FOOT & SHOE BASICS

If The Shoe Fits – Wear It!

We always discuss proper shoe fitting with our patients and recommend the correct type of shoes appropriate for different work, recreation and sports activities.

• Wear appropriate shoes for the activity you are performing: well-cushioned shoes for long periods of standing, and activity specific ones for exercise.
• Your running shoes should be changed every 350-500 miles. If these shoes are exposed to temperature extremes, weathering will age them prematurely and result in a loss of shock absorption.  Walking shoes are subject to less stress.  If you walk up to 4 miles per day change your walking shoes every 6 to 9 months.
• Sandals do not give feet support.  They should not be worn for long periods of time or for sports.  If you have any ankle imbalance or injury don’t wear sandals.
• Leather shoes are better than man-made materials (plastic or vinyl), as they breathe.  Man-made materials trap moisture inside the shoe, cause your feet to sweat more and lead to the development of fungus.
• Don’t wear the same pair of shoes every day - this goes for work shoes too.
• Purchase shoes towards the end of the day, when your feet are the most swollen.  Always try on both shoes and walk in the store to ensure a good fit. Buy shoes for the larger foot, if your feet are different sizes. The widest part of your foot should correspond to the widest part of your shoe. Wear the same type of sock you normally wear while trying on new shoes.  A shoe should feel comfortable in the store; they should not need to be "broken in."
• Children’s Shoes - Shoe fit is really important for children whose feet change in size about 26 times.  Signs of needing new shoes are: your old shoes are feeling tight, you can't wiggle your toes, you are beginning to get calluses, or the tread on the soles of the shoes is worn out.
• Always get feet measured when it’s time to buy new shoes.  Make sure that there’s a “good thumb” space between the big toe and the end of the shoe.  However, shoes that are too big are not good either because a loose shoe can cause you to jam your toenails, twist an ankle, or break a bone.

Healthy Socks

• Fungus is tough to get rid of so make sure to carefully choose your sport socks. Socks that wick moisture away from the foot are very helpful in preventing athlete's foot and blisters and controlling the spread of fungus. The best moisture wicking socks are made primarily of synthetic fibers.
• Don’t wear tight socks or nylons that squeeze your toes or bunch under your feet.
• Make sure you change your socks at least once a day; don’t wear the same pair two days in a row.
• Avoid wearing nylon socks and pantyhose for long periods of time.
• Our patients suffering from skin conditions have seen great improvement by wearing Nikken ThermoWear golf and sports socks, available through our practice.  Their special Far-Infrared Technology and copper fibers (golf) keep feet dry and warm, and the special copper fibers effectively prevent annoying static-cling.

Golf Socks	Sport Socks

Clean Feet Are Healthy Feet

• Keep your feet dry.
• Always wear shower shoes in public facilities.
• Cut toenails straight across.
• Take your own tools when you go for a pedicure to avoid picking up who-knows-what from non-sterile instruments or footbaths.
• Clean and disinfect your shower at least once a week.