PORT Macquarie Podiatrist and Australian Podiatry Association (NSW and ACT) member, Debbie Marks, will re-join the medical team for this year’s gruelling Port Macquarie Ironman competition on Sunday, May 5.
Now in her seventh year supporting the event, Marks is well prepared for the many foot injuries that will come her way.
“The most common problems are massive blood blisters, damaged toenails and muscle injuries so it’s really important for competitors to cut toenails and get their feet professionally checked before the competition to help prevent injuries,” she said.
“Many who enter the competition are professionals but some are not so they really must be really careful about their footwear and choose correctly.
“They should ensure they have spare pairs of shoes during the competition as well because it’s a tough competition and shoes can get damaged during the bike and running events,” she said.
Also joining Marks this year is new graduate and association member Manny Dhillon who will have his first experience of the competition.
“I am really excited to be involved in this major event and to be able to help competitors who end up with feet problems and need treatment. It will be great to get this experience first-hand under Debbie’s expert guidance,” he said.
Beds are provided in the medical tent where both nurses and doctors triage participants with foot complaints to the podiatrists which have the trained expertise to treat foot injuries and discuss issues.
Last year Debbie Marks saw around 40 patients and hopes this year that foot injuries are even lower.
“The feet obviously take an enormous amount of pressure during the competition so there are bound to be aches and pains and some major injuries, but preparation is the key and to be aware of your feet while competing,” she said.
In the Port Macquarie Iron Man competitors undertake a 3.8 km swim followed by a 180 km bike race and finishing off with a 42.2 km run, starting early in the morning and finishing near to midnight for some.
Association board member Trent Baker of Penrith will also be competing in the competition.
