Our feet and legs are relied upon for most of our daily activities, so it’s important they’re in good shape to tackle the year ahead. We asked one of Australia’s leading Musculoskeletal Podiatrists’, Dr Paul Dowie from Foot and Leg Pain Clinics, for some tips to help keep you pain free and active in 2022!
1. Evaluate footwear. Minimize flats, thongs, slip-ons, high heels and bare feet if on you’re on your feet a lot, to help avoid foot and ankle stress. Better choices are lower heeled shoes with straps or laces that hold to the feet and have decent support & cushioning.
2. Choose activity appropriate shoes for sport and recreational activities.
3. Don’t rely on technological advances in footwear to treat pain, discomfort or decrease the risk of injury. The purpose of good footwear is to provide comfort whilst helping to support foot and leg function, not to treat problems. An experienced musculoskeletal podiatrist can help prevent and treat foot and leg problems.
4. Don’t buy shoes that require a “break-in period”. Shoes should be comfortable immediately.
5. Shop for footwear at the end of the day to accommodate for normal swelling, as feet can swell by up to 10% during a day. Ill-fitting shoes can lead to pain and injuries.
6. Get a second opinion regarding prescribed surgery or medications. Anti-inflammatory medications and cortisone injections can delay healing and contribute to further tissue damage and many surgeries for foot, knee and leg concerns can now be avoided, thanks to the latest regenerative treatments. So seek advice from an experienced musculoskeletal podiatrist.
7. Get reoccurring or prolonged soreness checked by an experienced musculoskeletal expert. Simple foot or leg soreness can be a symptom of more serious underlying issues so needs to be correctly diagnosed and managed. GP’s and general podiatrist’s are often not be the best people to diagnose and manage lower limb pain and injuries, whereas an experienced Musculoskeletal Podiatrist has specific training and expertise in the intricacies of foot and leg biomechanics and function.
Dr. Dowie treats foot, ankle, knee and leg pain, injuries and arthritis as well as children’s development concerns at his Foot and Leg Pain Clinic in Berwick. For appointments call 1300 328 300.
