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As flowers start to bloom and the days grow longer, it's almost time to put those winter boots away and step into spring with a renewed focus on foot health. As Podiatrists with an interest in musculoskeletal health, we're here to guide you on your journey to happy, healthy feet this spring.
What is Musculoskeletal Podiatry?
Musculoskeletal podiatry focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of foot and lower limb conditions that affect the bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. From common issues like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis to flat feet, bunions and arthritic conditions, an MSK podiatrist is equipped with the knowledge and tools to address a wide range of musculoskeletal concerns.
What happens during an MSK podiatry appointment?
An MSK appointment involves assessing the joint range of motion and locating strength and weaknesses of muscles in the foot and ankle. We include a gait and motion assessment and may ask you to walk on the treadmill. You will be given some exercises specific to your foot problem. A personalised treatment plan is then created which may include specific footwear advice, an exercise rehabilitation plan, orthotics or all of the above.
I don't have foot pain but would like to keep my feet healthy
Some people choose to have a routine foot check a couple of times a year or annually, to keep the feet healthy and prevent problems. This spring, why not prioritize your foot health and consider a foot assessment with one of our experienced Podiatrists? We consider your foot structure, vascular and neurological foot health, assess skin and nail health and take into account any medical conditions for a comprehensive treatment plan.
Prepare Your Feet for Spring
Before you embark on your springtime adventures, it's crucial to take proactive steps to care for your feet:
Footwear Guidance: Invest in supportive footwear that fits well and feels comfortable and supportive. Whether you're hitting the trails or strolling through the park, the right shoes can make all the difference. Much of the damage done to feet is by wearing shoes that are too small, too tight or too flat. Shop for shoes later in the day when feet are bigger.
Strengthening the feet: Incorporate exercises into your daily routine to improve muscle strength in your feet and ankles. One way to strengthen lower limb muscles and improve balance is to stand on one leg! The single leg stance requires the engagement of multiple muscle groups and incorporating it into a daily routine is a great way to start. If this is too easy try doing it with your eyes closed, or use a balance board to make it more difficult.
Orthotic Support: For individuals with biomechanical abnormalities, arthritis or chronic foot pain, custom orthotics prescribed by our MSK podiatrist can offer significant relief by redistributing pressure, and providing additional support where needed.
The sun and vitamin D: Vitamin D is vital for bone health and during winter months it is recommended to take a supplement. With warmer months ahead, our exposure to this vitamin will increase which is great, but so too will our risk of sunburn. When applying the sun-cream, don’t forget to put some on your feet!
Listen to Your Feet: Pay attention to any signs of discomfort or pain in your feet and don't ignore the warning signs. Seek prompt attention from our podiatrists if you experience persistent symptoms or notice any changes in your foot health.
Every step you take is a stride towards better foot health and overall well-being. Let's make this spring a season of rejuvenation and renewal, starting from the ground up.