Did you know that the average person walks up to 10,000 steps a day, covering 120,000 kilometres in a lifetime? It is no surprise that most people experience foot pain in their lifetime!

October is Foot Health Month in Australia, it is an opportunity for podiatrists all across the country to raise awareness about the crucial role their profession plays in making and keeping people well.

We are so dependent on our feet, but they are often neglected, feet, ankles and legs bear the brunt of your body weight and are used constantly through walking and standing. It’s pretty hard to just put them out of service while you ignore the pain. You need to see a podiatrist.

Prevention is better than cure and correct alignment is the foundation of good health for all ages. Podiatrists are dedicated professionals who know exactly what you are going through and what you need to get better.

To help you check the health of your feet, answer the questions below, if you answer yes to any of these questions, see your podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

1. 1. Do you have pain in your feet?
   2. Are you on your feet all day?
   3. Do you have skin or nail problems (ingrown or discoloured toenails, corns, skin rashes, areas of hard skin) on your feet?
   4. Do you have any sores on your feet that are not healing?
   5. Do you have foot odour?
   6. Do you have a foot injury?
   7. Do you have health problems such as diabetes or arthritis?
   8. Do you have numbness, tingling or burning in your feet?
   9. Do your feet have poor circulation – are they unusually pale, blue or red?
   10. Do you trip or fall often?
   11. Do you have problems finding shoes that fit comfortably?
   12. Do you have lumps or bumps, bunions or misshapen toes?
   13. Do you regularly wear heels that are 5 cm (2 inches) or higher?

Podiatrists can make basic prescriptions as well as perform surgeries so your condition and progress can be monitored by a single specialist. This means a more personal understanding of your disorder and therefore, a more valuable assessment.

It is extra important that you take care of your feet so any signs of trouble should be checked on sooner rather than later.

1. Lie on your back.
2. Cross your right ankle over your left knee and keep your right foot flexed.
3. Bring your left knee toward your chest. Reach your right hand through your legs and interlace your fingers below your left knee.
4. Using your arms, pull your left knee toward your chest, until you feel a stretch in your right glute and hip.
5. Hold there for at least 5 seconds and repeat on your left side.

If you are struggling with foot pain please respond to this email with ‘Please Help!’ and we will be in touch. Alternatively, you can visit our website or call 02 4702 0221 to make an appointment.