If The Shoe Fits....

The Ugly Truth About “Uggs”

2012-01-30T08:02:00.000-08:00

In Australia where they were invented, “Ugg Boot” appears in the dictionary with a little footnote: “Derivation: ugly”. Is there any less feminine way to finish off an outfit? In addition to their clunky, sloppy looks, they are just about the worst things you could wear on a day to day basis for walking. We have all seen the girls walking through the mall with their Ugg boots on, their feet practically collapsing into themselves. The rubber is usually worn down completely on both heels and they are dirty as sin. All of us are guilty of buying the latest and the greatest names and what’s the most popular thing to own. In the case of Ugg boots, not only do they come with a high price tag, they also come with a price for your delicate feet to pay.

Ask any Ugg owner what makes her boots so special and you will hear the same words over and over again. “They’re comfy, they’re warm, and they feel so lovely on my feet.” These are the same words you’ll hear from your grandfather after he slips on his new pair of slippers he just picked up at the dollar store. “I am an absolute believer in the the Ugg boot. I don’t use them for the impact or the style, it’s because they are so comfortable and warm”, says Katie Melville, 25, who works for an advertising agency and is now on her 5^th pair. Her friend Lexy, a trainee chef, has also been won over by how “practical and comfortable they are”.

Apart from the notion women are supposed to suffer for their fashion (That’s why God invented stilettos), let’s examine the comfort of the things. They may be warm but they sure are not waterproof. “I wore them in the snow last year,” says Lexy. “My feet were soaking and it was a nightmare!” She also admits if it’s not below freezing, her feet are actually “too hot”. Meanwhile Katie says: “On the box it says you should wear them without socks. But if you do they are really quite smelly.” The reason why the Australian manufacturers recommend you don’t wear socks is because Down Under the Ugg boot is NOT worn outdoors. (Hence the lack of waterproofing.)

It was when the Ugg boot arrived in America in 2000 when Oprah Winfrey spent $50,000 buying pairs for her staff of 350 and included them on her Oprah’s Favorite Things show- that it occurred to anyone to wear them in a place where strangers might see them. The fact the Vogue magazine went mad for them- as did Kate Moss- probably explains why they took off so quickly.

What people do not quite understand is that just because Uggs are not stilettos, they absolutely come with their own set of dangers. For one thing, they provide absolutely no support. They do not have a firm heel counter to prevent inversion or eversion. The sole is made of very soft material and does not hold the foot in position during gate. The lack of support can also cause lowering of the arch which can cause tendon strain. In addition, the warm interior is a perfect place for bacteria to breed and spread to your toes and toenails like wildfire, especially if you are unfortunate enough to find yourself submerged in water or a foot of snow.

So next time you’re in Norstrom’s and your considering dropping 2 bills on a pair of Ugg boots you may want to consider the long term affects of your purchase . If the name and style really means that much to you, save them for inside the house.

High Heel Shoes Are Bad News!

2012-01-16T07:29:00.000-08:00

Did you know that approximately 3.5 billion dollars are spent each year in the United States for women’s foot surgery? In addition to that enormous cost, the female workforce misses 15 million work days each year because of foot injuries and surgeries. WOW! The BIGGEST culprit in this figure is the high heel shoe. It’s no secret that a high heel shoe can look sexy and stylish, and we are all guilty of wearing them, but what women don’t realize is the long term health consequences they come with. Unlike sore feet, things like bunions and osteoarthritis do not go away over night, and that’s exactly the type of foot problems our 4 inch stilettos come with.

High heels shift your center of gravity forward so that your hips and spine are pushed out of alignment. Altered posture caused by wearing high heels leads to increased pressure on the inside of the knee. Repeated stress in this area dramatically increases the chances of developing osteoarthritis. If you’re in the habit of wearing high heels regularly the Achilles tendon will start to shorten over time. A short, tight Achilles tendon increases the risk of injuries such as Achilles tendinitis and plantar fasciitis. The heel elevation also causes the calf muscle to contract. If heels are worn consistently, calf muscles can become short and weak, which promotes injury. The combination of cramped toe boxes and the downward angle of the high heel can cause foot deformities and injuries including bunions, hammertoes, Morton’s neuroma, plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis. Yikes!

If you MUST have your high heels, consider styles that will reduce risk of injury or foot deformities. Get a shoe with a rubber sole instead of leather. They offer extra flexibility and increase your grip on the floor. Also, try to choose a shoe with a wider heel. While it won’t help much to alleviate the stress on your knees, at least you will have a wider base to stand on which will distribute your weight more evenly than a stiletto would. The highest your heels should be is 2 inches. Less is even better, but 2 inches should be your limit. These shoes will give you enough lift to show off your legs and reduce the risk of foot injuries and deformities.

Platforms are a great way to create the illusion of height without all the risk. Because the forefoot is elevated as well, you don’t have such an incline forcing the foot into a very uncomfortable position. Choose heels that allow your toes to lay flat in the shoe such as a round or square toe box. Lastly, only purchase heels that have a thumbs-width of space from the longest toe to the end of the shoe when you are standing.

Murder by Stiletto - Shame by Shoe Size

2011-08-12T07:45:00.000-07:00

I’ve written about women shoe obsessions on several occasions, but I just cannot resist commenting on the latest news feeds pertaining to women and their shoes.
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Believe it or not, the woman with the largest collection of shoes is not the infamous shoe lover, Victoria Beckham. It is of all people, a poker pro. Beth Shark is world class poker player and proud owner of 1,200 pairs of shoes. Not just any kind of shoes either, but rather revolving closets of high end designers such as Jimmy Choo, YSL, and Louboutin. Shark will be featured in a documentary on women and shoes, “God Save My Shoes,” that will premier during Fashion Week. The documentary not only exposes famous shoe lovers but also investigates the psychology behind obsessive shoe buying. Spoiler alert: they may have found a connection between shoes and sex. Some go as far to say that the foot http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifis analogous to the penis!!!. I am very interested to see how they explain that connection!

Some women have hundreds of shoes, but some only need one. A woman in Georgia was arrested for allegedly killing her boyfriend with a stiletto heel during a domestic dispute. The autopsy report has not been received but officials are confident that is was a blow to the head with the spike of a high heel that lead to the man’s death. Conceal and carry…. Why would you when you can defend yourself with fashionable footwear?

What could be worse than being attacked by a cute shoe but being attacked by a size 9! Online shoe sales are higher than ever and women’s feet are growing. http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifCoincidence? Women with large feet are so ashamed of their foot size that they have a higher tendency to buy behind the computer. Reports are showing that the demand for size 9 has increased over 80% and 82% of Women who wear size 8 and 9 say they are embarrassed by their shoe size. 67% of all size 9 shoes are bought online and 47% of women admit they lie to partners and friends about their shoe size. What is going on here? The average female shoe size has increased 1.5 sizes in the last 10 years and many researchers are attributing this to the http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifgeneralized increase in size of American women. That hamburger is going straight to your feet!!!

All in today’s news: Shoes linked to hoarders, penises, murder, shame, and weight gain. Today in my office I didn’t have quite this display of shoe predicaments but I did find shoes linked to both pain and pain relief. Maybe what we put on our feet is more than just shoes. It is fashion, passion, revenge, dignity, humility, therapy, and of course….priceless.

2010-11-10T12:02:00.000-08:00

Certified Pedorthist Ends Foot Pain.wmv

2010-11-01T11:53:00.000-07:00

NEED AN EXTRA 12 INCHES? WOMEN TRY THESE SHOES…OR NOT!

2010-11-01T11:13:00.000-07:00

A Romanian man, known as the “shoe architect” has created a line of stilettos that will increase a women’s height by twelve inches! Mihai Albu claims his shoes are distinctly appealing to most women since many do not have long legs. The shoes are miraculous sculptress of beauty. With feathers and jewels, skull heads and curves, he has created masterpieces for fashion. Not only are these shoe eye catching, they are also wallet drying! A pair of Mihai Albu’s shoes cost over $1,500. That is a lot of money, for something I would never put on my feet!

Yes, these shoes are beautiful and truly a piece of art, but probably the most ridiculous thing you could put on your feet. We would all like to be a little taller, but at what expense? Not only will these shoes hurt the pocketbook, they will also hurt the foot and ankle and all other body parts that hit floor after an easy accident in these towering skyscraper shoes.

Have you ever sprained your ankle? The first reason to not wear these shoes is an ankle sprain. After an ankle sprain or other similar injuries, your ligaments get damaged and weakened. Your ankle is inevitably less stable and you are prone to more injuries in the future. Not really a good idea to jump into intensely tall shoes that gives you zero protection to the ankle and makes you quite unstable. I would give you two hours in these shoes before you injured yourself, and I am being generous!

Do the balls of your feet ever hurt? Your foot is not designed to walk only on the balls of your feet and your toes. This week, I removed a fractured bone from women in her 20s. She injured her sesamoid bone, a small bone near your big toe. The injury occurred while dancing in high heels all night at a wedding. She unfortunately could not heal the bone and it had to be removed. Stress fractures are also common. To heal these types of fractures, surgery is usually not necessary. The area will need to be immobile in a surgical boot or cast. A severely unattractive and cumbersome device that has to be worn in replace of your cute high heels.

High heels are attractive and fashionable. I understand why women love to buy them and wear them. Many of them are truly pieces of art, but some should just be art. Not all shoe skyscrapers should be worn. Many should be admired from the store window or from the box. As soon as they hit the feet, they are disastrous. Be sensible.

Kelly Ripa’s Charity is a Podiatrists Nightmare

2010-10-22T11:46:00.000-07:00

Many know Kelly Ripa for her days in daytime drama starring on the legendary soap opera All My Children. She fell into superstardom when she hit the talk show host scene on Regis and Kelly. Now Kelly is turning heads while racing through central park in high heels!!! In an annual charity event sponsored by Regis and Kelly and Zappos.com, Kelly and many other women raced in high heels. The event was to raise awareness and money for women’s heart heath and The Heart Truth, a national campaign combating women’s heart disease. I am all about raising money for good causes, but in 3 inch stilettos? Running in high heels is near insanity.

Running shoes are designed specifically to absorb the impact of running and accommodating the foot forces on the terrain. When running, your feet take on an impact of forces that is three times greater than your weight. Athletic shoes are made out of shock absorbing materials that help reduce the amount force that gets transmitted through your knees and back.

There is a growing culture of runners who are ditching shoes all together and going barefoot. Some small studies have been done looking at the biomechanics of this naked foot running, but most results have been inconclusive. The current belief is that when running barefoot, you change your running style and run more on your toes than your heel. This promotes a softer step and less impact is transmitted through your body. It is also noted that you must have a healthy, rectus foot for barefoot running to be beneficial. Unfortunately, most Americans do not have a healthy foot structure.

So if running on your toes causes less impact and high heels force you to bear all of your weight on your toes, shouldn’t stiletto racing be to our benefit? In high heels, your foot doesn’t have any control. You are still confined to the narrow space of tight shoe. It is also difficult to clear the heel from hitting the ground. The distinct style of barefoot running that causes less impact on the body takes many months of training and foot strengthening. I cannot find any correlation between the benefits of forefoot running, or barefoot running and high heel running.

Nail avulsion or damage, blisters, lacerations, sprains, and fractures are only a few injuries that will dominate a stiletto race. I think it would be easier to run to the ATM in sneakers. I’ll happily donate to the cause, but you won’t be catching me in red high heels, especially since I am not that kind of guy. It is very commendable for these women to stand up to women’s heart disease and I am inspired by their strength and daring attitude. Hopefully they all survived the race with healthy feet and hearts full of joy. Kelly Ripa always keeps us on our toe! If you have an inspiring way to raise awareness of heart disease, visit http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/index.htm.

Forbes Claims Shoes to Tone Your Legs are a Waste of Money!

2010-08-25T13:10:00.000-07:00

You see them on TV, hear about them on the radio, and you see them on everyone. Shoes that promise to tone your legs and lift your butt are the new craze. No time to work out? No problem, just wear some special shoes to help melt the pounds away. These shoes carry a heavy price tag and Forbes has announced your money is better spent on a gym membership. Are you wasting your money or do these shoes actually work?
The theory behind all of the different “tone shoes” is to make you less stable so your legs work harder. The more you use your muscles, the stronger and better looking they will become. Your legs are made up of a number of different muscles. Some work harder than others. The shoes rock in abnormal directions or have different contours than a typical shoe or foot. This causes your leg muscles to work harder to keep you upright and walking normal. A simple concept, but does it work?
These shoes will work muscles that you are not used to working. Many will notice soreness in their butt and legs after their first few walks. I have no doubt that different muscles are being strengthened and that toning of your legs is essentially happening. The question is whether or not it is enough to be noticeable?
Very few dependable studies have been done to allow us to assess the long term outcomes of wearing the shoes. With no scientific evidence it is very easy to be skeptical. What I do know for sure is that there is no magic trick, magic product, or magic pill to help you lose weight. If you are simply buying the shoes and not changing your lifestyle, you will most definitely not see a change in your weight or muscle strength. If you buy the shoes and as a result start a walking program then, you will probably see a difference due your increased activity.
I do not discourage my patients from buying the shoes unless I feel their foot type puts them at an increased risk of injury. Since the shoe is intentionally making you unstable, it is important for the consumer to be stable in nature and able to withstand those abnormal forces. I caution elderly or the disabled since their gait can already be unsteady. The shoes will put them at higher risk for falls. Anyone who has had an ankle injury or has frequent ankle sprains should avoid theses shoes or wear with caution. The shoes can cause greater instability in the ankle and may lead to sprains or fractures. No one should use the shoes to run or play sports. The shoes are specifically designed for walking only.
Since these shoes function much different than your typical shoe, you should expect some discomfort after the first few times of wearing them. It is recommended to make a slow transition into the shoe to prevent overuse injuries. If you experience consistent pain or discomfort discontinue wearing the shoes and allow your muscles and feet to rest. Some shoes are not for everyone. Be sensible. Don’t replace your gym membership with a magic shoe; it will not work out in your favor.

NEED AN EXTRA 12 INCHES? WOMEN TRY THESE SHOES…OR NOT!

2010-05-31T07:58:00.000-07:00

I Am a Hippocrit!

2010-02-03T06:10:00.000-08:00

Podiatrist Demands you Wear Flip Flops?

We are nearing the time of the year that families, couples, and friends pack up their bathing suits and head south for a much needed vacation. You may be anxiously awaiting the sand, sun, and cocktails. Burring your feet in the sand beats the day to day routine of boots, snow, and cold toes. With the growing check lists for your upcoming departure, foot health may not be on your list of thing to prepare for, but maybe it should! The number most vital thing to pack to save your feet are sandals or Flip Flops!

It is not often that you hear a podiatric physician promoting flip-flops, but they can be very important in protecting you on your vacation. We often forget that viruses, bacteria, and fungus enjoy the warm weather as much as we do. Though walking around barefoot can be relaxing, it is dangerous. You can pick up warts, athletes foot, and bacterial infection just about anywhere. Always wear sandals by the pool and even in your hotel room on the carpet. Do you know who stayed in your room last and how well did they clean the carpet?

Walking barefoot in the sand is very relaxing until you step on a piece of glass, a sharp twig, a shell or whatever the last metal detector-vacationer dropped from his pocket. Flip flops do not offer you any support, but they do provide a barrier between you and something harmful. Wearing flip flops can prevent you from getting an open wound. You may be thinking so what; a little cut on my foot won’t ruin my vacation. Not only are you at risk of getting an infection, but you will also be in a lot of pain. Even a small cut is easily aggravated by the salt water in the ocean or the chlorine in the pool. Planning on going golfing? How will your cut feel after a full day of walking on the greens?

On a nice tropical evening, it is so enjoyable to take a walk on the boardwalk or watch the sunset off the deck. Where there is wood, there are splinters! I see a number of patients every year with splinters in their foot. Sometimes, they remember the exact moment the stubborn piece of wood found a home in their foot, other times they had no idea their pain was being caused by a splinter. Two things can happen with a splinter in your foot. First, the wood harvests bacteria and can cause a local infection. The area will be red, hot, swollen, and some drainage from the wound site may be noted. If possible, your body will identify the splinter and immediately wall it off to prevent an infection. This walling off mechanism may cause a painful cyst that would need to be surgically excised.

It is very rare for a podiatric physician to tell you to wear your flip-flops. Vacationing is a great time to pull out the flip flops and use them for your safety. It should be noted that flip flops only provide protection and do not provide any support. Thus, if you are doing a lot of walking or standing, you should be wearing a more supportive shoe gear.

Back to School Shoe Shopping

2009-08-01T08:51:00.000-07:00

If my kid doesn’t complain about sore feet, do I need to worry about what I put on his feet? Some children spend most of their days running around the yard barefoot all day and never complain about a thing until they step on a nail or thorn. Other children will wine all day about their feet hurting. So what do you need to be looking for when you are shopping for new shoes for the new school year?

My kid never complains!

Wow! Can we trade? Alright lets be serious all kids complain but not all kids complain about their feet. It is best to actively ask the child, “Do your feet hurt? Do you feel pain in your feet when you are out playing?” Some children ignore the pain because they are having so much fun. Think about how awesome it is to be on the soccer team or play in the park with your best buddies… You wouldn’t stop unless you had to. How many kids pee in their pants because they don’t want to stop playing?

There no special accommodation, devices, or exercises that are required for healthy foot living. There is a level of common sense that needs to come into play though… for some this is difficult. Kids shoes can be trendy, inappropriate, and can lead to pain.

Stay away from the following
· Pointy toes
· Platforms
· Flip flops
· Stilettos—Teenagers love to sacrifice comfort for style!
Standard Shoes for Back-to-School
· Good Athletic Shoes (light colors are preferred for the gym and will decrease sweating)
· A wide toe box for dress shoes

My Kid Does Complain about Their Feet!

It is not uncommon for children to have foot and ankle problems. The good news is that these are highly treatable! If your child is complaining about foot pain, seeing a podiatric physician will help prevent complicated problems in your child’s future. Common problems can range from flat feet to ingrown toenails. Treatment is often non-invasive and conservative. Children can be prescribed special insoles known as orthoses and physical therapy to help strengthen the weak or ill-working muscles, joints, and ligaments. Children tend to be extremely active, so podiatric physicians can work around sport schedules and care for their feet to optimized their performance and enjoyment of their preferred after school activities.
Save your child from grandma’s bunions and dad’s recurring ankle sprains. Seek consultation on your child’s foot pain from a medical professional such as a podiatric physician. Even if your child is not experiencing pain, remember to use common sense when shopping for this year’s new shoes!

Better Sex With High Heels

2009-05-14T11:26:00.000-07:00

Italian Researcher Claim Better Sex with High Heels

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_momsatwork/2009/05/high-heels-boost-health-sex-life.html

I have heard many claims about high heels and health but this one really caught me off guard. The Orlando Sentinel reported that Italian researchers have discovered that wearing high heels changes your posture and increases the strength of your pelvic muscles. They took the research findings one step further and say that this will lead to better sex! They also make the claim that ballet style flat shoes have been causing an increase in foot pain and thus it is healthier for your feet to wear high heels.

As a Podiatric Physician, I have never had a patient ask me how footgear could affect their sex life. I am a foot and ankle specialist, but I guess I don’t know everything. I will agree with the researcher’s claim that heels can cause changes in one’s posture. The new posture may be good for your pelvis muscles but bad for your back, knees, and especially your feet. My experience with heels tells me that there must be a better way to have better sex.

Wearing heels causes changes in your center of gravity. In order to stay balanced, your body curves the back. Your butt and your chest sticks out further. Though this may make a woman’s figure more appealing to the wondering eye, it causes disruptive changes in one’s joints and leads to pain. The changes in back curvature causes a decrease in shock absorption. Thus, your back feels more of the stresses caused by standing or walking than normally.

Heels put your foot an abnormal position. Our body is not designed to walk only on the balls of our feet. Thus, many experience pain in their foot, but also in their knees. When in a constant toe pointed position, the foot has less ability to push off the ground. To compensate, the knees bend and our leg muscles have to work harder than normal to walk. The muscles pull on the joints of the knee and foot, which can lead to destructive damage over long periods of time.
There is no such thing as a healthy heel for your feet. Wearing heels increases the likelihood of bunions, corns, open lesions, generalized foot pain, plantar fasciitis…. I could go on for days. The report also talked about how high heels could be better for you than ballet style flat shoes. Many mistakenly think that when their doctor says high heels are bad for you, that flats are healthy- but that is not true. A healthy shoe is one that give s you proper support. The fashionable high heels and flats do not give you any support! Switching to flats after wearing heels for many years can be especially painful. Wearing heels tightens your calf muscles, and wearing flats pulls on the Achilles, and can cause tears in the tendon and muscles.

So if your love life is in a lull, I recommend staying out of high heels. No matter how strong your pelvic muscles are, the pain associated with high heels could be quite distracting between the sheets.

Flip-Flops: Cute But Dangerous

2009-04-29T07:28:00.000-07:00

Many of us northerners are just seeing the first days of spring. One day of sunshine and we rotate our closet, pack up the sweaters and pull out the shorts and spring dresses. However, what is summer without the flip-flop sandal. You can find them in every color and every store! Let’s face it, we all have enough pairs of flip-flops to last us a lifetime. We know they are not the most sensible shoe gear, but we wear them anyway. Maybe we need to be reminded of all the horrible things that happen when wearing flip-flops.
The Accident!
Can you imagine how many times you have stubbed your toe or dropped something on your foot? When wearing a flip- flop, you have almost zero protection. Every year there are countless injuries to the toes from people running in flip- flops! Broken toes, fractured bones, and toenails ripped right off. You may think I am over exaggerating, but unfortunately, I am being very honest. Everyone from toddlers to grandmas is coming to the ER because of a foot injury while wearing flip-flops.

The Burn!
Sunscreen is now mainstream and most people remember to apply SPF before exposing themselves to the sun. We pay close attention to our nose, cheeks and shoulders but do you put sunscreen on your feet? We often forget about the feet, but skin cancer can appear anywhere. Podiatrists have been taking more biopsies for suspicious growths than ever before. When wearing flip-flops you have almost no coverage on your feet, so do not forget to protect the skin with some sun block!

Where is the Support!
The traditional flip-flop is nothing more than a flat foamy plastic that is bendable and twistable. You can only imagine the amount of support it gives your foot. NONE! It may protect your foot from feeling the surface you are walking on but that is about the extent of the flip-flop function. Our foot takes on a lot of stress throughout the day and we need shoes to help absorb the workload or else our feet tire and become painful. Flip-Flops may lead to aches, pains, and the dreaded plantar fasciitis. We also tend to grip the sandals with our toes as we walk, this can lead to ugly hammertoes!

Now, let us be very honest. It is summertime and the last thing we want to do is go to the beach in athletic shoes. It is hot and humid and we want our feet to breath! If we must wear sandals, then we must be sensible. There are number of brands that have developed sandal lines with sufficient support and a little bit more protection. Traditionally these types of sandals were not very stylish, but today fashionable, healthy sandals are much more commonplace. So this summer, keep those flip-flops in the closet and opt for a comfortable and reliable sandal!

Rihanna Attacks Chris Brown with Stilleto!

2009-03-12T01:26:00.000-07:00

Rihanna and Chris Brown’s domestic dispute is the hot topic everywhere. Chris Brown if claiming self defense and now Rihanna is backing him up! According to friends of the couple, Chris claims that Rihanna came after him first using her stiletto as weapon. Are high heels a weapon!

Ladies, don’t worry about protecting yourself with a gun or pepper spray. Just slip on those red high heels and you have your weapon of choice. Just take a look at your or your lady’s stiletto. The heel comes to a sharp point that would easily cause damage to the attacker. It is easy to grip, and goes with your outfit! What more could you want from a weapon?

Maybe it is true that a high heel can be used for personal protection but let us not forget who the real victim is. It is you. Though heels are sexy, stylish, and fun to wear, they can cause significant damage to your feet. There is nothing sexy, stylish or fun about an ugly foot. According to the American Woman in Podiatrist, a heel of one inch causes knee strain and once the heel reaches three inches there is more than seven times more pressure on the balls of the foot. This is unnatural. Our feet were not designed to function this way! When you put your foot under this pressure, you are compromising the normal biomechanics of walking or even standing.

What does this all mean? Under the blisters, aches and pains, your foot may be redesigning itself. Many of us have heard about ancient Chinese foot binding. They would painfully wrap young girl’s feet in an unnatural position and overtime the foot would deform to the binding. The process was excruciating and the women lived with pain for the rest of their lives. The stiletto is almost a modern day foot binding. If you wear heels often, your muscles, ligaments, and tendons may change. Your body naturally does this to compromise for the abnormal pressures and position. These adaptations cause disruptions in normal foot functions even when you are not wearing heels. This will lead to deformities. Have you ever seen a bunion?

Deformities are not the only side effect. A neuroma is a common benign nerve tumor that causes horrible pain. High heels or any tight toed shoes can lead to neuromas. A tight shoe forces your foot to be squeezed together. Your bones are more likely to cause friction or irritation to surrounding tissues. This persistent irritation leads to neuroma. Though there is no real threat to having a neuroma, it does cause significant pain and impedes on your daily lifestyle.
Blisters! Ouch. Not only do they hurt but they increase your chance of infection. I don’t care what the occasion; a foot infection is not sexy or stylish.

There are tons of remedies for achy feet. If we wore better shoes, our feet wouldn’t hurt so badly. I will admit most shoes that our healthy for your feet are not stylish and do not highlight a ladies figure like stilettos. So I am willing to meet you half way. Everything good in life should be enjoyed with moderation. Once and a while wear those red high heels and have a good time. Don’t forget to leave you pepper spray at home. You will be wearing Rhanna’s weapon of choice!

New Year and New Shoes

2009-01-21T14:59:00.000-08:00

As the month of January continues to march along, how many of us are losing confidence in our new year’s resolution. The biggest problems with new year’s resolutions is that it is only an idea and we never prepare, adjust our schedule, or truly invest in our future. So hear is your mid-January resolution pep talk. If getting in shape and exercising was your new year’s resolution, you need a starter package! First dedicate time into your schedule. It is like lunch. It is in your schedule every day. It may get pushed back or shorter depending on the day but you always eat eventually. You will always exercise ever day! Find something you enjoy doing. If you get board running around the track, don’t do it. Try out community classes, new sports, and get a work out buddy! Most importantly, you have to be physically prepared for the activity. See your physician if you have any current medical conditions to learn about activities best for you.

Ladies, I have great news! You need to buy new shoes – Doctor’s Orders!

Not all sports are created equal and they cause different stresses on your body and especially your foot and ankle. Pushing, slamming, crushing, jamming, twisting, and turning; your shoes and feet are taking a beating. If you are pulling your old athletic shoes out of the closet, you probably need to move them to the garbage. Athletic shoes break down over time and lose their supportive properties. Depending on the sport and how often you use them, shoes should be replaced every 3-6 months. It is also important to buy sport specific shoes. Different sports or exercise programs involve varying movements and are at special paces. Your supporting structure should accommodate these different stressors.

Your new shoes need to be well fitted. Make sure to go shoe shopping in the afternoon since your feet do increase in size throughout the day. Don’t be afraid to try on different sizes. You may think you are a size 8 but sizes do vary from brand to brand. Most people wear their shoes too small. This can slowly cause deformities and complications of your feet. So how do you know it is the right size? It is most important that your shoe bends where your foot bends and that the widest part of the shoe is at the widest part of your foot. After this is established, then look to see where your toes are. There should be at least a finger’s breadth of space from your longest toe to the end of shoe. You may need to try several different brands, styles, and sizes to find the perfect match. Also, make sure you stand up and walk around in the shoes on BOTH feet. Your feet are not the same size so what feels right on one foot may still be too small for the other.

After you find the perfect fit, and you start your work out, don’t be discouraged if you began to feel foot pain. Over 75% of the population has at least one foot problem. Increasing activity may aggravate your condition, but there are simple answers and solutions. Most foot problems are due to the biomechanical structure and function of your foot. When these problems are present, it is common to experience pain in your feet, ankle,s knees, and back, but using orthotics quickly corrects the problem. Orthotics help control and correct the biomechanical function of your feet. Since not all feet are created equal and we do different activities, custom orthotics is the best solution. A podiatric physician can cast your foot and a mold will be created. A lab will then use that mold to form an insert. Depending on your history and physical, the doctor and lab chooses specific materials, and accommodations to accommodate and correct your specific foot structure and biomechanical function.

So go buy some new shoes and get to the gym. You are not allowed to use the excuse “my feet hurt too much.” Podiatric physicians can help you find the right shoes and help relieve pain while you continue to gain at the gym! It is a new year and time for new shoes and a new you!

Are Crocs Good For Your Feet?

2008-11-30T11:35:00.001-08:00

What’s with these Crocs?

If you are a shoe watcher like me, you may have noticed an interesting new trend. Crocs! They are a very interesting shoe that comes in almost every color and size. Everyone from toddlers to grandparents is cruising around in this flashy, foamy, footwear. You can even buy decorations for your crocs if getting them in hot pink is not enough. Though these appear very comfy, how do they rate for your feet?
There is actually a special line of Crocs for the medical profession, Crocs Rx. These are made with better material and have more support than the average Croc. They were especially designed for people with common foot ailments. They have a wide toe and firm support! These shoes are a great substitute for your slippers, garden shoes, or even your everyday shoes. They are made with deeper insole that allows for a comfortable fit with your orthotics. Crocs Rx are especially useful for diabetics because they have a wide toe and some have built-in antimicrobial properties. Crocs Rx can actually provide better support than some of your high end athletic shoes.
Before you go out and buy your new pair of Crocs, make sure you are buying the Rx line. They are only available through the medical community. You may find them at some pharmacies, and podiatric medical offices. Always check with your podiatric physician to find out if this footwear is appropriate for your foot type. Like any shoe, it is not good to wear the same shoe every day. A major benefit of these shoes is its ability to fit comfortably with an orthotic insert. You should be very selective with type of inserts you are putting into your shoes because no foot is created equal. Your podiatric physician can also assist you in finding the correct orthotic device and can also make you a custom orthotic.
So if you are looking for shoe that is convenient and fun, but do not want to sacrifice comfort, Crocs Rx may the new shoe for you! It’s trendy and podiatrist approved!

HOW DO MY HIGH FASHION SHOES RATE?

2008-11-21T16:13:00.000-08:00

Shoes are where fashion is at. A new trend across the world is to shop shoe up. From heels to flats, woman are shoe shopping their hearts out. But what are these shoes doing to your feet. High fashion is not so hot when your feet get injured. Here are some examples of popular shoes styles that may cause you to need podiatric medical treatment.

The Sling Back Heel: Usually a pointed toe with a strap around the back of the heel.
These shoes often cause blisters and toe pain. They are also the most common heel to cause twisting in the ankle because of the lack of support around the rear of the foot. These shoes are in high fashion, especially in the spring and summer months, but can lead to significant injuries. Try to find a pair with lower heels, a square toe, and only wear when extending walking or standing is NOT expected.

Stilettos: Wedged high heel
Nothing is sexier than a woman in stilettos. This is often said before one takes a good look at a lady’s foot after a day in high heels. High heel often cause blisters and other sores on your feet. These sore often subside over time but not always. Depending on the depth of the soar, it may leave scars, or if left untreated they could get infected. Even worse, you may develop a bunion. I don’t know about you, but that does not sound sexy! These shoes are also notorious for causing ankle sprains and pain on the balls of the feet. Some pads may relieve pressure, but may also cause the shoes to be more tight (watch for blisters). Make sure you buy the right size. Buy shoes in the afternoon or evening because your feet swell throughout the day. The size you wake up with is not the size you go to bed with. If possible, try to be sexy in shorter heels!

Flats: Slides, ballet, slippers

After a day in high heels, Flats are just what the doctor ordered… Wrong! Flats often have very poor arch support and will aggravate arch and heel pain or plantar fasciitis. It will also cause strain on the Achilles tendon and depending on your foot type or structure, this may cause severe pain. Do not wear these shoes for long periods of time because you could cause damage to your plantar fascia and get severe heel and arch pain. Though plantar fasciitis can be conservatively treated, it will impede on your daily activities. When shopping for flats, make sure they are not flexible. You should not be able to twist the shoe and it should only bend near the toes.

Fashion Sneakers: no laces, velcro laces, canvas material

A sneaker… this has got be okay for my feet right? Not quite. Fashionable sneakers are often made with no structural integrity. Like flats, they provide little to no arch support and may lead to plantar fasciitis. The most fashionable way to wear these type of shoes in sockless. This will cause increase foot odor and puts you at greater risk to get athletes foot. Always wear a cotton sock. There are low socks and even half socks that can be hidden in the shoe. Like with Flats, make sure you cannot twist the shoe and it only bends near the toes.

Platforms
Strap up and get ready to walk on the moon. Actually, the moon is the only good place to wear platforms. These shoes have poor shock absorption, thus every step you take radiates up through your back. You may experience knee, hip, and lower back pain. These shoes add wanted height to the shorter population, but remember what goes up must come down. Because of their height, they are relatively unsteady. It is very easy to get off balanced and fall or roll an ankle. So if you must wear the 70’s comeback, try to stay away from uneven terrain.

With so many styles, colors, and designers, it is easy to get carried away with shoe fashion. Try to be sensible when shopping and when pick out shoes to wear. If you plan on doing a lot of walking or standing, be sure to wear a more conservative shoe. Also, if possible, try to bring an extra pair of shoes so if you begin to feel pain or discomfort you can switch into something more sensible.

If you have continued pain in your feet, you should see you podiatric physician to be appropriately treated and get more information on proper shoe gear for your foot type.

For more information on shoes go to: http://www.stopfootpainfast.com/sub.php?page=shoes_specific.php