Foot Health Information

Hammertoe is a common foot deformity that occurs when the toes become locked into a permanently bent position.  They are often caused by wearing ill-fitting footwear, particularly high-heeled shoes, which force the toes into a bent position.  Anatomically speaking, hammertoes occur due to a muscular imbalance between the tendons on the top and the bottom of the toe, which causes the tendons on the bottom of the toe to become permanently contracted.  A hammertoe can either be flexible or rigid.  A flexible hammertoe can be straightened with effort or by manipulating it with the fingers, while a rigid hammertoe remains permanently bent.  The only way to cure a rigid hammertoe is surgery.  But flexible hammertoes can be reversed by wearing custom orthotics.

A podiatrist can prescribe a functional orthotic for hammertoe.  This orthotic will slow down the development of the deformity and may even reverse it over time.  The orthotic usually attaches to the back of the toes using a toe loop that wraps around the toes like a ring.  It is designed to reduce forefoot pain, relieve stress on the metatarsals and reduce irritation on the tips of the toes.  Over time the orthotic can help to equalize the underlying muscular imbalance that is causing the hammertoe in the first place.  These orthotics should come in different sizes and should be replaced frequently.

Some people with hammertoe like to buy over-the-counter orthotics such as corn or callus pads to treat the condition.  While these can help alleviate some symptoms of tenderness and pain, they won’t reverse the problem.  Beware of corn and callus pads that use mild acids to burn off the hardened skin.  These medicated orthotics should never be used between the toes because the skin will become irritated.

In addition to functional orthotics, hammertoe can be treated (and sometimes reversed) in a variety of ways.  Taking some time off from closed toed shoes is a great way to start.  (You should definitely avoid high heels that push your feet forward in the shoe!)  It is a good idea for people with hammertoe to invest in a pair of orthopedic sandals.  These open toed shoes will not cramp the toes, and they will give your arch, heel, Achilles tendon and the ball of your foot the orthopedic support they need.  Stretching your calf muscles on a regular basis is another easy way to alleviate the symptoms of hammertoe.  Regular stretching of these muscles will help undo the muscular imbalance in your toes.

Kitty Qiu, the author, is founder of Kio Trend Kids’ Shoes and expert on children footwear.

Having a new baby in your family must be exciting, especially when you see them grow, start to crawl and learn to stand up and walk. The first step of a child means so much – not only physical development, but also a great leap forward to observe the world around them. However, choosing the first pair of baby shoes is a daunting task for many new parents. Many questions confuse them: do little babies need shoes at all? Which is better, hard or soft sole? How often do they outgrow shoes they’re wearing now? What are reliable and affordable brands …?

If you happen to be a new parent of your first little cutie pie, here are some shoe purchase tips that might make you less frustrated when shopping baby shoes:

Barefoot Could Be Dangerous. Experts suggest that, when babies learn to crawl or stand on their own, they do not have to wear shoes at all because it’s the better way to learn how to use their feet to support themselves or move around. While barefoot works well on carpets or soft and smooth floor, babies should not go barefoot when walking on hard surfaces (such as concrete)or outside, especially on a gritty sidewalk, let alone some public parks where broken glass shards can be found. Anti-Slip Is Important. Another element of a good pair of baby shoes is that they should be anti-skid which provides more friction when babies crawl on the floor and prevent them from slipping and falling when they learn to walk. Hard Sole vs. Soft Sole. Next problem is hard sol against soft sole. There’re debates on this issue and our suggestion is that soft and bendable sole can actually help your kid walk better. That’s why our infant shoes are all made of supple genuine leather and highly flexible soles. Space for Toes to Grow. According to a recent survey, over 90% of kids are wearing ill-fitted footwear and similar percentage of parents didn’t notice that. You should also make sure that your baby can move his toes freely with shoes on. The premium space between toes and shoes is the width of a little finger and that allows the toes to wiggle and grow healthily. However, too much space between toes and shoes makes the footwear ill-fitted and could even cause babies trip and fall. Lace vs. Velcro. We don’t recommend laced shoes for young babies because if the laces get loose and parents don’t notice it, they could trip and fall. The better choice is Velcro. Some babies learn to wear shoes by themselves and Velcro does not pose a great challenge for them. In general, Velcro is safer and you don’t have to watch from time to time if your kid is walking in loose shoes.

These baby shoes shopping tips are originally published on Kio Trend Baby Shoes blog. More baby foot health tips can also be obtained at AOAS.

One size does not fit all when it comes to sandal foot support.  Most problems with our feet are caused by ill-fitting footwear, so it is important to determine what kind of feet you have, and then purchase the appropriate footwear for your foot.  So much is riding on those feet that you don’t want to risk them!

When you are talking about foot support in sandals, one needs to refer to proper support for the average population and proper support for those with what is commonly referred to as “flat feet”. 

Birkenstock conducted a study* of subjects with both flat-footed subjects and regular subjects, and its scientists came to the following conclusions;

Flat Feet Need Higher Arch Supports

For the flat foot, or pes planus, a moderately high arch support will result in faster walking speeds and a more powerful foot overall.  It is highly recommended that those with flat feet purchase a sandal with arch support.

Average Feet Need Room

The Birkenstock study was inconclusive about what would be best for the normal foot – most of the subjects in the study (twenty out of twenty-seven to be exact) had flat feet.  What does the normal foot need to make a properly fitting sandal?

First of all, the sandal should have some extra room.  Nothing should be too tight, and your feet should not be touching the edge of the sandal.  Make sure that there is 1/8 to 1/4 inch of space all the way around your foot. 

Secondly, one should avoid flip flops if proper foot support is paramount.  Flip flops produce aches and pains in the feet if worn for prolonged periods of time that are signals that bad things are happening to your feet. 

Which Straps Tie You Up?

If the sandal is being worn in a dressier kind of situation, leather and suede straps will do.  If you intend on replacing your sneakers with sandals, you will need a cloth or synthetic strap that allows your foot room to move. 

Cup That Heel

The best sandals for fit have a heel cup, a cup underneath the heel that cushions the heel.   This cup absorbs the extra stresses put on the heel, especially by us heavy walkers! 

Leave Room on Top

Just as you’ve left room for your foot around the edge of the sandal, you need to make sure that you leave an extra inch or so of strap on top of your foot to account for activity and consequent swelling.  A little slack keeps your feet healthy! 

Heavier?  Get Arch Support

If you are overweight you are more subject to plantar fasciitis, or pain in the heel caused by overstressed feet.  This will tend to spike you in the feet first thing in the morning. 

Take some of the load off with a moderately high arch support, similar to that prescribed for flat feet.  Your heels will thank you when they don’t hurt anymore!  Plantar fasciitis can actually feel like you’ve stretched a muscle or tendon, because that is essentially what is going on.  If you’ve just started an exercise regimen, stretch your feet more; this is probably the cause rather than your footwear.  You just need to keep on moving and the pain will go away. 

* DOES SANDAL ARCH HEIGHT EFFECT FOOT AND ANKLE BIOMECHANICS?

Howard J. Hillstrom, Jinsup Song, Esther Kim, and Benjamin Heilman

Gait Study Center, Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine

Most of us like shoes that look good. However, should this be at the risk of comfort and injury? There are many styles of shoes that not only look good but also they feel good. It is not necessary to give up one for the other.

What To Look For

When trying shoes on wiggle the toes to check for freedom of movement.

If you notice any discomfort try a larger size because the pain will only get worse. Remember to check the sole for flexibility by bending the shoe. If the sole is rigid and does not move with you, this could be a prescription for latter discomfort resulting in painful feet.

Walking Shoes

If you are standing on your feet all day then shoe comfort can really a big issue.

Feet will spread more when standing than sitting. Arch support and adequate toe room are very important. You can easily check support by placing your hand inside the shoe and checking for padding in vital areas like the heel, balls of the feet and arches.

Shoe Widths

When it comes to shoes, there is no such thing as one size fits all.

Depending on the breadth of your feet, you can buy the same size shoe in wider or narrower widths. Women’s’ widths run from AA (narrow) to EE (extra wide). Parallel sizes for men are BB (narrow) to EEEE (extra wide).

Flat feet

If you have flat feet then proper arch support is necessary to avoid foot pain. The better shoemakers will include some form of arch support. If additional support is desired then these may also be purchased in the form of partial or full sole inserts for added comfort.

Shoe Insoles

Like a car shoes have shock absorbers to prevent your feet from feeling the total impact of the bumps in the road. Full size insoles with proper cushioning will protect multiple pressure points and reduce injuries.

Diabetic Shoes

Preventing ulceration of the feet due to excessive rubbing of the shoes can become a major concern if you have diabetes. Because of loss of sensation in the extremities, a diabetic may be unaware of blisters on the feet. Custom fitted shoes may be the best solution if over the counter products are not working.

Swelling Feet

If your feet tend to swell, then you may want to consider buying shoes a size larger to reduce any discomfort and tightness after feet have swollen.

Walking In Your Shoes

When trying on new pair of shoes do not forget walk around the shoe store to get a sense of how they will feel once purchased.

Shoe Materials

Shoe materials like suede and leather provide not only more flexibility but comfort because the material is able to conform to the shape of the foot and exert less resistance in sensitive areas.

Uncomfortable Shoes

Narrow toed and high-heeled shoes if worned to excess can eventually cause injuries to the ankles, calves, toes, back and knees. High-heeled shoes have been known to distribute weight unevenly causing extra pressure on the ball and front of the foot. Conditions such as hammertoes and bunions have been directly attributed to these kinds of shoes. Many podiatrists recommend shoes with a maximum height of no more than 1inch for maximum comfort.

Finally

Feet are one of our most precious possessions. Take care of them and they will serve you well for many years to come. Abuse them and pay the price.

There are many reasons to buy sandals. Sandals are generally comfortable to wear, are easy to manage (you can usually just put them on and go), promote foot health, and can add fun and excitement to your outfit. Unless someone does the shopping for you (not a good idea), there is no getting around shopping for sandals. The tips listed below can help make the activity as productive as possible, so that you end up with a pair of sandals that are just perfect for you.

The Basics

You shouldn’t consider shopping for sandals a mindless activity that requires no forethought. You are going to spend your hard-earned money, so it is only fitting that you put some thought in shopping for sandals. The following are the very least you should do when shopping for sandals:

-Schedule sufficient time. Plan to spend some quality time looking for sandals. Rushing through the selection process can result in you ending up with a pair of sandals that will not provide you the most benefit and use.

-Shop in the afternoon. Our feet swell as the day progresses, so for the best fit you shouldn’t try on sandals before noon.

-Browse several different styles. It is always a good idea to try on several pair of sandals, even if you fall in love with the first pair.

-Try before you buy. Make sure you actually try on sandals before you buy them. Shoes tend to look different on your feet than when they are on the shelf.

-Get approval from your doctor, if necessary. People with certain health conditions, such as diabetes, have special concerns for their feet and should obtain approval from their health care practitioner before buying sandals. The doctor may also recommend a specific type of sandal.

Shop for Use

While you are having fun browsing through the different styles, keep how you plan to use the sandals in mind. This is especially true if you want to wear multi-purpose sandals. Sandals are designed with various distinguishing characteristics. Some high heel dress sandals are suitable for minimal walking. Many beach sandals, such as flip flops, offer very little ankle support. Sport sandals tend to have more support features. Realizing these differences can help you determine what style will work best for you.

When considering where you are planning to wear the sandals, color is also a factor to think about. For example, if you are planning to buy a single pair of sandals, you probably should choose a neutral shade. Sandals in shades of brown, black, and navy tend to go with a wider selection of colors.

Don’t Forget Comfort

With all the appealing styles available, it’s easy to be drawn to sandals that are most attractive on your feet. While good looks are important in a sandal, you should not neglect to consider the level of comfort. The sole of the sandal is important because it offers the main support for your foot. It is recommended that the sole of your sandal is wider than your foot. Birkenstock sandals are designed with a thicker sole and are just brand of sandals that offer significant comfort features.

Shoe insoles are inserts for shoes, that correct any impediment in your walking pattern or discrepancy in the leg length. Shoes Insoles are not just “fallen arch supports,” although some are. They perform many functions, by slightly altering the angle at which the foot strikes the ground, insoles make standing, walking, and running much more comfortable and a lot more efficient. Shoe insoles can be manufactured in many different materials, silicone, leather, foam even wood, silicone being the most widely used, due to it’s form retaining properties, being both strong, durable and elasticated not to mention inexpensive. Shoe Insoles, also known as foot orthotics offer pain relief to sufferers of many ailments, such as flat feet, foot, leg, heel, or shin pain, shoe insoles can, in a great many circumstances, offer a better quality of life. Shoe insoles can help if you suffer any of the following ailments, Achilles Tendonitis, Corns, Metatarsalgia, Sesamoiditis, Ankle Sprains, Flat Feet, Neuroma, Tendonitis, Arch Pain, Heel Pain, Pronation, Top of the foot pain, Bunions, Knee Pain, Shin Pain,Toe Pain.

 Almost anyone, from children to adults, can benefit from shoe insoles. Insoles can alleviate many common foot problems that cause pain and discomfort in otherwise healthy people. An analogy can be made between orthotics (shoe insoles) and eyeglasses, both devices adjust problems that can impair physical function.

 To understand how orthotics work, it is important to understand the actual mechanics of walking. With each step, the heel ideally should land first on the ground, From there, the foot begins to flatten and then comes off the ground at the toes. So, during each step, weight shifts from heel to toes. Shoe insoles control how the foot strikes the ground, absorb shock, and reduce stress in the foot. Walking is actually a complex process in which many things can go wrong. If a structural problem is present, the foot can collapse under the body’s weight. Over time, stress on the feet can result in deformities. One of the foot’s main functions is shock absorbtion, it does this through a complex process in which the arch of the foot flattens slightly. This absorbs and distributes the weight throughout the entire foot. There are two major problems that can occur. The first problem occurs when the arch does not flatten at all. This typically occurs in a person with a high arch, called a cavus foot. Because the arch does not flatten, it absorbs shock poorly. Instead of spreading the weight throughout the entire foot, this can cause pain in the knees, hips, and lower back.To correct this condition, an orthotic (shoe insole) is used to adjust and even out the contact between the foot and the ground. This allows the entire foot to support the weight of the body. A different problem results when the arch flattens too much. This is known as a planus or flatfoot. A flatfoot is unstable and cannot maintain a proper arch. Over time, the weight of the body on an unstable foot can cause the bones of the foot to become misaligned. This can lead to the development bunions, hammertoes and other foot deformities, as well as knee and lower back pain.To address this problem, an orthotic with an increased arch can be used to distribute the weight evenly. Using shoe insoles offers support, stability, cushioning, and the necessary alignment to keep the feet, ankles, and lower body comfortable, healthy, and pain-free. Height increasing insoles or heel lifts can also be used to correct any discrepancy in leg length, caused by injury or natural growth ailments, inserted into the shoe, they can either increase your height or as stated above, correct any difference in leg length, great for vanity too.

 Whether you are an athlete, a policeman, soldier, housewife or just spend all day on your feet, shoe Insoles give you pain relief and the comfort to enjoy your life.

Running shoes is the one type of shoe that can usually be found in every single closet of America. They are the one type of shoe that most of us will use at least once in our life. Some buy them for exercising, for outdoor activities, and just because they are comfortable.

There are dozens of brand name and different types of running shoes that makes it difficult for many of us to make the choice of which one to choose. The choice lies in the type of feet that you have and how comfortable you want it to be.

It is not uncommon for someone to purchase a shoe that fits perfectly for them – but for someone else (with the same shoe size) it may hurt their feet. Most shoes of any type are divided into three categories that include; stability, cushioned, and motion control. There are also three minor categories that they could fall in that include; racing, off road, and performance training.

The best way to find your ideal pair of running shoes is to perform the ‘wet foot test’. This test is the process of finding a pair of shoes that will fit the shape of your foot. Taking a piece of parchment and place your wet foot upon it. Examine the shape of your footprint and look for specific features.

Normal Feet

If you foot looks normal and has a normal sized arch then your footprint will have a flare and will show the forefoot and heel that connected by a broad band. The foot will land on the outside of the heel and then roll to the inside in order to absorb any shock. This is a runner’s foot – which means that instead on motion control shoes you will need stability running shoes with only minor control features added to it.

Flat Feet

People with flat feet will have a low arch and their print will be able to show the entire sole of the foot. This is also referred to as an overprinted foot. This type of foot will strike on the outside of the heel before rolling to the inside too much. A foot like this can lead to other problems. In order to avoid many of these problems you should consider high stability or motion control running shoes that are built with firm midsoles to help reduce the degree of pronation.

High Arched Feet

People with high arched feet will leave a footprint that has an incredibly narrow band or even no band between the heel and the forefoot. This type of foot has a high arch and is curved. It is not able to absorb shock very well. Because of this we recommend cushioned running shoes that are built with flexibility to help give proper foot motion.