It's all in your head!!

It’s all in your head!!!

Are you anxious about an upcoming ingrown toenail removal? You’re not alone. The standard outpatient procedure typically requires what’s called a ‘digital ring block’ which involves the injection of a local anaesthetic. While short-lasting, the injection can be briefly painful which often contributes to anxiety leading up to the procedure. It is estimated that roughly 10% of the general population has a needle phobia.

Recently, British researchers published a report investigating the use of ‘audiovisual distraction’ as a means to calm patients and to reduce their acute pain. 152 patients were split into two groups with 78 receiving the Bedscapes™ distraction method and 74 receiving standard care alone. The investigative group was given a picturesque photomural of either a scenic mountain view or a tropical beach scene as well as headphones to listen to during the procedure. The study patients were allowed to look at the photomural and to listen to soothing sounds through their headsets while the control patients were simply allowed to interact with the clinical staff as usual. Patients in both groups were assessed for post-operative pain as well as pre- and post-operative anxiety.

Upon completion of the study, it was revealed that Bedscapes™ did NOT reduce overall pain or anxiety perceived by the patients, and apparently it was no more effective than interpersonal communication between the patients and the podiatry staff on hand. Furthermore, OLDER patients tended to experience the least amount of pain, while patients with the highest pre-operative anxiety also tended to perceive the highest levels of pain. However, both groups breathed a significant sigh of relief as indicated by their large post-operative decrease in anxiety after the procedure was finished.

So the message is: relax and talk to the staff. They’re friendly and they’re there to help!


Advanced Foot Care
Robert E. Kuvent, DPM
3225 S Alma School Rd
Chandler, AZ 85248
480.917.2300
http://www.yourfeetfixer.com