We rely on our feet and legs for most of our daily activities, so it’s understandable that many of us suffer from pain and injuries in these areas. But what can you do about it?
Dr Paul Dowie, one of Australia’s most experienced musculoskeletal podiatrists and foot and leg pain experts, provides expert advice:
1. Choose activity appropriate shoes for sport and recreational activities. Choose shoes with straps or laces that hold to the feet, wherever possible, especially for prolonged activity. Thongs and slip-on shoes can be very stressful to the feet and legs. If you need to wear high heels, try lower heels or wedges to help reduce tissue stress.
2. Don’t rely on technological advances in footwear to treat pain. The purpose of good footwear is to provide comfort whilst helping to support foot and leg function, not to treat pain or problems. Seek advice from an experienced musculoskeletal podiatrist to treat foot and leg problems.
3. Be wary of off-the-shelf foot products like mass produced orthotics, innersoles and arch supports to assist pain. Devices individually prescribed by an experienced musculoskeletal podiatrist should be used to ensure effective outcomes.
4. If prescribed surgery or medications, get a second opinion. The latest medical research and treatments are helping many to avoid surgeries, anti-inflammatories, cortisone injections and even joint replacements. Be aware that in some cases the likes of cortisone injections and arthroscopes can actually delay healing and contribute to further tissue damage.
5. Always get foot or leg pain checked by an experienced musculoskeletal podiatrist, not just a GP or regular podiatrist. Feet and legs are complex structures and specific expertise is required to look past symptoms and identify the cause and contributing factors of joint and tissue pain and injuries. The site of pain is not necessarily where the problem lies so identifying origins and providing appropriate treatment is key.
If you have any foot, knee or leg pain, injuries or arthritic concerns you can get advice from Dr Dowie at his Foot & Leg Pain Clinic in Williamstown. Call 1300 328 300.
