How A Podiatrist Can Help Improve Your Mobility
Sometimes when people think of podiatry they think of having their toenails clipped or having their cracked heels treated, but there's much more to podiatry. A podiatrist can treat a range of foot health issues including sports injuries, diabetic neuropathy and foot dystonia, which is related to Parkinson's disease. Some health conditions, such as cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis, can lead to mobility problems, as can old age. A podiatrist can support you to retain or improve your mobility in a number of ways. They will take details of your health history and conduct a thorough foot exam before recommending a course of action. The foot exam may involve gently manipulating your feet and asking you to carry out specific movements to allow the podiatrist to gauge your range of movement. Read on to learn about some of the ways a podiatrist can help your mobility.
Foot Exercises
Targeted exercises that focus on loosening tight muscles, building strength and improving balance can help improve some foot problems that impact your mobility. Your podiatrist can show you how to do appropriate exercises for the specific problem you are dealing with, and they can also show you how to use some aids or equipment that can improve your mobility, such as a pedal exerciser, which can build strength, improve circulation and aid in healing.
Adaptive Footwear
If you have a health problem that causes your legs or feet to feel stiff, heavy or sore, adaptive shoes could ease the discomfort of walking. They are very lightweight and are made to be wider than standard shoes. They are also padded with a layer of memory foam, which provides extra comfort. Your podiatrist can fit you for a pair of adaptive shoes, and this type of footwear can provide enough support and space to make walking more comfortable and lessen the impact of muscle stiffness.
Foot Bracing
A foot brace is a supportive aid that can help with foot stability and reduce pain. There are different types of foot braces available, and your podiatrist will recommend a type based on the foot problem impacting your mobility. Some foot braces are designed to lift and support the arch of your foot, while others are designed to make it easier to lift the front of your foot when walking, which reduces the risk of you tripping. They can also be used to prevent your foot from rolling inward or outward and to improve your gait.
If you're experiencing mobility issues related to your age or an underlying health problem, schedule a podiatric assessment from a local mobility shop to find out whether a podiatrist can help improve your mobility.