Posts for tag: sandals
The last week in July means many things: it's time to cross those last few activities off your summer bucket list, the local water hole is at its peak, everyone seems to be on vacation, and that one pair of sandals you've been wearing all summer are needing to be replaced. Labor day is still a few weeks away so why not grab a pair of stylish sandals to finish the summer strong. If the sandals look good they'll make you feel great, right? Well, only if they offer you the correct support and are constructed properly. Podiatrists at the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) recommend the following six sandal secret solutions.
1. Flats and Slides
Problem: Arch and heel pain is common due to inadequate cushioning and foot support.
Secret Solution: If prolonged wearing cannot be avoided, try cushioned inserts for shock absorption. APMA accepted Foot Petals' Amazing Arches are an ideal product. Also, when buying this type of sandal avoid a sole that twists excessively.
2. Gladiator and Strappy Sandals
Problem: Lack of support and shock absorption is frequent. Due to the sandal design, irritation between the toes along with callus and dead skin build-up around the heels are commonly noticed.
Secret Solution: When buying select materials such as leather and ensure proper fit without toes or heels hanging off the edge.
3. Platform and High Heels
Problem: Pain in the ball of the foot and ankle injuries are frequent.
Secret Solution: Purchase and wear a lower more sable heel (less than 2 inches in height).
4. Wedge and Espadrille Sandals
Problem: Instability and difficulty walking cause ankle twists or sprains.
Secret Solution: Pick a sandal with a wider, flatter wedge that also contains a rubber sole with good traction.
5. Peep-toe Sandals
Problem: Bunions and hammertoes can develop from loads of pressure on the toes.
Secret Solution: Wear these sandals for only short periods. A Giovanna Toe Cusion by Heaven4Toes or another APMA accepted insert is also recommended. .
6. Ankle Wrap Sandals
Problem: The straps can cause blisters as well as provide inadequate ankle support.
Secret Solution: Purchase a sandal with ankle wraps made of a soft, breathable material such as leather, cotton or satin. When wearing don't wrap the ankle strap to tight.
It's the time of the year when flip-flops and ice cream cones create an excellent combination. The same reasons people enjoy the foot freedom of flip-flops also lead to a podiatric nightmare. While poor flip-flops offer little arch support, heel cushioning, or shock absorption, all give little protection. This increases the risk for stubbed toes, glass cuts, puncture wounds, or having objects crush the foot. The following is a do's and don'ts list according the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) for purchasing and using this type of sandal.
Do's
- Do shop for a flip-flop made of high quality, soft leather. Leather is the best prevention of blisters and other types of irritation.
- Do gently bend the flip-flop from end to end before buying. Only purchase those that bend at the ball of the foot, shoes of any kind should never fold in half.
- Do ensure that your foot does not hang off the edge of the flip-flop.
- Do look for flip-flops that hold APMA's Seal of Acceptance. Evaluated by a team of APMA podiatrists, these products are shown to allow for the most normal foot function and health. For a complete list of all flip-flops with APMA Seal of Acceptance see http://www.apma.org/MainMenu/RecommendedProducts/SealofAcceptance/Seal-Flip-Flops.aspx
- Do wear a sturdy pair of flip-flops when walking around a pool, beach, locker room areas, and hotel rooms. Walking barefoot can expose the foot to plantar wars and athlete's foot.
Don'ts
- Don't re-wear flip-flops year after year. Inspect older pairs for wear and discard them if they show signs of severe wear.
- Don't ignore irritation between toes where the toe thong fits. Irritation can lead to blisters and possible infections.
- Don't wear flip-flops while walking long distances. Even the sturdiest flip-flops offer little in terms of shock absorption and arch support.
- Don't play sports in flip-flops. It becomes much easier to twist the foot or angle causing sprains and breaks.
- Don't do yard work while wearing flip-flops. Always wear a shoe that fully protects feet when doing outside activities especially when mowing the lawn or using a weed-eater.
As the temperature raises it's time to kick off your boots and slip into your most favorite (and most revealing) pair of sandals. But before you head to the beach you might want to consider some spring cleaning for your feet. During the winter months your feet are exposed to many harmful conditions. Wearing those thick socks and heavy shoes can lead to moisture buildup while the opposite occurs when barefoot, as your feet can become extra dry due to the lack of moisture in the air.
To start the season off right, smart choices about grooming and extra care are important. The following at-home treatments recommended by the foot experts at the APMA are designed to get your feet ready for their showing in your favorite summer shoes.
1. Fill a bucket large enough for both feet with warm water and place it at the base of a comfortable chair.
2. Remove nail polish with non-acetone polish remover.
3. While sitting, grasp your foot and begin slowly moving your thumbs from the top of your toes to the bottom of your heal and back. Repeat this stroking as many times as needed to warm your feet and increase circulation.
4. Use a nail clipper to cut toenails straight across. Then use an emery board to smooth nail edges by filing in one direction without drastically rounding edges.
5. Soak feet in warm bucket of water for at least 5 minutes.
6. Raise feet out of bucket and place a foot file or pumice stone into the water. Use the file or stone to gently smooth the skin around the heal, balls, and sides of your feet.
7. Use a fresh towel to dry feet being sure to dry between each toe. As you are drying, cup your heel with one had at the ankle and grab the top of your foot with the other hand. Next, rotate the foot slowly at the ankle a few times in each direction. This will loosen your foot joints.
8. Apply and massage emollient-enriched skin lotion all over your feet. This will hydrate the skin and increase circulation.
9. After allowing the lotion to soak in, wash your feet with soap and water.
10. Before bed, lightly wrap cellophane around your entire foot. This will hold in the moisture allowing your feet to feel soothingly soft in the morning.