11.6 million Aussies are living with at least one chronic health condition, for many it starts at the feet

Health data released from the 2021 Census by the Australian Bureau of Statistics revealed that nearly half of the Australian population (46.6%) had at least one chronic condition (11.6 million people), with back problems (15.7%) and arthritis (12.5%) being among the most common.

There are many factors that contribute to these figures, including the fact that many of us are not meeting physical activity recommendations. Regular exercise in a well-fitting pair of shoes is an important way of improving our health and wellness.

Everyone loves a new pair of shoes but many people often prefer aesthetic or affordability over function and comfort. They might not be able to resist the urge to buy a pair too small just because those are the last pair on sale or buy an uncomfortable pair because the style and colour are irresistible.

Do these scenarios feel familiar? Many people are unaware that ill-fitting shoes might not offer adequate support to the feet, especially if worn every day for a long period of time.

Wearing shoes that do not accommodate the length or width dimensions of the feet for a long period of time can increase the risk of changes to the bones in and soft tissues the feet resulting in things like corns and calluses.

Wearing ill-fitting shoes can also change the way you stand and walk which may also lead to unnecessary aches and niggles. In many cases, these aches and niggles can be easily addressed before they become persistent, starting with a simple allied health check-up.

For example, switching to shoes with orthopaedic soles or more appropriate footwear as directed by a podiatrist, may help reduce these aches and niggles. Besides, there’s nothing better than putting on a pair of well-fitted, comfortable shoes to help us get us excited about being more physically active, therefore reducing our risk of not only foot and joint problems but other chronic conditions such as heart disease.

At an allied health check-up, exercises may also be prescribed by a podiatrist or a physiotherapist to help alleviate symptoms and address any contributing factors. Clinical Pilates is another highly effective approach to keeping healthy by improving strength and flexibility and is offered as an allied health service in leading physiotherapy clinics.
Within the Healthia network of more than 300 allied health businesses, there are many Healthia clinics that provide multidisciplinary allied health services under one roof making it convenient for patients as they don’t have to search for different clinics for different problems.

In addition to the convenience, all allied health professionals within the multidisciplinary clinics are on the same page when it comes to a patient’s needs and treatment programs. As the largest podiatry and physiotherapy service provider in Australia and New Zealand, Healthia is leading the way in helping Australians prevent and manage chronic conditions Operating more than 300 allied health businesses across Australia and New Zealand primarily within local communities, Healthia’s clinics are strategically positioned in areas with high prevalence of chronic health conditions.