|
 The folks at the American Podiatric Medical Association care about your feet. They want you to coddle them, treat them lovingly and not take them for granted.
So they’ve sent out several press releases telling us how to pamper our tootsies and, for women, how to avoid common sandal issues.
PAIN IN THE FOOT
The style: Flats, slides, peeptoe sandals.
The problem: Thin soles don’t cushion and support, so you can easily get arch and heel pain, and issues with your Achilles’ tendon.
The solution: Don’t wear these styles over long periods, and don’t walk far in them. Try cushioned inserts. Find a sole that doesn’t twist too much.
TOE JAM
The style: Flip-flops, toe-ring flats, strappy sandals, gladiator sandals.
The problem: Rubbing between the toes; callus and deadskin buildup around the heels; twisting of ankles and feet. There’s a lack of support and shock absorption.
The solution: Choose flipflops made of natural materials, make sure the shoe fits right and your foot doesn’t hang off the edge. One shoe that the group recommends is Chaco’s Flipside (http://chaco.youshoeshop.com).
HEELING POWER
The style: Platform heels, wedge sandals.
The problem: Anything higher than a 2-inch heel can change the way the foot functions and cause it to wobble. You’ll end up with pain on the ball of the foot and maybe get foot and ankle sprains.
The solution: Buy shoes with lower, wider heels and a stable sole; consider something like an Insolia insert (www.insolia.com.)
TIPS
- Apply sunscreen to feet if you’re wearing sandals.
- Don’t share towels at the pool, unless you want athlete’s foot.
- Give yourself plenty of time to break in new shoes, especially if you’re going on a trip on which you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
- If you’re into boating or other water sports, wear the appropriate marine footwear.
- Wear shoes specific to whatever activity you’re doing — for instance, don’t wear sandals while mowing the lawn.
- After swimming or bathing, dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes. Apply a topical anti-fungal medication on cracked or itchy skin.
Source: THE GAZETTE July 4, 2007
|
