Why Starting Your Exercise Program Needs a Nod from Podiatrists?

Australians are renowned for their active lifestyles.

From the cricket pitches to the marathons that race through our cities, physical activity is entrenched in our culture. With the surge in gym memberships and personalised fitness goals, it’s crucial for Aussies to ensure they’re stepping onto the right path – and that might mean a quick visit to a podiatrist.

Avoiding an injury or damage to your body is obviously something we all want, and while in many cases, exercise is a good thing, it’s a good idea to have an understanding of your body – especially your feet.

Your feet play a super important role in the body, and when they don’t work as well as they should, it can cause major problems elsewhere.

In this article, we’re going to focus on feet, lower limbs and why you should see a podiatrist before starting a new exercise regime.

What is the role of a podiatrist?

When you think of healthcare professionals, podiatrists might not be the first to come to mind. However, as specialists in foot, ankle, and lower limb health, podiatrists play a pivotal role, especially when it comes to our physical wellbeing.

Podiatrists focus on the foot, ankle, and lower limb, possessing a deep understanding of their intricate anatomy, functions, and potential vulnerabilities.

When we exercise, whether it’s a simple jog in the park or an intense CrossFit session, the impact on our feet is undeniable. They not only bear our entire body weight but also absorb the shock of each step, jump, and movement. This repetitive stress, if not addressed correctly, can lead to various conditions like “heel pain“, “shin splints“, or even more chronic medical conditions affecting the feet.

Podiatrists have the expertise to analyse our gait, identify abnormalities, and suggest corrective measures. For instance, a person with flat feet might overpronate when they walk or run. Without intervention, this can lead to pain in the joints like in the ankles, knees, and even hips. A podiatrist can recognise this early on and recommend specific footwear or insoles to mitigate the issue.

Moreover, they play a crucial role in “managing foot pain” and other disorders. From treating “athlete’s foot” and “fungal infections” to addressing more severe concerns like “broken bones” in the foot and ankle region, their scope of practice is broad. They can even perform surgery when needed, ensuring any structural issues of the feet are addressed appropriately.

In the context of exercise, a podiatrist is not just a foot doctor but a guide ensuring your foundation is strong and resilient.

By seeking their advice before diving into a new exercise routine, you arm yourself with the knowledge to prevent injuries, optimise performance, and ensure your feet remain in top shape to support all your physical endeavours.

Common Foot-Related Concerns:

When diving into a new exercise regime, one might overlook the potential challenges our feet can face.

The foot, a complex structure comprising 26 bones, 33 joints, and numerous muscles, tendons, and ligaments, can unfortunately be a hotspot for various issues.

Recognising and understanding these conditions can guide us to seek timely interventions and advice from professionals like podiatrists.

Here are some prevalent foot-related concerns:

• Heel Pain: Often caused by plantar fasciitis, it results from inflammation of the band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes.
• Shin Splints: Pain felt along the shin bone, typically seen in runners who have suddenly increased their mileage.
• Heel Spur: A bony growth on the underside of the heel bone, often associated with plantar fasciitis.
• Bunions: A painful swelling on the first joint of the big toe, leading it to deviate towards the other toes.
• Ingrown Toenails: Where the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and sometimes infection.
• Athlete’s Foot: A fungal infection causing itching, scaling, and redness between the toes.
• Flat Feet: A condition where the arches on the inside of your feet are flattened, allowing the entire sole to touch the floor.
• Joint Pain: Can arise from various conditions, including arthritis or gout, affecting the foot’s joints. Joint health is critical for both exercise and everyday life.
• Persistent Heel Pain: This could be a sign of conditions like Achilles tendinitis or bursitis.
• Dry Skin and Corns: Resulting from wearing poorly fitting shoes or standing for extended periods.
• Broken Bones and Sprains: Accidents during exercises can lead to fractures or torn ligaments in the foot and ankle region.

Being aware of these conditions is vital for anyone looking to engage in physical activities.

When starting an exercise program, the last thing you’d want is to be sidelined by an avoidable foot issue.

A proactive approach, including consulting with a podiatrist, can help mitigate these risks and ensure your feet remain as enthusiastic about your fitness journey as the rest of you.

Preventive Care is Better Than Cure

Considering the “reasons to see a podiatrist”, prevention tops the list.

Before you feel joint pain or have trouble walking due to improperly fitting athletic shoes, going to see a podiatrist to have a consultation means that they can guide you towards the right footwear, reducing risks of injury.

They can also perform a foot exam to ascertain any latent foot problems that might flare up with increased activity.