This year Podiatry Health Week – an annual initiative led by the Australian Podiatry Association – is from October 13-19. The theme is ‘From first steps to next steps’. Our feet carry us through life, from those first wobbly steps as toddlers to staying active and independent in our later years. Yet, they’re often overlooked until something goes wrong.
This year’s focus is a reminder that podiatry care is valuable across our entire lifespan. Let’s explore how podiatry plays an essential role in keeping feet healthy during the four key stages of life:
1. Small Children: Building the Foundation for Healthy Feet
In early childhood, feet are still developing. Bones are soft, arches are forming, and gait patterns are being established. It’s a time when parents may notice things like in-toeing, flat feet, or toe walking. While some of these resolve naturally, others may need some podiatry support.
How podiatry helps children:
- Early detection of issues such as flat feet, or delayed walking milestones.
- Guidance on correct footwear for growing feet.
- Support for children with special needs who may require orthotics or therapy.
- Advice for parents on encouraging healthy, active play.
Healthy feet in childhood mean children can run, jump, and explore without discomfort, setting them up for a lifetime of confident movement.
2. Teenagers: Managing Growth and Sports Injuries
Teenage years are marked by growth spurts, busy school schedules, and often, lots of sport. Feet and ankles can come under significant pressure during this stage, leading to common issues such as heel pain (Sever’s disease), shin splints, sprained ankles, and ingrown toenails.
How podiatry helps teens:
- Diagnosis and treatment of sports-related injuries so your teenager can return to activity safely.
- Preventing recurring problems through footwear advice, stretching, and strengthening programs.
- Managing skin and nail concerns like fungal infections or ingrown toenails.
- Guidance on orthotics if foot alignment is affecting performance or causing pain.
For active teens, healthy feet are crucial to staying engaged in sport, exercise, and social activities. Supportive podiatry ensures that foot pain doesn’t hold them back during these formative years.
3. Adults: Supporting Busy, Hardworking Feet
By adulthood, many of us are on our feet for long hours each day, whether at work, running after children, or squeezing in fitness. It’s often in this stage that lifestyle and footwear choices catch up with us. Bunions, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon injuries, and heel pain are common complaints. Pregnant women may also experience swollen, aching feet due to hormonal changes and increased pressure.
How podiatry helps adults:
- Relieving chronic foot and heel pain through evidence-based treatments.
- Preventing long-term damage from conditions like diabetes, which can reduce circulation and sensation in the feet.
- Correcting postural problems that contribute to back, hip, and knee pain.
- Helping expectant mothers manage foot discomfort during pregnancy.
- Supporting changes in women’s feet during menopause.
Good foot health in adulthood supports mobility, productivity, and overall quality of life. Regular podiatry check-ups can prevent minor issues from turning into long-term conditions.
4. Older Adults: Staying Independent and Active
As we age, our feet naturally lose some of their cushioning and flexibility. Older adults may face challenges such as arthritis, corns and calluses, thickened toenails, balance problems, and complications from chronic conditions like diabetes or peripheral vascular disease. These issues can increase the risk of falls and limit independence.
Why podiatry matters for older adults:
- Regular foot care to prevent complications from diabetes or poor circulation.
- Management of painful conditions like arthritis, making walking more comfortable.
- Treatment of skin and nail concerns that may be difficult to manage at home.
- Advice and support to reduce fall risk and keep seniors mobile.
Healthy feet help older Australians remain active, independent, and connected with their community which is important for physical and emotional wellbeing in later years.
Celebrate Podiatry Health Week 2025 with Us
Podiatry Health Week is a reminder that your feet deserve as much attention as the rest of your body. From the smallest child taking their first steps to older adults wanting to active and mobile, podiatrists play a vital role at every stage of life.
At Sanders Podiatry, we’re proud to support families across all generations in caring for their feet. If you or a loved one has concerns about foot health, whether big or small, book a podiatry check-up with one of our family-friendly and experienced podiatrists.
Healthy feet mean a healthier, more active life – at any age.
Sander Podiatry Adelaide – 08 8379 1456 (Greenhill Podiatry)