We all know tradies work hard, but their feet probably work even harder! When you’re doing long hours of manual labour in steel-capped boots, it’s common for your feet and legs to suffer. Luckily there are a number of ways seeing a podiatrist can help with foot and leg pain in tradies.
What are the causes of foot and leg pain in Tradies?
Foot and leg pain is a common issue that many tradies experience due to the nature of their work. The constant standing, walking, and heavy lifting can put a lot of strain on the feet and legs, leading to discomfort and pain. Some common causes of foot and leg pain in tradies include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, shin splints, stress fractures and corns and calluses.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that occurs when the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed. This can cause pain and stiffness in the heel and arch of the foot.
Achilles Tendinitis
This is another condition that can affect tradies, and it occurs when the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed. This can cause pain and stiffness in the back of the ankle.
Shin Splints
Shin splints or ‘Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome’ is a common issue that many tradies experience, and they occur when the muscles attaching to the shin bone (Tibia) become overworked. This can cause pain and tenderness along the front of the shinbone.
Stress Fractures
While rarer, stress fractures are another potential cause of foot and leg pain in tradies due to the high load tradies’ legs are often put through carrying heavy materials (and potentially dropping them!). Stress fractures occur when small cracks develop in the bones of the foot or leg. This can cause pain and swelling, and it may require a period of rest
Nerve compression
Steel capped work boots may protect the bones of your feet, but they can often also contribute to nerve pain in the feet. As work boots are usually firm and unable to be stretched in the toe box, if the boots are too narrow or tight you are likely to develop nerve compression conditions like neuritis and morton’s neuroma.
Additionally, some movements like constant crouching or climbing up and down ladders can place increased pressure on the nerves in the foot, leading to pain across the top of the ankle or in the forefoot.
Corns and Calluses
With all the time spent on your feet, corns and calluses can often bother tradies. Corns and calluses build up in response to pressure on the skin which builds up from all the time spent walking and standing. Without proper debridement, the calluses will never go away and will often become more and more painful over time.
How does a podiatrist treat foot and leg pain in Tradies?
The good news is that a lot of the foot and leg pain tradies experience is very treatable. Podiatrists can help alleviate these conditions in most cases.
Footwear and Orthotics
One common theme to most problems is the footwear worn by tradies. Work boots can often be unsupportive and restrictive. Custom orthotics fitted into work boots can provide the necessary support, cushioning, and shock absorption that workboots often lack, helping to reduce foot and leg pain, and prevent further damage.
In addition to custom orthotics, podiatrists can also provide advice on proper footwear selection, stretching and strengthening exercises, and other preventative measures to help tradies stay healthy and pain-free on the job. It is important to prioritize foot health and seek professional help when experiencing foot and leg pain, as ignoring the problem can lead to more serious conditions that may require more extensive treatment.
General Treatment
Podiatrists have the knowledge and expertise to safely debride calluses and corns, using specialised tools and techniques to carefully remove the thickened skin without causing damage or pain. They can also provide advice on how to prevent calluses and corns from developing in the first place, such as by wearing properly fitted shoes, using foot-specific moisturisers or custom orthotic inserts.
How do I see a podiatrist?
If you are experiencing foot or leg pain while working, our podiatrists have the experience to help. We can diagnose and treat most lower limb conditions and have convenient early morning, evening and weekend appointments available. You can book an appointment online or call 07 3351 5888.