New Year's Resolutions...................
Resolution #1: Be more active on this Blog!!
So many people include exercise as a resolution for the new year. So many people give it up because the exercise they have chosen becomes a hardship either because of cost or complicated new equipment. In my mind, the best exercise is also the easiest: Walking.
Walking requires no special equipment other than a pair of appropriate shoes. Walking requires no cost of membership. Walking requires no commitment or long term relationship with a gym. Walking requires you to 1) put on your shoes and 2) Go!
I used to think the same about running. I loved to run. I loved the crisp fresh air and the energy I felt when I was out there engaging with the world outside. And running was easy. Just put on my shoes and go! Running became a problem however, when I my knee scope showed significant arthritis. So instead, walking became the new running.
There are a MILLION websites with info on running, especially with the new year just behind us. This article is what inspired me to return to this blog after a much too long absence. There is some great advice here on how to maximize your walking workout. Walking is the simplest thing you can do to get in shape for the new year!
While I can't promise I will blog weekly, I will try to focus on walking more because I truly believe walking is the answer to many people's quest for fitness.
Today I want to talk about shoes. While there used to be an entire category of "walking shoes" that I don't think were never intended for fitness walking. The very best shoes for fitness walking are running shoes. Running shoes, as opposed to tennis shoes, basketball shoes or even cross trainers allow you to propel in a forward motion from heel to toe. Running shoes generally have more space in the toe box, provide more support, give padding at the ball of the foot and allow for shock absorption. I am talking about traditional running shoes, not minimalist runners.
This post isn't intended to discuss the differences in the types of running shoes out there - that is an entirely different topic but the key elements are 1) making sure you have enough arch support if you are a pronator and 2) making sure you have enough shock absorption if you have a high arch foot and 3) its important to see a podiatric physician to determine your foot type and to be evaluated if you should be in custom orthotics before buying new running shoes. For now, however, make the resolution to walk, find your running shoes and Go!
Showing posts with label walking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label walking. Show all posts
Saturday, January 6, 2018
Monday, July 14, 2014
I LOVE Kitten Heels
As a woman, a female podiatrist and the American Podiatric Medical Association's expert on shoes, especially women's shoes - I must say that I do NOT agree with the statements made here in Yahoo this morning about Kitten Heels! I think they are the perfect alternative to heels for women who want or need to feel dressed up. The height is perfect and the usually skinny heel is not an issue with sidewalk cracks! All women know what to avoid walking over when wearing skinny heals - especially in the city where there are all kinds of grate coverings. I also do not agree that shoes cause bunions, even shoes that pitch the foot forward as stated in this article. They can aggravate bunions, but its foot type that generally causes bunions. I encourage patients to wear Kitten Heels every day in my practice due to their modest heel height!
Friday, March 22, 2013
Sarah Jessica Parker - Did She Say High Heels and Cheap Shoes??
I love Sarah Jessica Parker. I love Sex and the City. I love high heels. But do I love the recent comments she made in Net-a-Porter about heels, cheap shoes and foot problems? No!
Lets see what they said she said.
Sarah Jessica Parker, we all know, is known for her many years of day to day wearing of beautiful, extravagant and expensive high heel shoes during Sex and the City. In fact, in the article she said, "I worked 18-hour days and never took them off." But during filming of I Don't Know How She Does It, she wore a pair of cheaper shoes that led to her an ankle injury.
So she went to a podiatrist and she said he said, "Your foot does things it shouldn't be able to do. That bone there... You've created that bone. It doesn't belong there." Is that really what he said?
They said she said that she slipped because the sole of the shoe was not leather. Certainly a non-slip sole is important; but, I bet he said that the cost of shoe is less of a factor than the components of the shoe. I bet he said that a wider heel shoe is a more stable shoe despite the height of the heel. And I bet he said that a higher heel shoe is a less stable shoe despite the width of the heel. I am wondering if she said he said anything along those lines. I bet he did.
Lets think about what she said he said about her bones. First of all, wearing stilettos for years in your 20's, even if your foot type finds them comfortable, will lead to foot problems in your 30's. That's what I said he probably said. That would certainly be what I said had she come to see me. The shoes do hold your feet in an unnatural position and puts strain on the bones in an unnatural way. But did he actually say that they caused a specific bone? I doubt that is what he said. Maybe that's not really what they said she said he said.
Wearing those sky high heels on a daily basis may cause or contribute to many bone problems such as arthritis, stress fractures, bunions and hammertoes or even cause bone spurs. Or an even bigger problem is when you wear high heels on a daily basis, your Achilles tendon tightens and shortens and it makes it almost impossible to wear flats! If her podiatrist had asked Ms. Parker if that was the case, I am willing to bet my most expensive shoes that he said she said yes!
You may love wearing those heels now; but no matter who you are, Sarah Jessica Parker included, those high heels will present problems down the line if you wear them too much.
That's all I am saying.
Lets see what they said she said.
Sarah Jessica Parker, we all know, is known for her many years of day to day wearing of beautiful, extravagant and expensive high heel shoes during Sex and the City. In fact, in the article she said, "I worked 18-hour days
So she went to a podiatrist and she said he said, "Your foot does things it shouldn't be able to do. That bone there... You've created that bone. It doesn't belong there." Is that really what he said?
They said she said that she slipped because the sole of the shoe was not leather. Certainly a non-slip sole is important; but, I bet he said that the cost of shoe is less of a factor than the components of the shoe. I bet he said that a wider heel shoe is a more stable shoe despite the height of the heel. And I bet he said that a higher heel shoe is a less stable shoe despite the width of the heel. I am wondering if she said he said anything along those lines. I bet he did.
Lets think about what she said he said about her bones. First of all, wearing stilettos for years in your 20's, even if your foot type finds them comfortable, will lead to foot problems in your 30's. That's what I said he probably said. That would certainly be what I said had she come to see me. The shoes do hold your feet in an unnatural position and puts strain on the bones in an unnatural way. But did he actually say that they caused a specific bone? I doubt that is what he said. Maybe that's not really what they said she said he said.
Wearing those sky high heels on a daily basis may cause or contribute to many bone problems such as arthritis, stress fractures, bunions and hammertoes or even cause bone spurs. Or an even bigger problem is when you wear high heels on a daily basis, your Achilles tendon tightens and shortens and it makes it almost impossible to wear flats! If her podiatrist had asked Ms. Parker if that was the case, I am willing to bet my most expensive shoes that he said she said yes!
You may love wearing those heels now; but no matter who you are, Sarah Jessica Parker included, those high heels will present problems down the line if you wear them too much.
That's all I am saying.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Frostbite - Should Health Women Worry??
When we think of frostbite in Chicago and other large cities, most people think of the homeless and others out without proper foot protection from the elements. But working women, especially those who commute downtown, should also be cautious!
So many of my patients commute to the city. They take the train from Naperville or surrounding western suburbs and walk to their offices from the train. I can tell you that most of these women are not wearing Uggs as part of their winter foot wear if there is no snow.
Most women tend to wear the same dress shoes and hosiery for their multiple block walks to and from the train - unless they wear sneakers for a previously discussed foot problem. These shoes, or fashion boots, lack the warmth that winter boots provide and most dress shoes leave a good part of the foot exposed. This exposure - especially when the temps dip into the teens - can lead to frostbite in some people.
Risk factors include anyone with circulation problems or diabetes but even health women should be cautious if they are smokers, take certain medications or have something called Raynaud's.
Raynaud's is often associated with some rheumatic diseases (Raynaud's phenomenon), but it can also be present by itself Raynaud's is fairly common - even my 15 year old daughter has it! Toes and occasionally fingers get very cold and even turn white when exposed to cold temperatures or other stressful triggers. It is more common in women and those who live in colder climates. Even while at home, my daughter's second toe often turns white.
I have my daughter rewarm her toe in warm water or with a warm compress until the normal color returns to her toe; but prevention is the key with women who experience this problem. Wearing socks (even in the house during the cold months), wearing boots when outside and limiting exposure to the very cold air. On the really cold days, I recommend to my patients that they take a cab to and from their offices and the train.
Raynauds is a vasospastic problem of the arteries which blocks the blood flow to the toes or fingers. Risk factors for health women include the use of cold medications that include pseudoephedrine (Chlor-Trimeton, Sudafed) and birth control pills. Women should not smoke if they have Raynauds - its the perfect and very real reason to give my daughter not to start smoking!
So many of my patients commute to the city. They take the train from Naperville or surrounding western suburbs and walk to their offices from the train. I can tell you that most of these women are not wearing Uggs as part of their winter foot wear if there is no snow.
Most women tend to wear the same dress shoes and hosiery for their multiple block walks to and from the train - unless they wear sneakers for a previously discussed foot problem. These shoes, or fashion boots, lack the warmth that winter boots provide and most dress shoes leave a good part of the foot exposed. This exposure - especially when the temps dip into the teens - can lead to frostbite in some people.
Risk factors include anyone with circulation problems or diabetes but even health women should be cautious if they are smokers, take certain medications or have something called Raynaud's.
Raynaud's is often associated with some rheumatic diseases (Raynaud's phenomenon), but it can also be present by itself Raynaud's is fairly common - even my 15 year old daughter has it! Toes and occasionally fingers get very cold and even turn white when exposed to cold temperatures or other stressful triggers. It is more common in women and those who live in colder climates. Even while at home, my daughter's second toe often turns white.
I have my daughter rewarm her toe in warm water or with a warm compress until the normal color returns to her toe; but prevention is the key with women who experience this problem. Wearing socks (even in the house during the cold months), wearing boots when outside and limiting exposure to the very cold air. On the really cold days, I recommend to my patients that they take a cab to and from their offices and the train.
Raynauds is a vasospastic problem of the arteries which blocks the blood flow to the toes or fingers. Risk factors for health women include the use of cold medications that include pseudoephedrine (Chlor-Trimeton, Sudafed) and birth control pills. Women should not smoke if they have Raynauds - its the perfect and very real reason to give my daughter not to start smoking!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Resolution #9: Clear out that fungal infection once and for all!
2011 brings much good news for fungal nails! New laser treatments are now being used to attack the fungus within and beneath the nails and are showing great success and Family Podiatry Center is the first (and one of the only) offices to offer it in the western suburbs! It’s no longer necessary to decide if the anti-fungal pills are worth the risk – laser treatments for fungal nails will change the way we look at our toe nails!
The laser we are using is a dual wave length laser that acts by destroying the fungal cells within the nail and the skin beneath the nail. The results we have been seeing are dramatic. The advantage for this laser is that you only have to treat the nails that have the fungus so it is more economical than outer options.
The laser we are using is a dual wave length laser that acts by destroying the fungal cells within the nail and the skin beneath the nail. The results we have been seeing are dramatic. The advantage for this laser is that you only have to treat the nails that have the fungus so it is more economical than outer options.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Resolution #8: Walk for fitness but make sure you have the right gear
Walking is the easiest fitness program you can create but you need the right gear! A good pair of walking or running shoes that compliments your foot type is essential. Many people also benefit from custom orthotics that are like eye glasses for your feet. Custom Orthotics made by a podiatrist are prescribed based on your foot type, problems you are having and the amount of control you may require to keep your feet working their best. At Family Podiatry Center, orthotics are used to control progressive deformities such as bunions and hammertoes, relieve stressed tendons and to prevent additional injuries.
Orthotics can be made from a foam impression (the least accurate method), a plaster cast (the most traditional method) and the way that Family Podiatry Center makes them, from a computer analysis of the way you walk (the most advanced and accurate method). The computer analysis can be used for all types of orthotics - sport, dress or even sandal orthotics!
Patient satisfaction for both our dress and sport orthotics has never been higher! Typically, people relate that they can't believe the difference and can't imagine walking without their orthotics.
Orthotics can be made from a foam impression (the least accurate method), a plaster cast (the most traditional method) and the way that Family Podiatry Center makes them, from a computer analysis of the way you walk (the most advanced and accurate method). The computer analysis can be used for all types of orthotics - sport, dress or even sandal orthotics!
Patient satisfaction for both our dress and sport orthotics has never been higher! Typically, people relate that they can't believe the difference and can't imagine walking without their orthotics.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Resolution #7: Give your toes a break
Hammertoes are deformities of the digits (toes) that cause them to bend or curve. They can be flexible or rigid and often cause pain, corns or bursitis on the tops of the toes. Severe hammertoes can even cause problems at the ball of the foot and make walking difficult with or without shoes. Changing your shoes can help give them more room to sit comfortably, but often surgery is necessary to “break” the toes to allow them to lie straight to avoid these problems.
When is it time to have your hammertoes corrected? Unlike bunions, hammertoes can be put off as the surgery usually involves destroying the joint sp it is not so necessary to try to preserve the joint. However, that being said; hammertoes are progressive and if treated early, it is possible to save the joint if treatment is during the flexible state.
When is it time to have your hammertoes corrected? Unlike bunions, hammertoes can be put off as the surgery usually involves destroying the joint sp it is not so necessary to try to preserve the joint. However, that being said; hammertoes are progressive and if treated early, it is possible to save the joint if treatment is during the flexible state.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Resolution #6: Take advantage of new technologies
So many new technologies now exist for treating everything from chronic pain to heel pain to flat feet to lasers for fungal nails.
Stay tuned for more info on lasers for fungal nails in the upcoming weeks!!!!!
Stay tuned for more info on lasers for fungal nails in the upcoming weeks!!!!!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Resolution #5: Treat your injuries with the respect they deserve
Each week, I see at least one or two paients telling me they has a previous injury and they are now having related problems! Sometimes it is the same injury or sometimes it is a problem that occured at the same time of an injury that was treated at an emergency room but was ignored by the emergency room staff!
Far too often we hear of people simply getting an ace wrap for an ankle injury! Injuries need to be addressed as soon as possible and need to be given proper attention. Injured soft tissues (ligaments and tendons) need as much support, if not more, than broken bones. If they are not treated properly, re-injury of the tissue is likely in the future and scar tissue and chronic problems can easily occur. If pain persists even after you have been told by an emergency room or other doctor that you didn’t suffer a fracture, please make an appointment at Family Podiatry Center to properly evaluate your soft tissues. Soft tissue injuries including sports injury are a specialty of our doctors.
Far too often we hear of people simply getting an ace wrap for an ankle injury! Injuries need to be addressed as soon as possible and need to be given proper attention. Injured soft tissues (ligaments and tendons) need as much support, if not more, than broken bones. If they are not treated properly, re-injury of the tissue is likely in the future and scar tissue and chronic problems can easily occur. If pain persists even after you have been told by an emergency room or other doctor that you didn’t suffer a fracture, please make an appointment at Family Podiatry Center to properly evaluate your soft tissues. Soft tissue injuries including sports injury are a specialty of our doctors.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Resolution #4: Don’t let bunions make you or break you!
Bunions are more than that bump at the base of your big toe. Bunions are deformities of the joint due foot type and bone structure. Bunions are progressive deformities in both women and men. The longer they are left untreated, the more likely they are to develop debilitating arthritis and to interfere with your daily activities. Don’t wait until they are severe to have them corrected! It is best to treat them before they become arthritic. Our surgeons will use X-rays to determine what stage your bunion is in and how best to treat it. Most of our bunion patients are back on their feet within a few days of surgery.
A patient that had surgery right before the end of the year came in for her follow up visit last week and couldn't believe how easy the surgery was. She said she only took two pain pills. Don't be afraid of surgery if it is recommended - certainly feel free to get a second opinion, but be sure that the opinion discusses what procedure should be performed, not just if you are ready for surgery.
A patient that had surgery right before the end of the year came in for her follow up visit last week and couldn't believe how easy the surgery was. She said she only took two pain pills. Don't be afraid of surgery if it is recommended - certainly feel free to get a second opinion, but be sure that the opinion discusses what procedure should be performed, not just if you are ready for surgery.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Resolution #3: Don’t put off to tomorrow, what you should do today
Foot pain is not normal. Each foot is unique and we all have different foot structures that contribute to most painful problems. Ailments and disorders can occur with any of the 26 bones and 20 muscles in each foot. And don’t forget about the bones, tendons and ligaments of the ankles! Podiatrists are physicians trained specifically in the foot and ankle and have the experience, training and education to diagnose exactly what is causing your pain.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Resolution #2: Never be caught with your shoes off if you have heel pain.
Heel pain is very common and makes up 35% of our practice. Wearing shoes with a firm heel counter is very important in controlling plantar fasciitis, the leading cause of heel pain. If left untreated, this inflammatory problem can progress to a much more severe problem of tearing and scar tissue. Having proper heel support is the first step in controlling the progression of heel pain. Heel pain lasting longer than two months should be evaluated by one of our podiatric physicians. We specialize in chronic heel pain and have been innovative in advanced and noninvasive treatments.
I have my patients start with the basics - no matter how long they have had the heel pain or even if they have been treated elsewhere because I believe in them so much! Proper heel support, stretching of the fascia and the Achilles and education on shoe wear is the basis for anyone with heel pain.
For those with chronic heel pain (more than a few months), there is great hope! I have been using radiofrequencywith great success.
I have my patients start with the basics - no matter how long they have had the heel pain or even if they have been treated elsewhere because I believe in them so much! Proper heel support, stretching of the fascia and the Achilles and education on shoe wear is the basis for anyone with heel pain.
For those with chronic heel pain (more than a few months), there is great hope! I have been using radiofrequencywith great success.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Resolution #1: If the shoe doesn’t fit, don’t wear it!
It’s so tempting for women to buy shoes that don’t necessarily fit - especially if they are on sale or perfectly match an outfit. Do your feet a favor and resolve to only buy shoes that do not pinch, squeeze or slip when you try them on. And don’t just try on a potential new pair of shoes; get off the carpeted area of the shoe store and really walk around in them to determine if they are a good fit.
Other shoe shopping tips to remember:
-shop for shoes at the end of the day so that any naturally occurring swelling has already occurred
-wear the appropriate hosiery for the shoes you are buying
-know your foot type before shopping for athletic shoes - a podiatrist can help you determine your foot type
-know your heel height limit, some women can wear 4" heels, but others may have to settle for 3"
Other shoe shopping tips to remember:
-shop for shoes at the end of the day so that any naturally occurring swelling has already occurred
-wear the appropriate hosiery for the shoes you are buying
-know your foot type before shopping for athletic shoes - a podiatrist can help you determine your foot type
-know your heel height limit, some women can wear 4" heels, but others may have to settle for 3"
2011 Resolutions to Walk With
There are resolutions for everything from weight loss to self-betterment to political correctness - all intended to take you to a better place in 2011. Why not for your feet? You can’t go anywhere in 2011 without your feet taking you every step of the way!
For the next 11 days, I will post a resolution sure to keep you on track and walking in the right direction!!
Coming on Monday - Resolution #1: If the shoe doesn’t fit, don’t wear it!
For the next 11 days, I will post a resolution sure to keep you on track and walking in the right direction!!
Coming on Monday - Resolution #1: If the shoe doesn’t fit, don’t wear it!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Traveling in 2010
A woman I met this week was telling me the worst thing about traveling for her is not the security, not the lack of snacks given on the plane, not the lack of a pillow on morning flights - but the problems with her feet when she travels!! I don't think she even knew I was a podiatric physician (podiatrist)!!
She was complaining that her feet sweat a lot and that she is very uncomfortable when flying. She is bothered when she has to take her shoes off and expose her feet and feels very constrained when in the air. This was the first time I have heard someone listing their feet as their main problem with flying!!
Here are some tips to keep your feet healthy and comfortable when flying.
1) ALWAYS WEAR SOCKS!! It is just too gross to think about all those people who take their shoes off to go through security. Even if you just wear socks until you get to the other side of security. I keep a pair of white cotton ankle socks in my purse to slip on as I slip off my shoes.
2) Don't wear nylons when you fly. Several reasons - first of all, nylon holds moisture so your feet will feel sweaty. Second, your feet will feel restricted in them, especially if your feet swell while you are on the plane which is very common. Finally, and I heard this on the Oprah show and it made an impression on me, if you are in a plane crash that involves fire, nylons will spread the flames!
3) Wear shoes that you can run in, walk in, and run in! You never know when you will be running to a gate! I like to wear shoes that are easy to get off and on to make security go smoothly. I also put my shoes down the conveyor belt first so that they are there ready for me to put back on while my other things are still going through the x-ray. Low heeled boots with a zipper are perfect for travel!
4) Put your feet through a range of motion while you are in your seat. Making circles or even spelling out letters with your feet will help keep swelling and stiffness down.
5) Enjoy your flight and hopefully the feet will be the last thing on your mind as you fly over the Grand Canyon!!
She was complaining that her feet sweat a lot and that she is very uncomfortable when flying. She is bothered when she has to take her shoes off and expose her feet and feels very constrained when in the air. This was the first time I have heard someone listing their feet as their main problem with flying!!
Here are some tips to keep your feet healthy and comfortable when flying.
1) ALWAYS WEAR SOCKS!! It is just too gross to think about all those people who take their shoes off to go through security. Even if you just wear socks until you get to the other side of security. I keep a pair of white cotton ankle socks in my purse to slip on as I slip off my shoes.
2) Don't wear nylons when you fly. Several reasons - first of all, nylon holds moisture so your feet will feel sweaty. Second, your feet will feel restricted in them, especially if your feet swell while you are on the plane which is very common. Finally, and I heard this on the Oprah show and it made an impression on me, if you are in a plane crash that involves fire, nylons will spread the flames!
3) Wear shoes that you can run in, walk in, and run in! You never know when you will be running to a gate! I like to wear shoes that are easy to get off and on to make security go smoothly. I also put my shoes down the conveyor belt first so that they are there ready for me to put back on while my other things are still going through the x-ray. Low heeled boots with a zipper are perfect for travel!
4) Put your feet through a range of motion while you are in your seat. Making circles or even spelling out letters with your feet will help keep swelling and stiffness down.
5) Enjoy your flight and hopefully the feet will be the last thing on your mind as you fly over the Grand Canyon!!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
New Flip Flop Danger
So I thought I have heard all the flip flop injury stories: getting one caught on an escalator, losing a flip flop when running, tripping over the end of the shoe, having the flip flop get stuck in bicycle spokes... and then until the other day I heard a new one!
A patient told me he tripped on the gas line while at a gas station! He fell, sprained his ankle AND broke a bone in his foot! He went to the ER for his ankle, but they totally ignored his foot pain.
Its not that uncommon to injure your foot when you sprain an ankle. The twisting can not only stretch the ligaments of the ankle, but can also cause a tendon to pull off one of the bones on the outside of the foot. Most emergency rooms will focus on the obvious - the ankle sprain and few ER doctors are even aware of the related injuries that can happen to the foot.
Whether its due to a flip flop injury, fall on the ice, or soccer injury, the BEST place to go after an ankle sprain is NOT the ER, but the office of a podiatric physician! Today's Podiatrists have the education, training and experience to properly evaluate ankle and foot injuries like no other physician. With almost all podiatrists having in office x-rays and many having diagnostic ultrasound, all your bone and soft tissue injuries can be identified properly the first time around! AND make sure you have the proper treatment - not just an ace wrap and crutches!
A patient told me he tripped on the gas line while at a gas station! He fell, sprained his ankle AND broke a bone in his foot! He went to the ER for his ankle, but they totally ignored his foot pain.
Its not that uncommon to injure your foot when you sprain an ankle. The twisting can not only stretch the ligaments of the ankle, but can also cause a tendon to pull off one of the bones on the outside of the foot. Most emergency rooms will focus on the obvious - the ankle sprain and few ER doctors are even aware of the related injuries that can happen to the foot.
Whether its due to a flip flop injury, fall on the ice, or soccer injury, the BEST place to go after an ankle sprain is NOT the ER, but the office of a podiatric physician! Today's Podiatrists have the education, training and experience to properly evaluate ankle and foot injuries like no other physician. With almost all podiatrists having in office x-rays and many having diagnostic ultrasound, all your bone and soft tissue injuries can be identified properly the first time around! AND make sure you have the proper treatment - not just an ace wrap and crutches!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Heels and Uneven Floors do NOT Mix!
I was in Las Vegas last weekend and had to walk from the hotel to the convention center. The path for the 20 minute walk was a floor that was uneven, shinny, super smooth and made to look like cobblestone. It was TORTURE! Certainly not designed by a woman or even with women in mind. I struggled with each step of my kitten heels (1 1/2 inch) and worried about all the women that tried to walk this walk in real heels!
It brought me back to my trip to Prague and the cobblestone streets which were even difficult to navigate in sneakers!
I think its time more women designed walk ways, shoes and maybe even cities!
It brought me back to my trip to Prague and the cobblestone streets which were even difficult to navigate in sneakers!
I think its time more women designed walk ways, shoes and maybe even cities!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Those Skinny Heels
I have dreamed of skinny for years.
Skinny legs, skinny thighs - but never again of skinny heels! I recently slipped while wearing a pair of skinny heeled shoes (not too high, mind you) and sprained my knee. Okay, I'll admit it - I actually slipped TWICE before deciding not to wear them again!
The thinner the heel, the more unstable the shoe, regardless of the heel height. Slipping on smooth surfaces is an easy thing to do. Wider, chunkier heels can be just as appealing as the skinny heels and a lot safer to walk in.
If you must wear that favorite pair of shoes that happen to have a skinny heel, please make sure the very bottom of the heel is not worn out as this will really cause you to slip! Have your shoe maker replace the heel and ask them to use a slightly thicker material in the process. Your knees will thank you later!
Skinny legs, skinny thighs - but never again of skinny heels! I recently slipped while wearing a pair of skinny heeled shoes (not too high, mind you) and sprained my knee. Okay, I'll admit it - I actually slipped TWICE before deciding not to wear them again!
The thinner the heel, the more unstable the shoe, regardless of the heel height. Slipping on smooth surfaces is an easy thing to do. Wider, chunkier heels can be just as appealing as the skinny heels and a lot safer to walk in.
If you must wear that favorite pair of shoes that happen to have a skinny heel, please make sure the very bottom of the heel is not worn out as this will really cause you to slip! Have your shoe maker replace the heel and ask them to use a slightly thicker material in the process. Your knees will thank you later!
Monday, November 16, 2009
Platforms - Are They Better Than Heels??
I just answered a post on Zappos.com which asked this exact question. The answer is yes, and no.
Platform shoes do give you height without some of the problems of heels, but platform shoes have their own set of problems. The human foot is meant to go through a specific pattern of walking called the gait cycle. Shoes should allow normal gait unless there is a specific reason not to allow normal gait.
Normal gait includes the foot bending at the ball of the foot to allow propulsion of the body forward. The toes work in conjunction with the rest of the foot to stabilize while moving forward. Many people with arthritis find that normal propulsion is painful if their joints at the ball of the foot are arthritic. For these people, we recommend shoes that limit motion in that area.
Most of us do not have significant arthritis and have no reason to not allow that normal motion. Any shoe that does not bend at the ball of the foot does not allow normal motion. Most platform shoes fall into this category.
Platform shoes that are made of rigid materials stop the foot from its regular function and force the tendons and muscles to work abnormally. This can cause some muscles to be over used and others to be under used. Tendon pain, inflammation and irritation can occur if this is allowed for an extended length of time. If shoes worn on a regular basis cause the toes to grip the shoe excessively, hammertoes can even develop!
Listen to your feet. Foot pain is never normal and any shoes that cause pain or discomfort when wearing them or immediately afterwards should not be worn for any length of time.
Platform shoes do give you height without some of the problems of heels, but platform shoes have their own set of problems. The human foot is meant to go through a specific pattern of walking called the gait cycle. Shoes should allow normal gait unless there is a specific reason not to allow normal gait.
Normal gait includes the foot bending at the ball of the foot to allow propulsion of the body forward. The toes work in conjunction with the rest of the foot to stabilize while moving forward. Many people with arthritis find that normal propulsion is painful if their joints at the ball of the foot are arthritic. For these people, we recommend shoes that limit motion in that area.
Most of us do not have significant arthritis and have no reason to not allow that normal motion. Any shoe that does not bend at the ball of the foot does not allow normal motion. Most platform shoes fall into this category.
Platform shoes that are made of rigid materials stop the foot from its regular function and force the tendons and muscles to work abnormally. This can cause some muscles to be over used and others to be under used. Tendon pain, inflammation and irritation can occur if this is allowed for an extended length of time. If shoes worn on a regular basis cause the toes to grip the shoe excessively, hammertoes can even develop!
Listen to your feet. Foot pain is never normal and any shoes that cause pain or discomfort when wearing them or immediately afterwards should not be worn for any length of time.
Friday, November 13, 2009
SHOES!!!!
I am always answering questions about shoes so I thought it was time that I began to write about shoes and how they can help or hurt your feet.
Lets start with everyone's favorite shoes - High Heels!!
High heels are simply not good for your feet! True, women with higher arches can wear them more comfortably and with more stability, but down the road they can cause problems at the ball of the feet. Torn ligaments, inflammation and stress fractures can occur from constant high heel use. Heels over three (3) inches put seven times the pressure on the ball of the foot and that pressure wears out the normal tissue. Many women as early as their late 20's start having problems at the ball of the feet.
I am realistic, however, and know women are going to continue wearing heels. So here is what you need to do:
1) Alternate your heel height daily, even if its from a 4" heel to a 3 1/2" heel. That will change the force on the bones daily.
2) When trying on shoes, get off the carpeted area. You want to see what type of padding the shoe itself gives - not the padding the carpet has!
3) Never wear a shoe that you feel unstable in. Many women sprain their ankles when they wear heels that are too high for them
4) Try to find a heel that is wide if you feel unstable.
5) Go for the kitten heels! Same look as heels but without the dangers
6) Height is an illusion! Stand tall, throw your shoulder back and go for the 1 1/2" heel instead of the 3" heel!
Next up - platform shoes!!
Lets start with everyone's favorite shoes - High Heels!!
High heels are simply not good for your feet! True, women with higher arches can wear them more comfortably and with more stability, but down the road they can cause problems at the ball of the feet. Torn ligaments, inflammation and stress fractures can occur from constant high heel use. Heels over three (3) inches put seven times the pressure on the ball of the foot and that pressure wears out the normal tissue. Many women as early as their late 20's start having problems at the ball of the feet.
I am realistic, however, and know women are going to continue wearing heels. So here is what you need to do:
1) Alternate your heel height daily, even if its from a 4" heel to a 3 1/2" heel. That will change the force on the bones daily.
2) When trying on shoes, get off the carpeted area. You want to see what type of padding the shoe itself gives - not the padding the carpet has!
3) Never wear a shoe that you feel unstable in. Many women sprain their ankles when they wear heels that are too high for them
4) Try to find a heel that is wide if you feel unstable.
5) Go for the kitten heels! Same look as heels but without the dangers
6) Height is an illusion! Stand tall, throw your shoulder back and go for the 1 1/2" heel instead of the 3" heel!
Next up - platform shoes!!
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