PediStick – A New Device for Maintaining Good Foot Health
- Fahid Ben-Ahmed
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
What is PediStick?
PediStick is a new medical device which helps patients to maintain good foot health by allowing them to apply cream to their feet in cases where the user is unable to reach them unaided. First launched at the Royal College of Podiatry’s Annual Conference and Exhibition at Harrogate Convention Centre in 2024, PediStick has been developed with input from a group of podiatrists led by Fahid Ben-Ahmed. Fahid has more than nine years of experience in podiatry practice.
Fahid spotted a gap in the market for a device which would enable elderly patients, and others with reduced mobility, to apply cream to areas of their feet which they cannot reach themselves. Whilst podiatry practices often provide patients foot creams for daily use, application methods for patients who cannot reach their feet are typically cumbersome and unrefined. A sponge on the end of a stick, a wooden spoon or even putting cream into a plastic carrier bag before dipping feet inside are all creaming methods that Fahid regularly comes across. Such methods are messy, unhygienic and impractical resulting in many patients giving up with their foot creaming regime altogether.
How does PediStick Work?
A class one medical device, the patented PediStick has CE and ISO 13485 certifications. It comprises a telescopic extendable handle that has been designed for use by patients with poor dexterity and an applicator pad made from medical grade plastic which can be washed easily. The pad is ergonomically designed for contact with the contour of the foot, surface tissue and ankle enabling easy foot creaming. The team is currently developing a range of additional applicators meaning purchasers of Pedistick will soon benefit from a range of footcare applications.
Why is it Important to Apply Foot Creams?
Application of foot cream is particularly important for the elderly as well as patients with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and those on medications such as blood thinners who often suffer from dry and damaged skin. Poor skin condition is caused by reduced blood flow to the feet typically found in such patients. As a result, the dry and more vulnerable skin is prone to infection. Small cuts can quickly become more serious wounds or ulcers which may eventually lead to amputations in the worst cases.
According to the UK Government House of Commons Library, the UK’s aging population comprising over 12.7 million people aged 65 plus in 2022 (19% of the total population) is expected to rise further to 22.1 million by 2072 (27% of the total population).* Couple this with prevalent cases of type two diabetes thought to be around 5.8 million in the UK with 4.6 million diagnosed cases and an estimated further 1.3 million undiagnosed cases** according to Diabetes UK, foot health problems will continue to increase if unchecked. PediStick enables patients to prevent unnecessary pain and further mobility issues by allowing them to correctly apply creams at home to maintain their foot health. It is thought that around 80-85% of amputations in patients with diabetes can be prevented with proper foot care and other medical interventions***.
How do I get a PediStick?
PediStick is available to purchase directly through our website here. We also welcome trade enquiries from UK-based podiatry practices, medical practices and distributors – If you are interested in stocking PediStick, please click here to submit an enquiry. **
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