The Importance of Shoes in Preventing Foot Problems

Poorly-fitting shoe ware can be at the root of many different foot problems. Wearing shoes that fit your foot properly can help to avoid certain problems like corns, calluses, bunions, hammertoes and blisters.

Here are a few tips on shopping for shoes:

• Have both feet measured by a professional. Shoe sizes can change with age, so it may be a good idea to get them measured each time you shoe shop.
• If one foot is larger, buy shoes based on the larger foot.
• Be sure you can wiggle your toes. There should be about a half of an inch between your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
• Be sure not only the length of the shoe fits, but also the width.
• Shop for shoes at the end of the day when feet may be a little bigger from swelling. If you buy shoes that fit early in the day, they may become too tight by the end.
• Avoid pointy-toes and high heels.
• Check shoes for worn soles or heels. Worn soles offer little shock absorption and worn heels create uneven pressure on the heel bone. Have shoes repaired or replace them.
• Shoe sizes can vary by manufacturer, always try shoes on. If they do not fit in the store, they will not fit at home.
• Stick to sturdy shoes. These will only bend where your big toe bends.
• Shoes should not ride up and down your heel as you walk.

Wearing the right shoes is a big part of caring for your feet. Many foot problems can develop slowly, so taking care of your feet from an early age can help to prevent a variety of problems. 

Image by Jason Tester Guerrilla. New Shoes. (2008). Flickr.

What do you know about Foot Pain?

1. Heels that are higher than ____ inches are linked to knee, heel and ankle problems.

A. 1

B. 2

C. 3

2. Heel pain is most commonly caused by:

A. Plantar Fasciitis

B. Bone bruise

C. Corn

3. This shooting pain between the third and fourth toes feels like you are stepping on a rock.

A. Gout

B. Tendonitis

C. Morton’s Neuroma

4. Athlete’s foot can be caught from:

A. Walking barefoot in a public shower

B. Sharing bed sheets with someone who has Athlete’s foot

C. Both A and B

5. This foot ailment is characterized by a swollen, red and painful big toe:

A. Foot fungus

B. Gout

C. Callus

6. Painful ingrown toenails are mostly caused by:

A. Cutting the nail too short

B. Wearing tight shoes

7. True or False? If shoes don’t feel comfortable when you try them on, you can always break them in.

8. ____ out of 10 bunion cases happen to women.

A. 3

B. 5

C. 7

D. 9

Foot pain should be addressed with a physician so it can be treated properly. 

Check out the answers in the comments below.

Image by Raymond Bryson. Question Box. (2011). Flickr.

Seeing a Podiatrist

Doctors of podiatric medicine, known as DPMs, treat foot and ankle problems. Most podiatrists treat all forms of foot and ankle problems, but some may take special interest in certain areas. They can focus on sports injuries, orthopedics, pediatrics, geriatrics, etc. No matter which podiatrist you see, or what type of foot/ankle problem you are having, it is important to provide him with a complete medical history and an accurate account of any problems you are experiencing.

Here are just a few things that a podiatrist can do for you:

• Play a role in the treatment of serious medical issues such as diabetes, obesity, arthritis and heart disease. These types of problems can have a big effect on the feet.
• Diagnose or prevent foot problems. Aside from a physical exam, your podiatrist may order imaging test or blood tests to get a better picture about what is going on.
• Treat conditions such as corns, calluses, cysts, ingrown toenails, heel spurs, infection, etc.
• Perform surgeries to correct problems such as bunions, hammertoes, and ruptured Achilles tendons.  
• Assess your walking patterns and prescribe orthotics (foot inserts) if necessary to correct.

A few of the reasons a podiatrists should be contacted are:

• If you are experiencing persistent pain in the feet or ankles.
• If you notice changes in the nails or skin of the feet.
• Cracking, scaling or peeling on the foot.
• If you are experiencing signs of infection such as swelling, pain, redness, tenderness, heat and/or pus.

Image by Ms Footlover. Female Feet. (2007). Flickr.

Arthritis of the Foot

There are different types of arthritis that can affect your feet. If you experience stiffness or swelling of the joints, pain, or difficulty moving or walking, make an appointment to see your podiatrist. All types of arthritis should be diagnosed and treated by a physician.

Osteoarthritis:

This is the most common form or arthritis, and is caused by normal wear and tear of the joints.  This type of arthritis can develop in the many joints of the foot.

Psoriatic Arthritis:

This type of arthritis can affect many joints of the foot, but most commonly affects the joints closest to the nail. This causes toes to turn red and swell into a sausage shape.

Rheumatoid Arthritis:

This type of arthritis causes inflammation of the joints at the ball of the foot. Bones can start to push against the skin at the bottom of the foot.

Some treatments of foot arthritis include:

• Physical therapy and exercise
• Orthotics or specially prescribed shoes
• Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen
• Prescription medications
• Vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid

Image by Scarleth Marie. Happy Feet. (2009). Flickr.

Preventing Foot and Ankle Injuries

Some foot and ankle injuries are inevitable, but there are steps you can take to help prevent them. Here are a few tips on how to keep your feet in the game:

Warming up: Sometimes it seems like warming up and stretching your muscles before exercising is more work than the work out itself. A lot of people skip this important step in their work out routine. A simple light stretch or a light jog can wake muscles up and prevent straining.

Consistency: Consistency in your exercise routine can help prevent injury. Conditioning your muscles gradually will help to build strength and increase mobility. Stick to a schedule.

Shoes: It is important to wear shoes that are made for your particular foot type. A trained professional can look at your arches and the way that you walk/run to figure out what type of shoe is best for you. It is also a good idea to wear sport-specific shoes based on your activity of choice. Remember that shoes have an expiration date. Take notice of the soles. If they are wearing down, it is time to consider a new pair.

The elements: When exercising outdoors, be mindful of your surroundings. Gravel, potholes, branches, etc. can be potentially dangerous. Also be sure to maintain speed when running uphill or downhill so you do not loose your balance and fall.

The biggest thing to remember is to listen to your body. If something does not feel right or you start to develop pain, stop or modify the activity. If you do experience an injury, make an appointment with a physician so it can be treated properly. 

Image by soccerkrys. IMG_0794. (2009). Flickr.

What do you know about toenail changes?

Nails can change colors due to many things. Match the color to what the cause could be:

1. Blue Nails

2. Green Nails

3. Pale White Nails

4. Yellow Nails

A. Bacterial and Fungal Infections

B. Smoking cigarettes, chronic lung disease, nail separation from the nail bed

C. Exposure to cold or high altitude, peripheral arterial disease

D. Anemia, zinc deficiency

Nails can also change shape. Match the shape to what the cause could be:

1. Spoon-shaped nails (concavity of the fingernail)

2. Tube-shaped nails (curve inward)              

A. Iron deficiency anemia

B. Tight shoes

Texture changes occur in nails as well. Match the texture to what the cause could be:

1. Deep Pitting

2. Ridging

3. Thickening

A. Fungal infection, poor circulation

B. Injury, illness, aging

C. Psoriasis or eczema

No matter what change you notice in your toenails, they should be addressed with a physician. They will be able to identify why your nails are changing and what should be done about it.

Check out the answers to the quiz in the comments below.

Image by andy_5322. My Foot - 2. (2006). Flickr.

Foot Odor

Foot odor is common at any age and is usually the result of wearing shoes that don’t breathe.  Excess foot perspiration soaks the lining of your shoes and socks, causing bacteria to grow. Bacteria can even start to eat away at the top layer of your skin.

Here are some quick tips on preventing foot odor:

·         Keep your feet dry

·         Wear shoes that are ventilated

·         Wear moisture-wicking socks

·         Let shoes completely dry out before wearing them again

·         Wash and dry your feet daily

Most of the time, foot odor can be eliminated by removing your shoes and cleaning your feet. Talk to your physician about persistent foot odor. If you are taking steps to get rid of the odor, and nothing seems to work, you may have a bacterial or fungal infection. These may require a prescription medication to clear up. 

Image by Ken Wilcox. Day 254-Feet. (2009). Flickr.