Shoe Shopping Tips

Here are some tips to help reduce the risk of foot problems. Use this guide when you shop for shoes:

• Fit new shoes to your largest foot. Most people have one foot larger than the other.
• Have both feet measured every time you purchase shoes. Your foot size increases as you get older.
• If the shoes feel too tight, don`t buy them. There is no such thing as a "break-in period."
• Most high heeled-shoes have a pointed or narrow toe box that crowds the toes and forces them into an unnatural triangular shape. As heel height increases, the pressure under the ball of the foot may double, placing greater pressure on the forefoot as it is forced into the pointed toe box.
• Shoes should be fitted carefully to your heel as well as your toes.
• Sizes vary among shoe brands and styles. Judge a shoe by how it fits on your foot - not by the marked size.
• There should be a half-inch of space from the end of your longest toe to the end of the shoe.
• Try on both shoes.
• Try on new shoes at the end of the day. Your feet normally swell and become larger after standing or sitting during the day.
• Walk around in the shoes to make sure they fit well and feel comfortable.
• When the shoe is on your foot, you should be able to freely wiggle all of your toes.
• Women should not wear a shoe with a heel higher than 2 1/4 inches.

If you have any hesitations about your shoe selections, make an appointment and we'll help identify what you should look for in a shoe with your specific foot shape (high arches, high instep, etc.)!

Foot Problems? Get them in shape for summer!

Come learn ways to get your feet in tip top sandal shape for summer! Dr. Kate will give suggestions on ways to treat bunions, hammertoes and heel pain as well as running tips (are you a heel striker?) to reach your PR!!

Bring your questions and get answers!
No pre-registration required, this is a FREE event!

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetics are more likely to have foot problems.
If these problems worsen they can lead to complications and even infections.

It is important to recognize and treat any foot problems so that complications do not occur.

Diabetic patients can have nerve damage in their feet. This is known as diabetic neuropathy.
The patient may experience numbness and tingling in their feet.

The diabetic patient with neuropathy may have a lack of sensation in their feet.
This type of patient may not experience pain the way that someone without neuropathy would experience pain.

The diabetic patient may not feel a cut, or blister.

Numbness may change the normal balance of walking and standing.
Poor weight distribution can even lead to fractures.

Pressure points can lead to ulcerations and blisters.

The diabetic patient may also have a deficiency in their circulation. The diabetic with both a wound and poor circulation could develop an infection or even gangrene.

This type of event could possibly lead to a partial amputation of the foot.

When the diabetic has nerve damage and circulation problems it is important to notice changes in the feet to prevent any complications.



Prevention:
Control of glucose levels

Regular visits to the primary care doctor

Inspecting the feet regularly:

Look between toes

Check for any cracks, blisters, scrapes, or ulcers

Look at the bottom of the feet (use a mirror if needed)

Wear protective shoe gear

Preventing any injury to the feet

Wash your feet with mild soap and water (Do not use hot water)

Dry carefully between the toes

If you note any lesions or any signs of infection notify your podiatrist immediately

See the podiatrist regularly for foot care

Never try to trim calluses yourself

Wear good fitting shoes

Avoid tight shoes and high heels

Wear clean socks and change them daily

Do not walk barefoot

Make sure there is nothing in your shoes before putting them on

Apply proper sun screen



When foot problems are found early proper treatment can take place. Notify your podiatrist immediately. Early treatment and care of a minor problem may prevent a major problem such as a serious infection.



Foot problems can be prevented through good glucose control, daily foot care, and regular inspection.

5 warning signs of foot problems in children

Foot pain in children is not something to be taken lightly or ignore. Sometimes it is hard for children to tell their parents when they are having foot troubles. Perhaps the child was born with a foot abnormality so their gait, though abnormal, seems normal to them. Or, a child may feel embarrassed about how their feet appear so they don’t want to bring it up. So, it is very important for parents to keep an eye on children's feet to keep them just as healthy as the rest of their body. Remember these feet have lots of miles ahead of them!!

Here are five things to look out for that might indicate your child is having foot pain or problems.

1. If your child is having trouble keeping up with other children~ If your child frequently lags behind other children in sports or other physical activities this could be due to flat feet causing the leg muscles to tire more easily. The muscles and feet become tired easier because the feet are not functioning as efficiently as they could be.

2. If your child suddenly stops wanting to participate in activities they enjoy~ If your child is suddenly not participating in their favorite activities this could be due to heel pain that is common in children ages 8-14. Heel pain can be caused by repetitive stress that occurs while playing sports. Too much strain can lead to pain and inflammation in the growth plate at the back of your child’s heel.

3. If your child is reluctant to show you their feet~ If a child notices a change in their feet they might be embarrassed or nervous that the change could lead to a trip to the doctors office. Start making it a habit early to check your children's feet for discoloration of the skin or nails, growths, calluses, redness, swelling or ingrown nails. Seek podiatric help for any of these signs of a problem.

4. If your child trips or falls often~ Although children are often clumsy while they are getting used to their body, repeated clumsiness can be a sign of in-toeing, balance problems or neuromuscular conditions.

5. If your child tells you they have foot pain~ Sometimes we get lucky and our children will tell us that their feet hurt. If this happens be thankful and take them to see a podiatrist right away. It is never normal for children to have foot pain and since they are growing all the time foot pain should not go overlooked. If injuries cause pain or swelling for more than a few days see a podiatrist asap.

Even if no symptoms are present and your children don’t complain of foot pain it is a good idea to get a yearly check up to make sure that the feet are growing properly.