Your feet must last a lifetime, did you know that the average person walks up to 10,000 steps a day, covering 120,000 kilometres in a lifetime? Regular foot care can make sure your feet are up to the task. With proper detection, intervention, and care, most foot and ankle problems can be lessened or prevented.
October is Foot Health Month in Australia, it is an opportunity for podiatrists all across the country to raise awareness about the crucial role their profession plays in making and keeping people well. This year’s theme is Walk Well, Work Well. Our aim is to inform employers and employees to get the most out of their feet.
A common criticism of modern society is that we have become too sedentary. Not everyone falls into this category. Doctors, nurses, tradesmen and women, factory workers, hospitality and retail staff, agricultural farmers and animal care workers, and those employed in the sports and recreation industries are on their feet all day, every day.
Prevention is better than cure and correct alignment is the foundation of good health for all ages. Podiatrists are dedicated professionals who know exactly what you are going through and what you need to get better.
Your feet can develop certain health problems because they’re the farthest body parts from your heart. Your heart pumps blood to your feet through arteries and several medical conditions, such as peripheral arterial disease, can reduce that blood flow to your feet. This is due to a build up of plaque in these blood vessels. If this occurs, your feet and lower legs may not get the oxygen-rich blood they need to thrive. Many other common conditions can affect the skin on your feet or the bones and tissues inside. These range from relatively minor problems, such as athlete’s foot, to deeper ones such as bunions (misshapen joints in the big toes) and neuromas (painful but benign growths on a nerve).
Podiatrists are able to assist with:
- General foot care (nail care, removal of corns and callouses)
- The management of problems such as heel pain and shin splints, ingrown toe nails, fungal nail infections, plantar warts
- Diabetes related foot conditions
- Sports Injuries
- Foot, hip and knee pain
- Foot & Ankle Injuries
- Muscle & Tendon Problems
- Heel Pain Corn & Calluses
Also, if your feet are not sitting inside shoes properly, posture can deteriorate by rotating the knees and tilting the hips, causing other problems in the body.
It is extra important that you take care of your feet so any signs of trouble should be checked on sooner rather than later.
Untreated foot problems cost the health care system millions, and can have a hugely detrimental effect on a person’s lifestyle and livelihood. So, don’t hesitate, make an appointment with your Podiatrist this month.