Our feet are under constant pressure, but we tend to overlook them until something goes wrong. Regular maintenance with your podiatrist keeps you mobile and healthy, so why not give regular foot check-ups a go?
Your car gets a regular service, so why not be as kind to your feet?
Untreated Foot Problems Affect the Whole Body
Painful feet affect the way we stand and move. Foot problems alter our posture and place pressure where it isn’t needed. Knee, hip or back problems easily follow, so it’s good to remember that little things have far-reaching consequences.
Spot Problems Early
You really can’t say it enough; prevention is always better than cure. So many issues are perfectly treatable but it’s much easier to do so if they’re caught in the early stages.
Corns, calluses, ingrown toenails and fungal infections (to name but a few) become painful and incapacitating if left untreated. Regular foot check-ups ensure problems are spotted before they progress too far. Of course, once a condition has developed it can still be treated successfully, but it may take longer or require a more invasive procedure.
Essential Support for Chronic Conditions
Ongoing maintenance is vital for chronic conditions. For example, diabetes often leads to circulation problems, nerve damage and ulcers. Loss of sensation is particularly concerning, as sufferers may be unaware of problems until they become acute. A regular check-up means you don’t have to worry about missing something important.
Osteoporosis and arthritis are other examples of conditions needing constant management. With numerous bones, joints and soft tissues in the lower limbs, sufferers are susceptible to a variety of foot problems – fallen arches, hammertoes, bunions, mobility issues and fractures for example.
Plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis are painful, debilitating and prone to reoccurring. Your podiatrist can keep them at bay. Techniques such as icing, gentle stretching or Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) are ideal to ease discomfort, encourage good circulation and promote healing.
Custom Orthotics and Footwear Advice
Everyone should wear comfortable, supportive, cushioning footwear, even if you’re in the best of health. If you suffer from any foot issues the right shoes are essential – without them, you’ll only make matters worse.
Your podiatrist analyses your gait, posture and lifestyle to determine the best shoes for you. They may fit you with custom orthotics which have many benefits. They improve foot function and postural issues, ease pressure on sensitive areas and provide support for sports injuries, Achilles problems and plantar fasciitis.
Exercise Safely
Any fitness activity places extra pressure on your lower limbs. Exercise is essential for all of us, but repetitive movements can create overuse injuries.
Knees and ankles are particularly vulnerable, but the right footwear plus warming up and cooling down exercises go a long way to preventing unnecessary stress on complex joints. Your podiatrist will guide you through the best techniques and most appropriate exercises to keep your lower limbs healthy and pain-free.
Who Needs to See a Podiatrist Regularly?
Regular foot check-ups and maintenance is a good thing at any age. Growing kids and teens experience issues such as flat feet, verrucae or knock knees. Older people can see corns and bunions creeping up, and senior folks may be dealing with diabetes or arthritis.
Frequency depends on your health and age – your podiatrist will know what’s right for you.
Expert Footcare at Feet By Pody
We all like to think we’re invincible, but sadly that’s not quite true! Not to worry – our experienced podiatrists are here to keep you upright and healthy.