Your feet can take a pounding in the workplace. The daily demands of your job may include walking, standing for long periods
Workplace Footwear Assesments
Your feet can take a pounding in the workplace. The daily demands of your job may include walking, standing for long periods, lifting and jumping on and off machinery. While you are working your feet may absorb up to three times your body weight and working feet can travel up to 24 kilometres a day!
Principal Podiatry see's a wide range of health professionals from tradespeople and cleaners to corporate executives and office receptionists. Each workplace and profession has it's own set of risk-factors that can impact on foot health and pain.
Footwear
Regardless of your workplace, comfortable, properly fitted footwear is essential in maintaining foot health. Appropriate footwear can protect your feet by insulating them against cold, preventing them from getting wet or by cushioning them from the impact of your job.
In many workplaces, safety shoes or boots are necessary to protect against environmental risks. Boots need to be comfortable and correctly fitted and you should always have your feet measured. Remember that the length, width and depth of your foot should all be considered.
Principal Podiatry provides workplace footwear fit and function assessments included in biomechanical assessments. If you have any concerns regarding your work shoes, please bring them along to your appointment so that they can be assessed during your consultation.
Common Workplace Foot problems
Stress fractures, sprains, strains, corns, calluses, ingrown toenails, chilblains, and tinea are some of the foot problems that can occur or be aggravated at work.
Calluses, corns and blisters can be caused by pressure of incorrectly fitting shoes.
Arch pain or pain in the ball of the foot or heel may be related to muscle strain, which is associated with poor foot posture. Improving foot posture with more appropriate footwear and possibly specially-made insoles will reduce the strain. It is important to seek help for all foot ailments, including sore and tired feet.
The work environment itself can create health risks for your feet. Hazardous conditions, such as oily and slippery floors, wet conditions or extreme heat or cold – put feet at risk of injury and can lead to foot problems.
Podiatry consultations are currently available at the Banyo clinic. Call 32675473 now to make an appointment.