Our feet are our main mode of transport, carrying us on a journey of 128,000 kilometres in a lifetime – a distance equivalent to three times around the world!
Ankle joints and feet are the link between your body and the ground. The tips below are to help you move well, stay well and assist in reducing the risk and severity of ankle sprains in the workplace.
Footwear
- With every step, shock is absorbed by the feet, knees, hips and spine to decrease the force of impact. Wearing the correct footwear will help to reduce these forces further whilst not affecting the normal function of the foot.
- Wearing the right footwear for the job protects you from stress-related injury to the ankles, knees, hips and spine.
- Wear activity-specific, well-fitting shoes, use spots strapping tape or an ankle brace to provide good ankle joint support (see your physiotherapist for advice on the correct support).
Surfaces
- Avoid activities on slippery or uneven surfaces and in areas with poor lighting.
Exercise
- Keep your leg muscles strong, especially your calf and ankle muscles to help protect the ligaments
- Practice standing on one leg to improve your balance and leg muscle strength.
- Simple exercise such as walking or swimming is the best.
- Make sure you warm up before and cool down after exercise with gentle stretches.
Article by the Australian Physiotherapy Association as a part of Tradies National Health Month.
For more information visit https://www.tradieshealth.com.au/