Step Up Your Game: National Health Month for Tradies
Health First: Prevent Foot Pain and Boost Productivity!
Why Tradies’ Foot Health Matters
August is Tradies National Health Month, a crucial time for professionals like you—plumbers, builders, electricians, carpenters, painters, decorators, roofers, concreters, landscapers, and bricklayers. So take a step back and evaluate your health, particularly your foot health. Long hours of standing, repetitive motions, and poorly fitting work boots can lead to a slew of problems:
Bunions; Misaligned big toe joints that swell and become tender, causing the first joint of the big toe to slant outward and the second joint to angle toward the other toes. Bunions can be aggravated by shoes that are too narrow in the forefoot and toe. Surgery often needs to be performed to correct the problem.
Hammertoe; Usually stemming from muscle imbalance, this condition occurs when the toe is bent into a claw-like position. Hammertoe can affect any toe, but most frequently occurs in the second toe, when a bunion slants the big toe toward and under it. So give them some space, don’t cramp the toes!
Ingrown Toenails; When the corners or sides of the toenail dig painfully into the skin usually caused by improper nail trimming, but can also result from shoe pressure, injury, fungus infection, heredity, and poor foot structure. Women are more likely to have ingrown toenails than men, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need proper shoe styles and sizes.
Neuroma; Neuromas are enlarged benign growths of nerves, most commonly between the third and fourth toes, caused by tissue rubbing against and irritating the nerves. Pressure from ill-fitting shoes or abnormal bone structure can also lead to this condition. Depending on the severity, treatments may include orthotics (shoe inserts), cortisone injections, and, in some cases, surgical removal of the growth.
Plantar Fasciitis; The inflammation on the bottom of the foot that leads to heel and arch pain, often caused by foot injuries or improper foot mechanics. Treatments range from icing and foot exercises to prescription custom orthotics to correct the foot position and ease pain.
Sesamoiditis; Inflammation or rupture of the two small bones (known as sesamoids) under the first metatarsal bone. Proper shoe selection and orthotics do help.
Shin Splints; This pain on either side of the leg bone caused by muscle or tendon inflammation is related to excessive foot pronation but also may be related to a muscle imbalance between opposing muscle groups in the leg. Proper stretching before and after exercise and corrective orthotics for pronation can help prevent shin splints.
Stress Fractures; Stress fractures are incomplete cracks in bone caused by overuse, a common condition for many tradies. With complete rest, stress fractures in the toes or bones of the foot can heal quickly and extra padding in shoes can help prevent the condition. Left untreated, stress fractures may become complete bone fractures, requiring casting and immobilization.
Blisters; Most blisters on the feet are caused by friction that doesn’t require medical attention. New skin will form underneath the affected area and the fluid buildup in the blister is simply absorbed back into the tissue. You can soothe ordinary blisters with Vitamin E ointment or an aloe-based cream. If the fluid isn’t clear but becomes white or yellow, the blister is infected and will require medical attention.
Corns and Calluses; Corns and calluses are protective layers of compacted, dead skin cells. They are caused by repeated friction from skin rubbing against bony areas or an irregularity in your shoe. The friction can often burn or be painful, which may be relieved by moleskin or padding on the affected areas. Never cut corns or calluses with any instrument, or apply home remedies, always seek a podiatrist’s instructions.
Fungus; Otherwise called athlete’s foot and fungal nails, are the most common fungal problems with feet. A fungus is a common mold that thrives in dark, warm moist areas. On the feet, it can grow on and between toes, as well as on soles and under or around toenails. Fungal problems can be caused by the environment (socks, shoes, heat, and humidity) or weakened immunity from such disorders as diabetes. Chronic fungal infections are most common in adults, while children often experience acute fungal infections.
Foot Odour; The feet and hands contain about 3,000 sweat glands per square inch, more than any other body part. There are two main reasons your feet get stinky;
- You wear shoes and your feet sweat. The interaction between your perspiration and the bacteria that thrive in your shoes and socks generates the odor. Address both your sweating and your footwear to relieve the issue.
- Smelly feet can also be caused by an inherited condition called hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, where males are predominantly at risk.
- Stress, medications, fluid intake, and hormonal changes can also increase the perspiration your body produces.
Choosing the Right Work Boots
The foundation of your health starts with your feet. Here’s how to select the best work boots:
Choosing the Right Work Boots
The foundation of your health starts with your feet. Here’s how to select the best work boots:
- Twist Test: Don’t be afraid to pick up the boot and give it a good twist. A sturdy boot should resist twisting and provide firm support to your foot.
- Proper Fit: Ensure the boot fits well from the get-go. There should be enough room for your toes to wiggle, but the heel should remain snug.
- Material Matters: Opt for breathable materials to keep your feet dry and comfortable throughout the day.
Boost Comfort with Custom Foot Beds and Orthotics
Custom footbeds and orthotics are game-changers regarding comfort and long-term foot health. Gait Way Podiatry are able to custom fit and make orthotics to your specific needs, offering:
- Enhanced Support
- Better Foot Alignment
- Reduced Pain and Discomfort
Take Action Today
Don’t wait until foot pain sidelines you. Make foot health a priority this National Health Month:
- Schedule a Podiatry Check-Up: Let experts assess your foot health and recommend solutions.
- Invest in Quality Footwear: Your feet deserve the best—choose wisely.
- Consider Custom Orthotics: For personalized comfort and support.
Your feet are the foundation of your work. By taking proactive steps today, you can ensure they support you for many years to come.