Sports Shoe Decoded

Have you ever gone to the shoe store and have been overwhelmed with the number of different shoe options out there for sports? Well you're not alone. Sports-specific shoes really can make a difference in the way you play. Let's look at a few different sports.

Basketball - There are shoes that will help prevent injuries as you're shooting that lay-up for the win! Here's what you should be looking for:

• High ankle construction and strong support on either of the ankle. This will support the ankle during quick changes in direction.
• A thick stiff sole. This will support your foot while you are running and landing from jumps.
• Strong support on either side of the ankle. 

Racquetball/Tennis - You're looking for court shoes here. They tend to look like any other athletic shoe, but you need to look at the inside of the shoes for these sports.

• Racquetball & Tennis require quick lateral movements and shifting of your weight. Look for court shoes that support both sides of the foot.
• The shoe must also provide a flexible sole for fast changes in direction as well as providing less shock absorption.

Cleats are common for sports such as baseball, softball, and soccer. Cleats prevent tripping and falling. Look for cleats with these features:

• Fit snugly but comfortably. Make sure this is about the size of one thumb width between the top of the top and the end of the shoe.
• Rubber sole and a leather material on the top. The rubber sole prevents slipping.
• Make sure the cleats are regulation length. Organizations have different requirements so check the guidelines.

Dancing, especially Ballet, can be very hard on a child's growing feet. If a child has foot pain related to dancing, please contact my office. Ballet slippers should:

• Have a slightly snug fit to prevent balance issues. 
• Have a sturdy heel area, and features a flexible sole.

Photo citation:
Image by Derek Hatfield. (2010). Soccer cleats are also ultimate cleats. Retrieved from http://www.flickr.com/photos/loimere/4760026643/

At Home Pedicure Supply List

If you don't have time to go to the spa for a little pampering, try a pedicure at home. Here's what you will need:

• Nail Polish Remover
• Cotton 
• Nail File or Emery Board 
• Epsom Salt (at least a ½ cup) 
• Cuticle Stick or Pusher (cuticle pushers and sticks can be wooden, plastic or metal)
• Foot soak tub (Foot bath, pedicure tub, pedicure bowl, pedicure foot spa or a large bucket!)
• Towels 
• Nail Brush (old or new toothbrushes can work or a bath towel if you're ticklish)
• Mechanical Exfoliant (Loofah Sponge, Pumice Stone) 
• Chemical Exfoliant (Foot scrub cream of your choice)
• Foot Moisturizer, with emollients 
• Base Coat, Top Coat (clear nail polish can be substituted, and in many cases base coat can substitute for top coat and vice versa)
• Nail Polish (color of your choice)

Image by Philip Bjerknes. (2005). Pre-pedicure with tools. Retrieved from http://www.flickr.com/photos/coutorture/154485285/

Must Have Items for Men's Feet

Men are not prone to getting pedicures or focusing on their feet in general. Maintenance of their feet is typically not a thought until a blister, callus, or athlete's foot appears, and then it's all about solving the problem before them. How about giving a little thought into stocking your medicine cabinet with a few items to help keep the feet healthy and looking nice without having to be too girlie about foot care.

The first item to keep on hand would be a pair of nail clippers for your feet. Be careful when clipping, as clumsy nail trimming is the leading cause of hangnails and ingrown toenails. If a nail is cut too short, tissue can become exposed. Not only is it painful, but it can lead to infections.

After a long day of work, especially if you stand all day, the arches of the feet start to hurt. Insoles for shoes provide support and comfort. Look for insoles with a plastic sole or get fitted for orthotics by a Podiatrist.

Most men see a Podiatrist because of athlete's foot. The conditions that cause athlete's foot are dark and damp, which allows the fungus to grow. Use an anti-fungal lotion or powder to clear it up. If that doesn't help, see your Podiatrist for stronger treatment.

Citation:

Image by Michael Caroe Andersen. (2007). Wet feet. Retrieved from http://www.flickr.com/photos/mogello/1221739605/

Fast Facts on Men's Feet

Foot Ailments:

• Men are less likely to be bothered by aches in the balls of their feet (28% vs. 41%) and shoe pain (19% vs. 35%).
• 37% of males have frequently experienced dry, cracked, or irritated feet.
• 23% of men reported doing nothing to address their foot ailments.

Foot Care:

• 15% of men who have experienced foot ailments has seen a podiatrist.
• Over-the-counter remedies (26%) and foot supports (24%) are the most common treatments heel pain sufferers have used, followed by home icing (19%), calf stretching exercises (18%) and medications (17%).

Footwear:

• 68% of men have suffered from painful footwear. 
• Most men (68%) place comfort as their top priority when purchasing non-athletic shoes.
• 34% of men can't remember the last time they had their feet measured.

Image by Hank (footfeeder). 2009. Clipped toenails. Retrieved from http://www.flickr.com/photos/47542231@N00/4307786845/