacy.
These occasions offered an incredible opportunity to showcase our innovative products and close partnerships, connect with healthcare professionals, and inspire the next generation of podiatrists and therapists. From careers fairs to international conferences, here’s a detailed recap of our whirlwind week of activity.
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Featured news
Algeos steps forward with orthotic and diabetic innovations at Podiatry 2024
Algeos returns to the Royal College of Podiatry conference in 2024 to showcase its new partnerships, advancements in podiatric technology, and brand-new educational offering.
Exhibiting across two stands, two demo zones, and workshop area, the team are bringing exciting new product launches, partnerships, and space for foot health professionals to get stuck in with orthotic therapy and diabetic foot solutions.
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A month of healthcare engagement: Algeos’ role across five key events
Last week, Team Algeos proudly participated in five major events that spanned podiatry, education, and healthcare advocacy.
These occasions offered an incredible opportunity to showcase our innovative products and close partnerships, connect with healthcare professionals, and inspire the next generation of podiatrists and therapists. From careers fairs to international conferences, here’s a detailed recap of our whirlwind week of activity.
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Understanding and preventing pressure ulcers
Across the UK, over 700,000 people are affected by pressure ulcers each year, at a cost of £3.8 million every day to the NHS1. With an ageing population – as well as increasing prevalence of conditions such as diabetes, heart and kidney diseases, peripheral vascular disease, Alzheimer’s and lower limb oedema – prevention has been more important than ever to reduce waiting lists and improve the lives of those affected.
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Algeos steps forward with orthotic and diabetic innovations at Podiatry 2024
Algeos returns to the Royal College of Podiatry conference in 2024 to showcase its new partnerships, advancements in podiatric technology, and brand-new educational offering.
Exhibiting across two stands, two demo zones, and workshop area, the team are bringing exciting new product launches, partnerships, and space for foot health professionals to get stuck in with orthotic therapy and diabetic foot solutions.
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Mattress-turning system could prevent pressure ulcers occurring for those in social care
A White Paper commissioned by Care England has suggested that an innovative mattress-turning system has the potential to prevent pressure ulcers occurring for people in adult social care, while improving their comfort and promoting healing – all while delivering significant cost and resource savings to care providers and the NHS.
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Why does Back Care Matter?
Did you know approximately 1 in 6 people in England have back pain, this includes people of all ages and all causes of back pain. Back pain is a common condition that affects people of all ages and it refers to discomfort, tension, or stiffness in the back area, ranging from mild to severe.
It can be in different regions from the lower back (lumbar region), middle back (thoracic region) and upper back (cervical and thoracic regions). The lumbar region is the most common area for back pain since it supports much of the body’s weight.
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World Sepsis Day: Addressing Sepsis Risk in Diabetic Patients
Diabetic patients face a higher risk of sepsis due to slow-healing wounds and infections. Early detection through neuropathy testing and using off-loading cushions or advanced insoles like Levabo Heel Up can prevent ulcers from turning into severe infections. Proper foot care, daily inspections, and hygiene are crucial.
On World Sepsis Day, let’s focus on protecting diabetic patients through proactive care and education to reduce the risk of life-threatening sepsis.
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Algeos joins forces with Venn Healthcare to expand UK reach for Storz Medical devices
Leading lower-limb care supplier, manufacturer, and distributor, Algeos, has announced its strategic partnership with Venn Healthcare – the UK & Ireland’s largest supplier and distributor of non-invasive medical systems. The new collaboration will focus on expanding the reach of Storz Medical shockwave therapy devices across the podiatry and physiotherapy sectors, helping both businesses grow their customer bases and bolstering the profitability of healthcare specialists across the country.
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Mastering Workshop Machinery
Workshop machinery is the variety of machines and tools that are used in workshops, typically for manufacturing, construction, or repair work. The different machines are designed to perform specific tasks such as cutting, shaping, drilling, grinding, and assembling materials like wood, metal, plastic, and composites.
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Futureproofing the Podiatry Workforce
With an ageing population, decline in student podiatrists, and tightening healthcare budgets across the UK, the podiatry sector is facing significant barriers as an allied health service.
There are currently between 10,000 and 14,500 registered podiatrists across the UK, a number that – according to Statista – has fallen dramatically since the previous year. This is of particular concern when you consider the ageing population along with the prevalence of conditions that have specific impact on lower limb care.
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How Investing in Quality Insoles can save your Shoes
Insoles are more than just a layer of cushioning inside your shoes. They play a crucial role in providing support, absorbing shock, and distributing pressure evenly across your feet. They can also help to alleviate common foot issues such as plantar fasciitis, arch pain, and heel spurs. By providing the right support, insoles can prevent the excessive wear and tear that often leads to the premature breakdown of your shoes.
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Heel Pain and How to Treat it
Heel pain is a common issue that can significantly impact your daily life. There are different types of heel pain, it could be a sharp pain when you take your first steps in the morning, or it could be a persistent ache after a long day on your feet. It is essential to understand the causes and treatments for heel pain to maintain mobility and quality of life.
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Understanding Diabetic Foot Conditions
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions worldwide. One of the lesser-known but significant complications of diabetes is the development of foot problems. Diabetic foot conditions can lead to severe consequences, including amputation if not properly managed.
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Gait Analysis – Made Simple
Over a lifetime, the average person walks a distance equivalent to circling the Earth three and a half times. Biomechanically, the feet play a crucial role in maintaining the overall health and function of the body. The way a person moves, whether walking or running, is known as gait. Gait can be divided into different phases, each corresponding to a specific stage of the walking cycle. Gait analysis involves breaking down the gait cycle and investigating the condition and function of the foot at key points.
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FAQs - Diabetic Foot Ulcers
There are currently an estimated 4.8 million people in the UK living with diabetes. Of that cohort, approximately 10% will develop a diabetic foot ulcer. To help you understand and prevent these issues, we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about diabetic foot ulcers.
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Preventing Foot Supination: A Guide
Foot supination, also known as underpronation, is a condition where the foot rolls outward during walking or running. While this might seem like a minor issue, supination can lead to a host of problems including ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis, and shin splints.
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Proven and Trusted Materials for Foot Support
Did you know that research published in British Medical Journal found that foot pain affects over 200 million people worldwide? Your footwear choices matter more than you think.
Foot support is the assistance that is provided to the feet to maintain their natural structure, alignment, and functionality. Correct foot support can reduce the risk of overstraining muscles, tendons, and ligaments by keeping your joints aligned and moving properly.
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Reasons why YOU need a Podiatrist
A podiatrist is a medical professional devoted to the treatment of disorders of the foot and ankle, to improve people’s mobility, independence, and quality of life. Our feet play a crucial role in our daily lives, so why not make sure that they are in the right condition, so it doesn’t affect our overall well-being?
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Why Diabetic Foot Ulcers Dont Heal Fast
Diabetes is one of the most common diseases amongst adults in the UK, affecting roughly 4.3 million people and responsible for 174 amputations every week. Diabetic foot ulcers occur in between 10% and15% of people living with diabetes and, if left unmanaged, can lead to serious complications for the individual.
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Why every Podiatrist still needs Chairside Orthotic Insoles
While there are many off-the-shelf orthotics, these insoles may not marry up to the needs of the patient when presented straight out of the box, which means that modifications may be necessary to support the foot and help alleviate issues.
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Algeos steps up eco-responsibility with ISO:14001 accreditation
Leading medical manufacturer and distributor Algeos has set an industry precedent with the award for its commitment to sustainability and environmental management.
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How do Therapeutic Insoles Support Diabetes and Pressure Relief?
Therapeutic insoles are designed to provide, support, alignment, and relief for various foot conditions or biomechanical issues. They help support the arch, redistributing pressure evenly across the foot and providing stability. They can correct biomechanical imbalances in the feet by aligning the foot properly, and can help alleviate associated discomfort or prevent injuries.
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Pressure Off-loading Devices for Foot Ulcer Prevention
In the UK, over 4.9 million people have the condition, with a further 13.6 million people at increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately, the implications of diabetes to the individual can be severe. Without proper preventative care, people with the condition are at risk of complications such as foot ulceration, which can lead to lower-limb amputation. Lets look at offloading pressure and some of the tools available to achieve this.
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Exploring the impact of cold weather on foot conditions
As winter approaches, bringing cold temperatures and icy conditions, it's vital to take additional measures to stay warm and safe. While staying indoors offers comfort and dryness, venturing outside exposes us to harsh weather. It's essential to be prepared for these challenging outdoor conditions during the winter months.
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Why every Physiotherapist needs a Gait Analysis System
Gait analysis has been offering medical insights for over 50 years. With the rapid advancement of technology, including enhancements in sensors, cameras, and software, these systems now enable the collection of more precise and insightful data that aids in a patient’s treatment plan or to enhance an athlete’s performance. Used by medical professionals, athletes, and researchers, gait analysis has proven to be an effective tool in identifying and treating issues with the musculoskeletal system in humans – and even animals.
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Embracing work/life balance at Algeos
Work-related stress is an increasing concern for businesses and workers in the UK. In fact, a study carried out by the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD) found that almost a quarter of UK workers are exhausted at work and between 24 and 29 per cent of people found it difficult to fulfil outside commitments due to their job.
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If you have back pain, the problem might be your feet
Chronic back pain is surprisingly common, with up to 23% of the world's population living with it currently. Did you know, however, that your foot health and poisitioning may be responsible? Read our latest blog to find out more...
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A Healthy home: Solutions for pain management and comfort in care homes
here are just over 17,000 care homes in the UK: 14,535 in England, 1,024 in Wales, 1,025 in Scotland and 405 in Northern Ireland. Each care home is responsible for the care of anywhere from 1-50+ residents at any given time.
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The benefits of gait analysis in Parkinson’s disease management
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the fastest growing neurodegenerative condition in the world, with two people in the UK being diagnosed with the condition every hour. Research by Parkinson’s UK estimates that by 2030, 172,000 people across the country will be living with PD, especially as the population grows and ages.
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Manufacturing Custom Foot Orthotics
In principle, the use of custom-made foot orthotics allows clinicians to provide a more accurate device to better treat patients, however this depends on the materials and methods used, as well as cost and manufacturing time. Staff shortages within O&P roles, as well as funding cuts, means that orthotists and workshop managers need to use the most cost and time effective materials and methods to best serve their patients.
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Six basic principles of effective infection control
Infection prevention and control (IPC) is paramount in all healthcare settings in order to protect both patients and professionals when undertaking medical procedures and tests. Without proper IPC, podiatrists and chiropodists are unable to deliver the highest quality of healthcare.
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Alternatives to PRP therapy
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has now been classed as an unlicensed human medicine by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), prompting the Royal College of Podiatry and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) to urge their members to cease its use with immediate effect.
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Understanding Diabetes: World Diabetes Week
Algeos have a wide range of products that can help manage and treat diabetic foot problems. Insoles are beneficial for individuals with diabetes by providing cushioning, support and pressure redistribution in the feet.
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Strategies, Techniques and Sensory Teaching Aids for Supporting Children
Educating children with ADHD, autism, and sensory sensitivities requires a multifaceted approach that includes specialized teaching strategies, sensory teaching devices, and even innovative seating options. These methods are not only inclusive but are also backed by research.
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Boat Building and Repair Techniques using EVA Foam
Welcome aboard! In this blog, we will explore the world of boat building and repairs with EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate). EVA has become increasingly popular as a preferred material for boat construction and repairs due to its numerous advantages from its durability and versatility to its comfort safety, aesthetics, low maintenance and environmental friendliness.
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Maximising your Marathon Performance
Get ready for the London Marathon with our top ten tips for marathon success! Running a marathon takes mental and physical strength, but with our advice on positive self-talk, footware, strength training, and refueling, you'll be on your way to the finish line in no time.
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How Voxelcare is Revolutionising Orthotics
According to NHS data, there are an estimated two million orthotic patients treated at one time in England alone. From diabetes to post op trauma, orthotic services provide health benefits for a wide range of conditions in a variety of settings.
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Healthy Feet Rule Book - 6 Steps
This blog highlights the importance of foot care, given the wear and tear our feet endure on a daily basis. The average person takes around 8,000-10,000 steps each day, which can lead to various foot conditions such as dryness, cracked skin, blisters, cuts and bruises. The blog provides six steps to follow for healthy feet.
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Top Tips for Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetic lower limb products and daily living aids. Includes diabetic insoles, monitoring and prevention solutions to ensure safe and healthy feet.
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10 Things that Prevent Pressure Ulcers
A pressure ulcer is an injury to the skin and underlying tissue, typically occurring when a person is confined to a bed or chair for prolonged periods of time. By disrupting the blood flow to an area under consistent pressure causes the skin to expand, which then develops into a pressure ulcer.
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Accessing Foot Orthotics from the NHS
The NHS provides access to foot orthotics for those with medically diagnosed foot problems. However, the process can take time due to waiting lists and the need for assessment by a healthcare professional.
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Algeos Offer New Payment Service
Spread the cost of device and equipment expenditure with Klarna. No more upfront investment for prescribed patient devices. You pay, when you get paid!
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Does Your Child Need Orthotics?
As a child develops, the feet go through several stages of maturity, from a softer structure at a young age to a more rigid structure with growth. Many complications can occur from improper foot function making it important to screen children’s feet during development.
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Plantar Fascia Grooves in Foot Orthoses
It is widely acknowledged that the foot should be a supportive structure to resist the forces that are applied to it during the propulsive or push of phase of gait. To do this the arch of the foot should be become elevated and the foot becomes more supinated. There are a number of ways in which the foot can do this.
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Voxelcare 3D Printing Solutions Now Shipping
Introducing the VXC3DP Filament Cube from Voxelcare, a modular FDM unit containing a 3D printer that can operate as a single-unit system or combined with multiple VXC3DP Cubes to increase production output.
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What is Pes Planus? (Flat Feet)
Pes planus otherwise termed as flat feet is a biomechanical problem experienced by a surprisingly high percentage of the population. Flat feet are a condition where the arch of the foot appears flattened.
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Heel Lifts - Buyers Guide
This article is intended to give an overview of the different types of in-shoe orthotic heel inserts available and their strengths and shortcomings, and to assist you in choosing appropriate heel lift product
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Sweaty Feet & Foot Odour
Feet need to be kept healthy and agile to support the entire weight of our bodies in our day-to-day life. This is why the feet contain 250,000 sweat glands that constantly secrete moisture to keep feet moist, supple and healthy.
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Arch Pain and Plantar Fasciitis
The most common cause of arch pain is Plantar Fasciitis, which is a condition that refers to the inflammation of the tissues connected to the heel bone. This is due to excessive pulling and stretching of the fibrous bands that support the arch of the foot.
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What is Achilles Tendonitis?
If you have Achilles tendonitis you will experience discomfort at the back of the leg which consists of a burning, shooting, or piercing pain due to the inflammation or degeneration of the Achilles tendon.
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Heel Pain, Bursitis and Plantar Fasciitis
Heel pain is a common issue affecting many people, impacting daily activities and quality of life. Two frequent causes of heel pain are bursitis and plantar fasciitis. Understanding these conditions, their causes, and their treatments can help manage and alleviate pain effectively.