With International Podiatry Day celebrated each year on the 8th of October, and Foot Health Week falling during the same month – this year it’s from Monday the 12th to Sunday the 18th of October – at Trevor Lane Podiatry, we like to think of the whole month as “Foot Health Awareness Month”.
This year, the theme is:
“Your feet do more than you think. So do podiatrists.“
Why Foot Health Matters
Healthy feet are important for your overall wellbeing, no matter your age or what your daily routine may look like.
While foot pain is never pleasant, it can also have a huge negative impact on your mobility and quality of life. Unless you’ve been in this position, you probably don’t realise how it can affect even the simple things in life, and even your independence.
Here’s an example to demonstrate our point …
Imagine with us for a moment that you want to do some Christmas shopping at a large centre like Capalaba Park or Carindale.
- Suffering from foot pain gives an entirely new meaning to “shop til you drop” – as you’ll probably only last about 15 minutes!
- Of course you might be able to use one of the centre’s courtesy wheelchairs, but you’ll need a companion to push you around. Do you really want to sacrifice your independence? And what if they’re the person you want to buy a gift for?!
- When you’re seated in a wheelchair, it’s very hard to see the pricing signs on shelves of merchandise because they are all angled UP – for the convenience of more mobile shoppers, not someone at wheelchair height.
- Plus the fact that Christmas shopping can be even more of a nightmare than usual – because not only are there crowds to contend with, but many stores have so much stock it encroaches on valuable floor space. This makes it incredibly difficult to successfully manoeuvre a wheelchair, walking frame, mobility scooter or similar.
We could go on … but you get the idea.
No wonder the team at Trevor Lane Podiatry is so passionate about Foot Health Month and raising awareness of how to best take care of your tootsies!
Focus on Foot Health
So here are some tips to help you and your family (or your class or group) commemorate Foot Health Awareness Month:
- Let’s start with the obvious – When was the last time you saw a podiatrist? There’s no time like the present …
- Is your footwear failing? Make October the month you check all your favourite shoes to see if they need replacing – you’ll find some tips here.
- Treat your feet – Who doesn’t love a foot rub or pedicure? Getting up close and personal with your own – or a loved one’s – feet, will make it much more likely that you’ll notice any irregularities like an ingrown toe nail or plantar wart. Using a moisturising cream can also help with dry, cracked heels.
- Foot prints – Create a keepsake by getting an imprint of your little one’s feet with paint or clay. And for adults, capturing that foot print can be an effective way to reveal if some areas of your sole are carrying a heavier load than others – something that just might benefit from a trip to a podiatrist.
- Challenge your kids to a game of toe yoga! See who is the fastest when it comes to picking up a series of items (like a marble or a small towel) using only their feet, and dropping them into a bucket. Great for improving balance and stability.
- Read all about it – Our podiatry blog is packed with information and helpful tips on everything from preventing and treating common sports injuries, to whether your kids might need orthotics.
- Or – You might like to visit the patient information section on the Australian Podiatry Association website, which also has a number of articles of interest.
According to the Australian Podiatry Association, only a fraction of people suffering from sore feet actually seek treatment – which means many Australians could be suffering needlessly. As we like to say, “pain is not a normal part of ageing”. You want your feet to be pain free so you can stay healthy and active!
We hope that Foot Health Awareness Month prompts you to book an appointment with your local podiatry clinic if you have any concerns related to your toes, feet, heels, soles, ankles and lower legs.
Trevor Lane Podiatry in Birkdale is ideally situated if you live or work in the Redlands, as it is close to the Brisbane bayside suburbs and also easily accessible by train. Call us on 3207 4736 during business hours, or you can try booking online at your convenience 24/7.