News

Don’t put your foot in it

MORE residents than ever before have found themselves working from home this year – and now, new research has revealed that since the beginning of the lockdown period, one in three have found themselves with increased lower limb pain and discomfort in their feet, hips, knees and back.

Why? Because 70 per cent of Australians have shifted their footwear behaviour and are now wearing less supportive shoes or are going barefoot.
Belfield Podiatrist Mary Shina said the research found that 62 per cent of people who regularly visit a podiatrist, have discontinued appointments since the beginning of Covid.
“Foot health is often an indicator for other serious health conditions with the research revealing that one in four patients have had an underlining health issue identified by their podiatrist, including circulatory issues, diabetes or heart problems.”
Ms Shina said early intervention was the best approach with foot problems whether it be corns, ingrowns or callouses to name a few.
“I had a client just in who has had a lesion on his foot for a couple of months and now there is an infection underneath the skin and he will have to have more serious treatment at a hospital and can’t wear a normal shoe either,” she said.
“With early intervention, we could have successfully treated this patient; interestingly Medicare provide five subsidised podiatry visits a year so it is well worth taking advantage of that.
“Feet need regular checking, say every six weeks, if you have diabetes, have been hospitalised or have been on long-term antibiotics.”