Podiatry, more than you think

By Giulia Maruzza|2024-05-15T01:44:08+00:00October 9th, 2023|

Podiatry Week 9th – 15th October 2023

Podiatry Week is organised every year to raise public awareness about the importance of foot health, including the prevention and early detection of foot problems.

This year the theme is, ‘Podiatry, more than you think’, and it aims to build community awareness as well as ignite interest in the profession, to ultimately help increase the number of podiatrists in the workforce.

The importance of foot health

Did you know 1 out of 3 Australians say they are not currently caring for their feet?

Most people do not pay too much attention to their feet until something goes wrong or changes, prevention is always better than a cure.

Podiatrists are experts in the diagnosis, treatment and management of foot and lower limb conditions. They can provide footwear advice, treatment for ingrown toenails, corn, calluses & heel pain – and that’s just a handful of foot issues.

Podiatrists also play a vital role in our health from birth to the later stages in life.

Foot health statistics

Below are some statistics on foot health according to the Australian Podiatry Association:

Only 1 in 3 Australians seek advice on foot health and most Australians still go to GPs despite a Podiatrist being a foot expert.
Over 50% of Australians have never received accurate footwear advice.
Approximately 18% of Australians (almost 1 in 5) do not prioritise their feet and lower limb.
More than half (56%) of the Australian population have had a negative impact on their daily lives due to lower limb pain, this includes difficulty walking/exercising, decreased mobility, and independence, and reduced overall quality of life.
31% Australians think about their foot health when they experience lower limb pain.
51% of Australians surveyed reported that they had never thought about their foot health.

Don’t overlook your feet

Feet are often overlooked in terms of overall health, but they play a critical role in our daily lives.

Foot problems can cause pain, discomfort, and limit our ability to move freely. This, in turn, can impact our physical and mental health, as well as our daily activities and work performance. By taking care of our feet and addressing any issues that arise, we can improve our overall well-being.

At Melbourne Podiatrists & Orthotics our friendly podiatrists can help you achieve and maintain optimal foot health through a wide range of podiatry services for each foot related issue.