A CLINIC in Douglas is offering a special orthotics and podiatry package to walkers who are competing in the Parish Walk, to ensure their feet are in tip-top condition.
The Foot Health Clinic in Douglas is offering the package at a reduced rate - £50 instead of £160, before the walk on June 25.
Clinical manager and orthotist Robin Perrie said: "We are supporting Parish Walkers because it is a great event supported, kindly and voluntarily, by many groups of people and we hope to make a difference to some by giving our expert advice on the thing that carries you around those 85 miles.
"Last year we had great success in treating Parish Walk competitors who had all but pulled out due to injury. At least two of these people went on to finish the race and several others far exceeded their expectations."
As a Parish Walk newcomer, reporter Tessa Hawley visited the clinic to find out more.
"This year is the first year I have attempted the Parish Walk – and probably the first year I have given any consideration to the health of my feet.
"I'm aiming to make it to Peel - 32 and a half miles – so gladly welcomed the opportunity to have my feet looked at by the professionals.
"Robin, who is a qualified orthotist, started the consultation by asking me questions about my medical history and my training so far. As an orthotist, he is responsible for looking at my movement patterns to see if they could cause me any pain or discomfort when I'm walking. This assessment can help build an injury profile and reduce the inconvenience of injury to improve training outcomes and performance.
"I have been averaging around eight miles each training session, although I am trying to improve on this, and so far haven't noticed any specific problems. However after an examination, where my feet are examined and I'm asked to do a number of tests, Robin highlights gluteal muscle recruitment problems.
"I'm told this is weakness of the muscles round the pelvis that support the leg in a single limb stance and am advised to do some exercises to work to improve this. Strengthening this musculature will prevent fatigue during walking and, I'm told, will lead to a greater pelvic tilt and less efficient mechanics.
"As part of the assessment I am asked to walk on the treadmill, which is filmed. This is called kinematic motion analysis and I'm advised my kinetics and kinematics are excellent – although the big toe on my right foot becomes more dynamically stiff than my left. Luckily this isn't enough to cause concern.
"After the assessment Robin discusses two important aspects of the Parish Walk – footwear and socks.
"I'm advised to be wary of the many myths surrounding running shoes. Apparently, there are some studies which show that runners/walkers have a reduced occurrence of injury with wearing something that is comfortable, regardless of how the foot would appear to function inside them.
"As such, I am advised to stick with the same type of footwear I have now (neutral running trainer) as long as they are a) comfortable and b) going to see me through my training and the walk itself.
"Robin encourages me to invest in quality socks as friction over the foot is what causes blisters. He recomends a 1,000 Mile Sock – which is a sock within a sock. The inner layer stays with the foot while the outer layer moves with the shoe eliminating friction and reducing wear. These socks Robin says are 'well worth the investment'.
"Blister patterns will not form until I'm covering more miles so Robin advises I step up my training so that I can highlight my 'hot spots'. Other problems such as tendonitis are also only noticeable when bigger distances are covered.
"As part of the Parish Walk package I also pay a visit to the clinic's podiatrist Lisa Comiskey. Podiatrists offer treatments ranging from basic skin and nail care to complex nail surgery and diabetic foot care.
"Lisa soaks my feet in a foot bath before examining them for any areas of concern including hard skin, calluses and corns. I am pleased to report I have none of the aforementioned. She also checks the health of my nails to ensure there is no infection in the nail bed – there isn't – and cuts my toenails for me.
"As my feet are 'perfect' according to Lisa, she moves on to discuss blister prevention. She gives me some more helpful advice on strapping and padding my feet to reduce the risk of ending up with them.
"Lisa recommends a product called Moleskin padding which can be put around the foot's 'hotspots' before setting off. This is self adhesive and cuts to size and should prevent blisters from occurring in the first place. I'm also advised to carry Compeed blister plasters in case new blisters develop along the way.
"Lisa tells me, during a relaxing foot rub, that it is often after an event like this one that people need assistance from a podiatrist. Taking part in strenuous physical activity can cause hard skin, blisters and tender sports and even nail infections.
"After the consultation I am sent a comprehensive report which covers everything discussed in the consultation as well as a wealth of advice for walkers including tips on what to wear, eat and aftercare.
"Having my feet looked at is something I had never considered before but after talking to the professionals I'm much more aware of the need to take good care of them. I feel confident that going forward I will be able to achieve my Parish Walk goal."
The Podiatry and Orthotics Parish Walk Package costs £50 instead of £160. For more information call The Foot Health Clinic on 01624 620712 or click here.
