Heels, Yeah!

Extracted from Shape Magazine November 2013

After one hour and six minutes of wearing heels, most women are in pain, a new U.K. survey found. Still, more than 40% say they're willing to suffer for fashion. Sound familiar? Lessen the hurt with these tips from heel-wearing podiatrists in New York City:

1. Find the Right Fit: Narrow feet can slip around in shoes, so choose a heel with an ankle strap for added stability, Krista Archer suggests. If you have wide feet, your best bet is a wedge with a rounded toe box, which is more forgiving on joints than pointy-toed stilettos.
2. Be a Pencil Pusher: "Slip off your shoes under your desk at work, put your feet together and try to pick up a pencil with your toes to activate the 38 muscles in each foot and strengthen your arches," Suzanne Levine advises.
3. Stretch It Out: "Over time, wearing heels of the same height will cause your Achilles tendons to tighten and shrink, which can lead to pain," Jacqueline Sutera says. Do a few downward dog stretches each night to release tension in the back of your legs. 

foot with narrow flats on

foot without shoes on

If you notice deformities developing (hammertoes, bunions, taylor's bunion) or pain from your current deformities, don't hesitate to give us a call. There are plenty of conservative and surgical treatments available!

Feel Good in Flip-Flops

The summer staples may not be doing your feet any favors, stride safely with these expert-approved styles and tips!

When it's steamy outside, skimpy clothes and sanda rule. But think twice before donning those flimsy thongs on a daily basis. "It causes over-pronation when wearing flip flops because there's no arch support, in addition flip flops make you claw your toes just to keep them on in order to walk," Dr. Kate Steklachich, D.P.M. That can lead to painful problems like plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, and shin splints. Fortunately, some companies now make healthier versions, but fit is key. And if a pair doesn't meet the following criteria, give them a pass.

• Support: Look for a visible arch formation. The toe end should slope upward a bit to help you grip while walking.
• Flexibility: But they shouldn't be too floppy; if you can fold one in half with your hand, put them back on the shelf.
• Traction: Tread patterns on the outsole will keep you grounded.

Here are a few suggestions:

• Montrail Molokini ($60)- Warm these in the oven before wearing them for the first time and the "thermo-moldable" footbeed will permanently conform to your contours
• Orthaheel Tide ($60)- If you pronate-meaning your feet roll in too much when you walk. A deel heel cup and motion-control footbed encourage proper alignment

  

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• Okabashi Ocean ($20)- This recyclable sandal provides excellent arch support with massaging beads. Bonus: if the sandals get grimy, you can run them through the diswasher
• Sole Sport Flips ($70)- In addition to a wide platform that allows overheated feet to expand, boast a metatarsal cushion and a hidden toe ridge to provide extra gripping power.

source: Shape Magazine August 2012 Issue