Our feet bear an enormous burden of daily living , As well as carrying the weight of our body. They must also twist and flex with increased impact and strain when we move around.
Even through simple day to day activities such as standing and walking, our feet can be injured if not properly supported. Shoes play a vital role in this, as well as protecting our feet from external dangers.
The importance of a good fitting shoe
Choosing shoes that fit well as an important part of caring for your feet.
Finding the right fit may mean you have to look at a few different styles to accommodate your particular foot shape.
Because feet are rarely the same size, it is important that you fit your shoes to your largest foot. An experienced footwear salesperson can help you with this. However, since most shoe manufacturers have their own size range, you should make decisions on what feels right.
People who have mis shapen feet from an injury or medical condition such as arthritis or diabetes may require shoes with extra depth or width. Some people may require orthoses ( inserts). Occasionally a custom-made shoe will be most suitable. These should be prescribed by a podiatrist.
Shoe buying tips
When buying new shoes, keep in mind the following:
Broad- toed shoes prevent the feet from cramping but must be secure so the foot doesn’t roll.
Also Check the following
Footwear at work
If you work in a field that increases the chance of injuring your feet. Safety shoes are vital. Safety shoes and boots protect your feet, help prevent injuries and reduce the severity of injuries that occur in the workplace
Faulty foot structure and poor walking patterns influence the whole leg and therefore affect the whole body. This may lead to twisting of the knee, hip and lower back. It is particularly important that these conditions are checked if you have had, or are considering a hip or knee replacement.
In these circumstances, it would be advisable to see a podiatrist to obtain a postoperative assessment.
There is a lot that can be done to keep people free from foot pain. Sometimes simple accommodative measures such as padding or individually prescribed orthotic devices ( shoe inserts) in appropriate footwear can be enough. In more severe cases surgery may be needed.
People with foot problems such as these need a thorough assessment by a podiatrist who can offer treatment and assist by suggesting the most useful alternatives.
Foot orthoses are shoe inserts designed to support align or aid to improve the function of the feet. They are also often called “orthotics”. Orthoses .
There are many different kinds of orthoses. The orthoses recommended by your podiatrist are prescription devices. Custom made to suit your individual needs and biomechanics ( the way your body moves).
Who wears orthoses?
People of all ages with a variety of foot or lower leg problems wear orthoses. Sportspeople are often prescribed orthoses by their podiatrist to help maximise their performance, as well as to address mechanical problems.
Anyone suffering from a chronic foot or lower limb condition which is limiting their mobility or independence may benefit from wearing orthoses.
When are orthoses used ?
Your podiatrist may prescribe orthoses for your particular foot problem after a comprehensive assessment, taking into account your own biomechanics, footwear, and occupational and lifestyles factors.
Orthoses provide valuable long term solutions in the treatment and prevention of corns , callous and ulceration by redistributing the pressure of the body’s weight on the feet
Orthoses also help with rehabilitation of acute and chronic foot conditions such as tendonitis, recurrent ankle sprain and stress fractures, by providing consistent postural control.
Designing a care plan for orthoses .
If orthoses are recommended, your podiatrist will design a care plan, this plan will outline your diagnosis, the type of orthoses you have been prescribed, proposed footwear to wear with your orthoses, lifestyle changes you may need to make, as well as any additional treatment which may be required .
What type of orthoses
Cushioning orthoses
Provide cushioning and padding underfoot with shock absorption during walking .
Pressure relief
Orthoses offer additional relief by redistributing the pressure on problem areas of the foot.
Moulded cast or non cast orthoses
Offer similar features with superior fit, whilst prefabricated orthoses provide relief with the benefits of being customised by your podiatrist.
Functional foot ( customized kinetic)
Orthoses offer all these features, plus the benefit of postural realignment.
High standards of treatment and follow up to go onto website quickly I like
Podiatrists at Wide Bay Podiatry are primary health care practitioners for disorders of the foot and lower leg, dealing not only with diagnosis and treatment, but also prevention and rehabilitation. When prescribing orthoses , your podiatrist provides a comprehensive service to ensure safe and effective foot care, including:
The Australian Podiatry Council said during foot health week in 1998.
And since then this statement has not changed .
While heel pain is one of the most common conditions treated by podiatrists, it appears that a large number of people are not seeking help for their heel pain, and possibly this is due to not knowing where to turn for help .
Who’s most at risk ?
“ Heel pain strikes most frequently in middle aged men and women , but also in those who take part in regular sporting activities and regularly on their feet. Heel pain can also occur in children, usually between 8 and 13 , especially if they are involved in regular sporting activity.
While heel pain has many causes , it is usually the result of a biomechanical imbalance ( abnormalities in the way we walk), too much stress on the heel bone and the tissues attached to it ,or complications from certain systemic diseases such as arthritis and diabetes.
Podiatrists use a range of methods to treat heel pain, including exercise and shoe recommendations, orthoses, taping or strapping and manual therapies. Most heel pain can be effectively treated without surgery.
Both the size and the shape of your child’s feet change quickly during the first year of life. Because baby’s feet are flexible, too much pressure and strain can affect the shape of the foot. To ensure normal growth , allow your baby to kick and stretch his or her feet. Also make sure that shoes and socks do not restrict movement.
Talk to us if you are concerned about your baby’s feet. Many infants have feet that appear to turn in. this may worry you , but it is rarely an issue. The shape of the foot changes as your child grows , however if they are still turning in after they are walking make an appointment to talk to us and put your mind at ease.
Your toddler will walk when he or she is ready. Try not to force the issue. Instead, watch your child’s gait once she or he begins to walk. Does the toe touch down instead of the heel? Does your child always sit while others play actively? If so come to see us . If your toddler’s feet are flat, and floppy – don’t worry this is usually normal. Also many toddlers toe-in , but most grow out of the problem , call us for peace of mind.
The foot’s bone structure is pretty well formed by the time your child reaches age 7 or 8 . But if the growth plate ( the area where bone growth begins) is injured, the damaged plate may cause the bone to grow oddly. With a podiatrists care, however, the risk of future problems may be reduced .
If the shoe fits
If your child’s feet grow correctly foot problems are less likely later in life, For healthier young feet , be sure your child’s shoes fit. Outline your child’s foot when he or she is standing . Place the shoe over the drawing and see if the shoe is big enough to hold the foot comfortably.