Step Up Your Health
In Singapore, work-life balance is a frequent concern that many people often complain about. Many argue that our working hours are long, and days are stressful. Long working hours also mean you’ve been on your feet most of the day, rushing from one meeting to another, commuting to and fro work, and maybe squeezing in a quick workout. When you finally sink into your relaxing sofa, that same old ache in your feet starts kicking in like your daily alarm clock. It’s like they’re sending you a reminder of how much you’ve neglected them.
And it’s true, we often take our feet for granted, expecting them to carry us through life without a complaint. Even when they start to complain, many will try to walk it off. It’s really interesting because many of you will understand the importance of not moving a fractured limb, but will not consider resting your painful feet.
That is why, for this year’s International Podiatry Day, we want to be the voice of your feet and help them seek your attention and care.
Celebrating International Podiatry Day
Celebrated annually on October 8th, the International Podiatry Day is a day for podiatrists worldwide to raise awareness about the importance of foot health. The core message of the day is to listen to our feet. They often give us early warning signs for a range of health issues, from diabetes to arthritis to tendonitis. By encouraging you to pay more attention to your feet, this Podiatry Day helps to foster a culture of injury prevention, where minor problems are addressed before they become debilitating. It’s also a day to celebrate the hard work of podiatrists and to recognise the profound impact they have on the lives of their patients, helping them to stay mobile, active, and pain-free.
However, this day is not just about awareness and celebration; it’s a call to action. It’s us, the podiatrists, inviting you to stop ignoring those aches and pains, and to start giving your feet the care they need and deserve. So this year, let’s celebrate by taking a proactive step towards better foot health and understanding why even a simple foot check-up can make all the difference.
Role of Podiatrist in Foot Health
Your feet are like the foundation of a skyscraper, helping you to stand tall and withstand loads. So what happens when that foundation starts to crack? A ripple effect. A minor strain of the foot or postural changes can impact your knees, hips, and even your back. That is why a regular foot check-up with a podiatrist is one of the most important investments you can make in your long-term health. It’s not just about addressing existing pain; it’s about preventing future problems and helping you to enjoy your current lifestyle.
A podiatrist in Singapore is an allied health professional who specialises in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of conditions affecting your feet and lower limbs. During a foot screening, your podiatrist will assess everything from your walking pattern to your standing posture and the condition of your skin and nails. This thorough examination can reveal a wealth of information about your foot health. One common example is that many patients were unaware they had a fungal skin infection, mistakenly believing they had dry skin for a long time.
For individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes, regular foot check-ups are not just important – they are crucial. Sometimes, it’s even their lifesaver. Diabetes can cause nerve damage (neuropathy) and reduced blood flow to the feet, which means that you would not feel a small cut or a blister, which can then quickly develop into a serious infection. A podiatrist can help to monitor your foot health through comprehensive diabetic foot screening, provide guidance on proper foot care, and identify any potential issues before they escalate. By catching problems early, you can significantly reduce your risk of complications and protect your mobility for years to come.
Don’t Ignore the Signs: Common Foot Problems That Need Attention
Many of us are guilty of ignoring foot pain, we are always hoping that it will simply go away on its own. However, you need to know that pain is the direct feedback that your foot is telling you that something is wrong. Ignore it for too long, and you risk taking longer to recover.
Here are some of the most common foot problems that a podiatrist can help you with:
The number one podiatric issue in Singapore has to be plantar fasciitis, which classically gives you that intense, sharp, stabbing pain under the heel when you take the first steps in the morning. This condition arises from inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot.
Another common foot complaint is the bunion, a bony bump that forms at the big toe joint, causing your big toe to look “crooked”. Many would put the blame on their family genetics, but improper footwear, or other underlying biomechanical issues, can also lead to its development. Bunions can cause significant pain, but it’s usually the fact that you can no longer wear the shoe you love that hurts the most.
Ingrown toenails are also a frequent complaint, seen daily. It happens when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes pus. Most of you would likely try to address this at home or go to a nail salon. However, the safest way is to seek professional care from a podiatrist. The reason is the technique we use and our sterility. Most importantly, please know that the nail has to be removed for you to get relief. Therefore, constantly applying creams doesn’t normally work.
Lastly, some patients would mistake fungal nail infections for ingrown toenails. Whilst they are both nail issues, fungal nail infections are usually painless unless they cause your toenails to change in shape. The common symptoms are nail discoloration, thickening, and brittleness. Fungal toenails are stubborn, and most patients will try various remedies and buy all kinds of applications in the hope that they work. Unfortunately, they are not easy to resolve and typically require photodynamic therapy.
The above is just a small list of the many conditions that can affect your feet. As we’ve mentioned, listen to your feet, and it’s always best to seek help if you experience any discomfort in your feet, ankles, or lower limbs. A podiatrist can provide a reliable diagnosis and management plan to help get you back on your feet, pain-free.
Take the First Step with Straits Podiatry
This International Podiatry Day, stop letting foot pain hold you back from enjoying your life. At Straits Podiatry, we are passionate about helping you regain the confidence to take your next step towards your goal. Our dedicated team of experienced podiatrists will listen to your concerns, run through a series of thorough examinations, and recommend the most compatible solutions for you. We want you to walk through life with comfort and confidence, and we are here to take very step with you.
If you feel stucked with a recurring foot problem or simply want to maintain your peak fitness, we invite you to schedule a comprehensive foot check-up with us. Don’t let a small issue hold you back from the moments that matter to you. Contact us today to book your appointment and let us help you put your best foot forward. Your feet will thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Foot Health
Why is foot health so important?
Your feet are the foundation of your body, supporting your weight and enabling you to move. Without a pair of healthy feet, your mobility can be severely impacted, and so is your overall health. Furthermore, conditions such as diabetes and circulatory issues often manifest first in the feet, and have a high risk of causing amputation in Singapore. Regular foot care and check-ups can help to prevent minor issues from becoming major problems and can also help to detect serious health conditions early.
How often should I see a podiatrist?
For healthy individuals, we recommend at least once every 1 to 2 years. However, if you have a chronic condition such as diabetes, or if you are experiencing any pain or discomfort in your feet, you should see a podiatrist more regularly. Your podiatrist will assess your condition and recommend a check-up schedule that is right for you.
What can I expect during a foot check-up?
A comprehensive foot check-up at Straits Podiatry includes assessment of your gait, foot and standing posture, joint range of motion, as well as the condition of your skin and nails. We will also take time to understand your medical history and any concerns you may have. Based on our findings, we will provide you with a personalised care plan and advice on how to best look after your feet.
Can I treat foot problems at home?
While there are some minor foot problems that can be easily managed at home, you should seek professional guidance from a healthcare professional first. Self-treating can sometimes backfire and make your condition worse or delay a proper treatment. A podiatrist can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend the most effective and safest management options for your specific condition.
