Shehani Samarasinghe

Clinical Research Coordinator

About Shehani Samarasinghe

Shehani is currently a final year HDR candidate at the University of Sydney doing her Masters of Philosophy in Medicine. She has also completed a Graduate Certificate in Human Nutrition from Deakin University. She has over 15 years of administrative experience working in several disciplines and has been involved with research and clinical trials in the past five years. Shehani is a family person and loves to travel and spend time with family. 

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Wed 15 October 8pm!

Register to attend.  You will also get the live recording.

Foot and Ankle Strengthening Essentials

How can this event help me?

Foot and ankle pain is common in many rheumatic conditions, and it can affect your balance, mobility, and confidence with walking. Whether you are managing a long-term condition like arthritis, recovering from a short-term injury, or dealing with ongoing foot issues, the right strengthening exercises can make a real difference. With proper guidance, it is possible to build strength safely and feel more in control of your movement.

In this live online event, podiatrist Janelle Carr will share key principles of foot and ankle strengthening, including when to seek support and how to get started. This session is ideal for anyone looking to improve foot and ankle strength, whether you are living with a rheumatic condition, getting back into running, or wanting to move more confidently each day.

Join Janelle for a practical discussion where she’ll cover:

  • Why Foot and Ankle Strength Matters: Learn how strong foot and ankle muscles support balance, walking efficiency, and injury prevention, particularly for people living with arthritis, hypermobility, or recurring foot pain.
  • Common Causes of Weakness: Understand how age, injury, joint inflammation, and footwear choices can all contribute to weakness and what signs to look out for.
  • Beginner-Friendly Exercises and Progressions: Janelle will introduce you to the types of exercises that can safely build foot and ankle strength, from simple home-based options to more advanced progressions for those ready to do more.
  • When to Seek Individual Support: Discover when it's worth seeking a podiatrist’s guidance…especially if you’re dealing with pain, instability, or uncertain about what’s safe for you.
  • Supportive Footwear and Tools: Hear Janelle’s tips on choosing footwear and tools that promote strength and reduce strain on the foot and ankle joints, especially during exercise.

This session is ideal for anyone dealing with foot pain, instability, or simply wanting to build a more confident foundation for movement. Join us on Wednesday, October 15th 8:00 PM AEST for this informative live virtual event. As always, we welcome your questions and discussions to make this an engaging and supportive experience for everyone.

Register to attend!