The average Aussie travels 128,000 km in a lifetime on their feet, yet many of us don’t believe that looking after our feet is a main priority. Approximately 40% of Australian’s suffer from some kind of foot condition and a large number of workplace injuries affect the feet. Foot problems that can occur in or be exacerbated by the workplace include stress fractures, sprains, strains, corns, calluses, in-grown toenails, tinea and chilblains.

The Australian Podiatry Council is encouraging workers to begin to explore various ways in which to take better care of their precious feet as feet are complex structures, which may reflect your general health and well being. Symptoms such as persistent pain or soreness are warning signs; not only that your feet may not be at their best but foot pain may also indicated problems in other parts of the body. There are a number of options for treatment when it comes to looking after you feet, including a visit to the podiatrist, or for the more adventurous a reflexology consultation.

Reflexology is an ancient form of holistic treatment, with links to Egyptian, Chinese, Japanese and Indian cultures. It involves stimulating the nerve connections in the sole of the foot to balance and restore energy to various organs in the body. There are a number of Reflexology practitioners both within Australia and around the globe, with treatments aiming to cure ailments ranging from stress, migraine, neck pain and asthma to stroke. Usually a foot reflexology session lasts about an hour depending on the age and state of health of the person receiving the treatment.

Whatever your preferred method of prevention or treatment may be, the fact remains that keeping your feet healthy will be critical in maintaining your quality of life, particularly as you become older.