Working ergonomically in mobile foot care and podiatry

It is often no longer possible for older patients in particular to visit a practice due to health problems - they are dependent on mobile podiatry and foot health services. In addition, there are many people who highly appreciate this service and like to be treated within their own four walls - often even making an appointment for the whole family!

For podiatrists and foot care professionals, however, this poses an especially big challenge:
Whether by car, on foot or by bike - for a home visit, the equipment must be fully packed in bags or in a case and transported to the patient. A weight of around 20 kilograms is quickly reached. In addition, every new location brings different circumstances with it. Foot care professionals and podiatrists have to adapt to these changing conditions - without losing sight of their own health.

The most important rule is: ergonomics proceeds yet before treatment. If you use the right equipment and consciously organise your workplace, you can avoid a lot of stress.

• Focus on posture
  Back straight, shoulders relaxed, legs not permanently twisted. Even if the situation makes it difficult, you should make sure your posture is ergonomic.
  
  
• Transport-friendly drills
  Lightweight and compact equipment reduces the strain when wearing them. Case solutions or mobile systems make assembly and disassembly easier.
  
  
• Distribute the load correctly
  An ergonomic trolley or backpack relieves the strain on the back and prevents one-sided wear. It is better to distribute the weight evenly over both shoulders and then deliver a healthy load balance.
  
  
• Adaptation instead of routine
  Every living situation is individual. Instead of sticking rigidly to familiar routines, it helps to be flexible and look for the best position.

The large benefit of a backpack solution includes the fact that the weight is located in the centre of the back and can then avoid one-sided strain. In addition, both hands stay free and ringing doorbells or opening doors falls more lightweight. The case is a proven classic as a means of transport in mobile podiatry and foot health, offering a robust design and a clear layout.

Both variants - backpack and case - provide adequate space for the podiatry services, which make up a significant part of the overall load with their own weight. This makes it all the more important to distribute this load evenly and to set ergonomic transport solutions.

The equipment often has to be dragged up and down several flights of stairs to the place of use. This is where a transport trolley with wheels of the largest possible size can help.

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Mobile podiatry requires, besides sensitivity, a knack for improvisation. The physical conditions regularly put foot care professionals and podiatrists to the test: whether it’s the search for power sockets, less space, dim lighting or a water source that’s far away.

A seat for the patient is usually found quickly: a chair or even their favourite armchair, provided it is not too low. It is important for podiatrists and foot care professionals to adopt an ergonomic working position themselves. Aids such as footrests and folding stools can be an important help with this.

A folding stool is lightweight, folds away compactly and provides a robust seat. The footrest enables optimum positioning of the foot thanks to its lightweight, easily adjustable swivel support and can be adjusted in height. It delivers relief for the practitioner along with greater comfort for the patients. Thanks to their compact design, both aids are ideally suitable for creating an ergonomic treatment environment even in confined areas.

Towels and a foot bath bowl can be provided in most cases by the patients. If no suitable container is available, there are several options: A foldable foot tub is lightweight and can be used immediately. Similarly, foot care professionals and podiatrists can offer a suitable foot bath bowl for direct purchase. So that the hygienic basis is reserved for all subsequent treatments.

Alongside an ergonomic seated position, the organisation of work equipment also plays a key role. During home visits, it is crucial that instruments, consumables and accessories are quickly to hand and do not have to be searched for a long time. Mobile storage systems such as the solid Trolley, which combine storage space and organisation, can be used here like a small work cabinet. They make treatment easier, shorten handling times and help ensure that the practitioner can focus entirely on the patient.

To the RUCK mobilsystem solid Trolley

Mobile foot care and podiatry offers patients a great deal of comfort, but also means additional physical strain for the practitioner. Those who pay attention to ergonomic principles protect their health, prevent complaints and ensure their own performance in the long term.

Good preparation, well thought-out aids and conscious movement sequences are the key. Because only those who stay healthy themselves can offer their patients the best possible treatment in the long term.