While every person is unique, one thing most of us have in common is that we rely on our feet every day to get us from A to B. Looking after them is therefore essential to our mobility, comfort and overall wellbeing.
Foot Health Podiatry is celebrating International Podiatry Day on October 8, raising awareness of the importance of good foot health and encouraging people to take a step in the right direction when it comes to looking after their feet.
Conditions such as diabetes and arthritis, as well as lifestyle factors including footwear, occupation and sporting activity, can all affect the health of our feet. What does a podiatrist do? In Ireland, the terms podiatrist and chiropodist refer to the same profession and are protected by law. Qualified podiatrists are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of foot and lower-limb problems, including plantar fasciitis, ingrown toenails, skin and nail conditions, sports injuries, bunions and diabetic foot complications.
If you experience persistent foot or ankle pain, discomfort, instability or unusual symptoms, it is important to have the problem assessed. Podiatrists are also an important part of managing conditions that can affect mobility, balance and quality of life. All podiatrists in Ireland must be registered with CORU, the state regulator for health and social care professionals.
At Foot Health Podiatry, treatments include routine footcare, minor surgery for ingrown toenails, prescription orthotics, shock wave therapy, laser treatments, vascular assessments, wound care, fungal nail treatment, dry needling, exercise prescription, sports taping and prescription footwear.
Custom orthotics can help address individual biomechanical problems, while treatments such as shock wave therapy may be used for conditions including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy and shin splints.
Five simple ways to keep your feet healthy
Stretch your calves. Tight calf muscles can contribute to foot pain by altering the way pressure is distributed through the foot. Regular calf stretches can help maintain flexibility.
Moisturise regularly. As skin ages, it can become thinner and less elastic. Applying an appropriate moisturiser to your feet and legs can help maintain healthy skin and reduce the risk of cracks and breaks.
Choose your shoes carefully. Good footwear should provide adequate support, have a firm heel cup and be sturdy enough to provide stability. If you can easily bend your shoes in half, it may be time to consider replacing them.
Cut toenails straight across. Avoid cutting down the sides of your nails, as this can contribute to painful ingrown toenails and infection.
Pay attention to what your feet are telling you. Changes in your feet can sometimes provide important clues about your overall health. For example, diabetes can affect sensation in the feet and increase the risk of wounds.Foot pain should not simply be accepted as part of everyday life. If pain or discomfort persists, particularly for more than a week, seek professional advice before a minor problem develops into something more serious.
Foot Health Podiatry provides treatment in its clinics in Clinic is in Galway- Claregalway and Loughrea and Mayo- Claremorris as well as home, hospital and residential care visits for people who are infirm. Call: 091 739333
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