Beware of Transition to Fall Shoes

Unfortunately, the days of summer are dwindling. Today is the last day of July and in late August big yellow school buses will back and hauling kids to and from school.  We are all very aware of the changes in the trees, the weather, and our schedules that occur from summer to fall but what about the change in your shoes?  Women experience more foot pain in the fall due to the change in footwear.  This is because of the transition from sandals and open toed shoes into boots and sneakers.  Always wear properly fitting shoes and avoid shoes with no support or shoes that are worn out.  Also, keep these ten tips for foot health from the American Podiatric Medical Association.

Top Ten Foot Health Tips

1. Don't ignore foot pain—it's not normal. If the pain persists, see a podiatric physician.

2. Inspect your feet regularly. Pay attention to changes in color and temperature of your feet. Look for thick or discolored nails (a sign of developing fungus), and check for cracks or cuts in the skin. Peeling or scaling on the soles of feet could indicate athlete's foot. Any growth on the foot is not considered normal.

3. Wash your feet regularly, especially between the toes, and be sure to dry them completely.

4. Trim toenails straight across, but not too short. Be careful not to cut nails in corners or on the sides; it can lead to ingrown toenails. Persons with diabetes, poor circulation, or heart problems should not treat their own feet because they are more prone to infection.
5. Make sure that your shoes fit properly. Purchase new shoes later in the day when feet tend to be at their largest and replace worn out shoes as soon as possible.

6. Select and wear the right shoe for the activity that you are engaged in (i.e., running shoes for running).

7. Alternate shoes—don't wear the same pair of shoes every day.

8. Avoid walking barefooted—your feet will be more prone to injury and infection. At the beach or when wearing sandals, always use sunblock on your feet just as on the rest of your body.

9. Be cautious when using home remedies for foot ailments; self-treatment can often turn a minor problem into a major one.

10. If you are a person with diabetes, it is vital that you see a podiatric physician at least once a year for a check-up.

If you are experiencing foot pain do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with our doctor.  Your feet do a lot of work!  They deserve to be treated well.  Call us at 419-423-1888 or visit our website to request an appointment.