Treat for your feet
PODIATRISTS say as many as 1.4 million Australians wake up with sore feet every day.
Townsville podiatrist Trent Johnston said poor shoe choices, modern lifestyle demands and general ignorance towards health all affected foot health.
Mr Johnston said a survey revealed 48 per cent of respondents experienced heel, arch or foot pain at least once a week, with 6 per cent waking up with foot pain daily.
Of the sample survey of 500 people questioned, 28 per cent had ingrown or infected toenails, corns and calluses ( 26 per cent) and shin splints ( 19 per cent).
Half of respondents also reported muscle pain in their lower legs.
“Despite the high incidence of common foot conditions, 58 per cent of respondents had never visited a podiatrist for specialist treatment or advice and just 14 per cent had done so in the past year,” Mr Johnston said.
“Most foot conditions are preventable, but they are being ignored because there is a distinct lack of awareness around proper care of feet and knowing who to turn to for professional advice. Feet are a foundation for your body and taking them for granted could lead to permanent issues such as arthritis or conditions in other parts of your body including legs, knees, hips and lower back.”
Mr Johnston said better education was needed around how podiatry contributed to overall health and wellbeing.
Almost two thirds ( 64 per cent) of women said they had forgone foot health for a shoe that was stylish or affordable.
“Many of the foot conditions relating to women are directly linked to their footwear choices,” he said.