Download - How to keep your feet fit
How to Keep Your Feet Fit
Rachel N. Verville, DPMRNV Podiatry
Fun Foot Facts
The Human Foot Consists of 26 Bones and 33 Ligaments
The 52 Bones in Your Feet Make Up 25% of All the Bones In Your Body
The Average Person Takes 8,000 to 10,000 Steps Per Day – Which Adds Up to 115,000 Miles In a Lifetime (More Than 4x Circumference of Globe)
Shoe ShoppingSome shoes might be too hardSome shoes might be too soft
Some shoes might be just right
When to Buy ShoesAmerican Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
states buying shoes is best done during the afternoon.
Running Shoes
Purchase New Shoes Every 6 – 9 Months
-Avoids Injury
-Shock Absorbance
-Arch Support
Running Shoes
3 General Types of Foot Types:
1. Low Arch
2. Normal Arch
3. High Arch
Low Arch Feet
Choose a Supportive Running Shoe Designed For:
1. Stability
2. Motion Control
These Shoes Help to Correct for Over-Pronation
Normal Arch Feet
Choose a Running Shoe With Equal Amounts of:
1. Stability
2. Cushioning
These Shoes Help Absorb Shock
High Arch Feet
Choose a Cushioned Running Shoe With:
1. Softer Midsole
2. More Flexibility
These Shoes Provide Compensation for Poor Shock Absorption
Runners
Avoid Overtraining
Properly Fitted, Supportive Running Shoes
Avoid Concrete – Try a more Shock Absorbent Surface
Properly Stretch
Stretching Exercises
Helps Prevent Any Ligamentous or Tendon Injury
Foot Padding
Shoe Inserts
Custom Orthotics
Heel Pads
Heel Cups
Metatarsal Pads
U-Shaped Metatarsal Pads
Callus Pads
Toe Spreaders
Toe Separators
Shoe Inserts
Place Into Closed-Toe Shoes
Provide Extra Cushioning and Support
Lasts a Couple Months
Cannot Cure Biomechanical Foot Problems
Prescription Custom OrthoticsSpecifically Designed for You and No One Else
Match the Contours of Your Feet
Designed for the Way You Move
Control Abnormal Foot Motion
Can Last Up to 2 Years
Orthotics
Heel Pads
Reduces Blisters at Back of Heel
Helps Prevent Heels from Slipping Out of Shoes
Heel Cups
Cushions and Protects the Heel With Each Step We Take
Metatarsal Pad
Cushions Ball of Foot & Reduces Pressure While Walking or Standing
U-Shaped Metatarsal Pad
Surrounds Callus & Reduces Pain by Transferring Pressure From Callus to Cushion
Callus Pads
Surrounds Callus & Reduces Pain by Transferring Pressure From Callus to Cushion
Toe Spreaders
Helps Prevent Friction and Blisters from Over-Lapping Toes
Most Helpful Between the Big Toe and 2nd Toe
Toe Separators
Helps Relieve Pain and Pressure Between the Smaller Toes
High Heels
All About Moderation
Platform Gives More Cushion
Feel Free to Use Foot Pads
Flip-Flop Do’s & Don’ts
Flip-Flop Do’s
Do Shop For a Flip-Flop Made of High-Quality, Soft Leather
Do Gently Bend From End-to-End, Ensuring it Bends at Ball of Foot
Do Ensure Your Foot Does Not Hang Off the Edge
Do Wear Around a Public Pool, Hotel Rooms, & Locker Rooms
Flip-Flop Don’ts
Don’t Re-Wear Flip-Flops Year After Year
Don’t Ignore Irritation Between Toes
Don’t Wear When Walking Long Distances
Don’t Do Yard-Work When Wearing
Don’t Play Sports When Wearing
Children’s Footwear
Children’s Feet Change With Age
Shoes That Do Not Fit Properly Can Aggravate the Feet
Never Hand Down Footwear
Examine the Heels
Children’s Footwear
Take Your Child Shoe Shopping
Always Buy for the Larger Foot
Buy Shoes That Do Not Need a “Break-In” Period
Children’s Footwear
Look For a Stiff Heel
Check Toe Flexibility
Select a Shoe With a Rigid Middle
Common Foot Problems
Bunions
Hammertoes
Plantar Fasciitis
Ingrown Toenails
Toenail Fungus
Athlete’s Foot
Bunions
An Enlargement of the Joint at the Base of the Big Toe
Caused by Abnormal Foot Types – Excess Pressure on Certain Areas of Foot
Treatment:
Wide Shoes
Padding
Orthotics
Surgery
Bunion Pad
Hammertoes
Toe Contracture at the First or Second Joint
Caused by Abnormal Balance of Muscles in the Toes – Results in Increased Pressures on Joints & Tendons
Treatment:
Wide & Deep Shoes
Padding
Orthotics
Surgery
Hammertoe Pad
Plantar Fasciitis
Inflammation of Band of Tissue Along Bottom of Foot
Tissue Becomes Strained Over Time
Common Amongst Active Individuals
Results in Heel Pain & Swelling
Treatment:IcingStretchingOrthoticsSupportive Shoes
Ingrown Toenails
Nail Corners or Sides Dig Into the Soft Tissue Surrounding the NailCaused by:
Toe PressureTraumaImproperly Trimmed Toenails
Treatment:Remove Edge of Toenail by Podiatrist
Toenail Fungus
Thickened, Discolored Toenails
Fungi Thrive in Damp Areas – Such as Swimming Pools & Locker Rooms – Barefoot Areas
Prevention:
Wear Shower Shoes When Possible in Public Areas
Wear Shoes that Fit Well with Materials that Breathe
Disinfect Home Pedicure Tools
Treatment:
Antifungal Medication / Creams / Ointments
Athlete’s Foot
Skin Disorder Caused by Fungus
Fungi Thrive in Dampness around Swimming Pools & Locker Rooms
Symptoms:
Dry, Itching, Scaling Skin
Redness
Treatment:
Antifungal Creams / Ointments
Diabetes
Body’s Inability to Manufacture or Properly Use Insulin – Resulting in a High Blood Sugar
Diabetes Greatly Affects Your Eyes, Heart, Kidneys, Nerves, & Feet
25.8 Million Children & Adults have Diabetes
8.3% of the Population
Diabetes Warning Signs in the Feet
Skin Color Changes
Swelling of the Foot or Ankle
Numbness of the Feet or Toes
Open Sores on the Feet that are Slow to Heel
Pain
Diabetic Foot Care
Inspect Feet Daily
Wear Thick, Soft Socks
Have New Shoes Properly Fitted
Exercise
Do Not Walk Barefoot
Do Not Try to Remove Corns or Calluses on Your Own
Regular Check-ups With a Podiatrist
Pedicure Pointers
Watch to Make Sure the Pedicurist Opens Sterile Tools in Front of You
Resist the Urge to Shave Legs Before Receiving a Pedicure
Do Not Let a Foot Razor be Used on Your Callus – Instead Use a Pumice Stone or Foot File while feet are wet
Pedicure Pointers
Do Not Round Edges of Toenails – Cut Straight Across
Cuticles are a Protective Barrier - Do Not Cut Your Cuticles! – Please Gently Push Back Cuticles
Pedicure Pointers
Use an Emery Board to Smooth Nail Edges – File Lightly in One Direction
Apply Emollient-Enriched Moisturizer Daily to Keep Soles Soft
Foot Massage
Ease Tension
Increase Flexibility
Helps Increase Circulation
Relaxation
Conclusion
No Need to Live with Foot Pain
MODERATION is the KEY
Try to Place COMFORT FIRST
Take Good Care of Your Feet
Feel Free to Visit a Podiatrist with any Questions