Latest News in Shoe Technology

Check out the links below for videos about the latest news in shoe technology:

Latest technology in Asics running shoes:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oixJ3D0a6Q

Masai barefoot technology shoes:
http://cnettv.cnet.com/masai-barefoot-technology-shoes-claim-cure-what-ails/9742-1_53-31862.html

Latest shoe security for airport travellers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gL1_EjPVM4o

Laest Reboc running shoes:
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/2246238/latest_reebok_running_shoes/

Remeber: Right here at The Advanced Footcare Clinic we have our own Shoe Specialist who will help you pick out the right shoe for your feet! Call today to make an appointment.

Coming Soon!!!

As always, our Shoe Specialist is always happy to assist you with your diabetic shoe AND slipper needs! Please call the office for an appointment.

Best Walking Cities in the USA

Now that you have your best Step Alive Walking Shoes on, check out this listing of America's best Walking Cities (from American Podiatric Medical Association).

TAKE NOTE! Columbus, Ohio is on the list!

For the seventh year in a row, the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) has joined with Prevention magazine to develop a comprehensive list of the Best Walking Cities in America. This year’s number one Best Walking City? San Francisco, California.

To calculate this year’s list, metro areas were evaluated based on 19 criteria, including population density per square mile, use of mass transit, crime rates, and square miles of local and state parks. Prevention, APMA, and Sperling’s Best Places also consulted with a panel of nationally recognized experts in the field of walking communities, to give each city a 1-5 rating on a walkability scale. New categorical breakdowns for 2009 included listing the Best Walking Cities for Families, Nature Walks, and more.

This year’s top 25 walking cities in the United States, according to the 2009 study, are as follows:

1San Francisco, CA
2Boston, MA
3New York, NY
4Philadelphia, PA
5Chicago, IL
6Washington, DC
7Seattle, WA
8Honolulu, HI
9Portland, OR
10Pittsburgh, PA
11Oakland, CA
12Minneapolis, MN
13San Diego, CA
14Los Angeles, CA
15Milwaukee, WI
16Baltimore, MD
17Rochester, NY
18Santa Ana, CA
19San Jose, CA
20Denver, CO
21Columbus, OH
22New Orleans, LA
23Austin, TX
24Sacramento, CA
25Tucson, AZ

Medication and Mercury Collection Day

Saturday, October 24
9:00AM-Noon
Findlay Municipal Building Parking Lot (off Crawford Street)

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Do you have any unwanted, expired, or un-needed medicine or mercury around your home? Help protect your family, community, and the environment by properly disposing of them.

It's EASY!
Bring your un-wanted, un-needed or expired medication and mercury to the drive thru drop-off location. Keep medication in their original containers if possible. No need to leave your car.

ITEMS THAT CAN BE COLLECTED:
Prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, medication samples, medications for pets, vitamins, medicated ointments and lotions, inhalers, liquid medication in glass or leak-proof containers, mercury, narcotics or other controlled substances

ITEMS THAT CAN NOT BE COLLECTED:
IV bags, bloody or infectious waste, personal care products, business waste, empty containers, hydrogen peroxide, aerosol cans, used syringes

Questions? Contact the Community Partnership at 419-424-1985 or www.paragonapproved.org

KEEP OUR KIDS SAFE AND THE ENVIRONMENT CLEAN!
This event is sponsored and supported by:
Hancock County Community Partnership
Findlay Health Department
City of Findlay Water Pollution Control
Findlay City Police Department
The University of Findlay College of Pharmacy
Rader Environmental Services, Inc.

Shoewear Suggestions for Those Who Stand All Day

The average American’s foot pain often gets in the way of daily activities. Perhaps no group suffers from chronic foot pain more than those who are constantly on their feet. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association's (APMA) 2009 foot ailments survey, 44 percent of respondents said they spend at least four hours standing every day. Additionally, nearly 78 percent of Americans have experienced foot problems as a result of wearing uncomfortable or ill-fitting shoes.

"The excess strain put on the legs and feet of those standing for long periods of time can take a massive toll on the body—especially for those working in the health care community," said APMA President Ronald Jensen, DPM. "Without the proper footwear that provides necessary support to the ligaments and joints of the feet, these individuals are subject to a host of ailments that can lead to chronic problems such as metatarsalgia—a pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot.”

Excessive standing and walking on hard surfaces like concrete can also increase the incidence of foot problems. However, many footwear companies create products that are specifically made for those who “work standing up.” The following footwear products, designed specifically for those who make a living on their feet, have been granted APMA’s Seal of Acceptance. The Seal of Acceptance Program recognizes products which have been found beneficial to foot health and of significant value when used in a consistently applied program of daily foot care and regular professional treatment:

Crocs Work Shoes. The familiar, comfortable feel of Crocs is also available in a professional-looking shoe that conforms to workplace standards. Featuring a closed toe and heel design, as well as arch support and a foot bed that promotes circulation, the Crocs Work Shoe is a top choice for many health and service industry professionals across the country.

Dansko’s Acadia and Stapled Collections. Dansko’s new Acadia collection (pictured) features distressed leather uppers, a removable triple density molded EVA insole and slip resistant out-sole. With a lightweight base and lower profile, this collection is perfect for the active woman. Additionally, the company’s Stapled Collection features a rigid construction and key features that promote good foot health, including a rocker bottom and full arch support.

The Timberland Company - Timberland PRO. Timberland’s PRO Renova series of work footwear—which includes the Professional, Provider, and Caregiver (pictured)—is designed specifically for those at work in the health care community. The Professional Series features Timberland PRO Anti-Fatigue technology, a rocker profile, and an anatomically shaped oblique last for all-day comfort.
For a complete listing of work footwear products that have been awarded the APMA Seal, visit www.apma.org/workfootwear. For more foot health information, visit http://www.apma.org/.

If you would like to be fitted for a custom pair of shoes, our Shoe Specialist will be more than happy to set up an appointment with you to assist you in ordering your specialized! You can call the office at 419-423-1888 to set up an appointment. Please be sure to explore both our clinic website and on-line store. We strive to provide you with the most up-to-date information and footcare products so that you can have the healthiest feet possible

Foot Health In The News

Click on the link below for a collection of news videos dealing with foot health!

http://video.google.com/videosearch?hl=en&q=foot%20health&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wv

Perhaps Eli Manning Needs To Visit The Step Alive Shoe Store!

ELI MANNING, THE QUARTERBACK OF THE NEW YORK GIANTS WAS JUST DIAGNOSED WITH PLANTAR FASCIITIS. IT’S UNCERTAIN IF HE WILL PLAY IN THEIR NEXT GAME!

Well, just what is plantar fasciitis and what can Eli do to get back in the game? Plantar Fasciitis, also known as heel spurs and a common cause of heel pain, is a bony growth on the underside of the heel bone. If there is no evidence of bone enlargement the condition is sometimes referred to as "heel spur syndrome." Heel spurs are caused by strain on the muscles and ligaments of the foot and result in the tearing away of the lining of the membrane that covers the heel bone. Wearing improperly fit shoes, excessively worn shoes, or failing to stretch before exercise can contribute to plantar fasciitis.

So...did Eli wear worn out shoes or not stretch before practice? Maybe so. Eli can also be treated with conservative measures, such as the use of anti-inflammatory medications, ice packs, stretching exercises, orthotic devices, and physical therapy. In persistent cases, Extracorporeal Shock Wave Treatment (ESWT) may be used to treat the heel pain.

Do you have something in common with Eli?

Hopefully you are taking good care of your feet and are using preventative measures to keep yourself from having plantar fasciitis. However, if you are experiencing pain, call Dr. Vail for an appointment! He is here to help you have the healthiest feet possible!

If you would like to be fitted for a custom pair of shoes, our Shoe Specialist will be more than happy to set up an appointment with you to assist you in ordering your specialized! You can call the office at 419-423-1888 to set up an appointment. Please be sure to explore both our clinic website and on-line store. We strive to provide you with the most up-to-date information and footcare products so that you can have the healthiest feet possible!

Keep Your Shoes and Feet Healthy

Dr. Vail's purpose in offering this blog as well as an informative website is to give you the information you need to take the appropriate actions to care for your feet and ankles. When is comes to caring for your feet remember the word LEGOS for your building blocks to healthy feet:

L - Lysol spray in your shoes to ward off infection and fungus

E - Exercise is always important to stimulate blood flow and circulation to your feet

G - Gel pads can relieve pain and reduce many minor inflammations

O - Orthotics can help everyone not, not just those in pain

S - Stretching properly is important especially in helping prevent heel pain

If you or a family member is experiencing any sort of foot pain or complication, call Dr. Vail right away to schedule an appointment 419-423-1888.

Quirky Fun Thursday

World's Largest Shoe:

The Hallam Shoe House is an icon of the Lincoln Highway, and one of the great World's Largest Things. I saw it just as the sun was setting (after spotting a sign for Shoehouse road...), and decided I just HAD to come back in the morning... According to "The Well-Built Elephant": In 1949, Colonel Mahlon Haines, "the shoe wizard," chose the highest knoll overlooking U.S. 30 as the site for his house in the shape of a workman's shoe. This self-appointed "colonel" (in the tradition of Elvis Presley's manager Colonel Parker and Colonel Sanders of Kentucky Fried Chicken) made a fortune in the shoe business through sharp wheeling and dealing and shrewd self-promotion. The shoe house he built was not only a home but also an advertisement. The structure itself is 40 feet long and over 28 feet tall, constructed of wood, steel, and wire lath, and covered with 2 inches of waterproofed cement stucco. It is built on five levels. Once again, it was just shy of tourist season, so I didn't get to go inside on this trip - but, now that I've seen the World's Largest Shoe, I can make a World's Smallest Version for a meta-photo on the next go-round. The tour guide was very polite, explaining that it was a busy day, and she would be willing to open up for a very short time, or I could step over the fence and wander on my own. Be sure to call first, as the inside is an amazing experience, too... And, in the backyard, there's a smaller giant shoe, which acts as a doghouse. so, maybe the meta-photo can be a meta-meta-photo.

World's Largest Shoe Stats:

40 feet long, 28 feet tall, wood, steel, cement, stucco Built 1949 by Colonel Mahlon Haines, The Shoe Wizard This from a World's Largest Things dot com reader: I visited the shoe house 6 years ago and was told the following story: The owner of the shoe company let employees use the shoe house for special occasions...on their birthday they could spend the night, and newlyweds could go to the shoe for a honeymoon weekend, or if you were celebrating an anniversary. It was a gift for being a loyal employee. The shoe house came with a butler/chauffeur and a maid/cook at your disposal. It is absolutely charming and I would love to have been able to stay overnight! It was for sale 6 years ago for only $139,000! A steal! We love the shoe! Norma from Maryland

http://www.worldslargestthings.com/easterntour/shoe.htm

Selecting An Athletic Shoe That's Right For You!

There are so many brands and styles of athletic shoes that it can become a daunting task to know which shoe will serve you best during your athletic activities. The American Podiatric Medical Association has done extensive research on athletic shoes and offers their recommendations for the best shoes on the market that will give you the best protection and comfort. Their recommendations are as follows:

Neutral Shoes for the High Arched Foot:
Adidas Supernova Cushion or Supernova Classic
Asics Nimbus or Cumulus
Brooks Glycerin, Dyad, or Epiphany
Mizuno Wave Creation 5 or Wave Rider 7
New Balance 1022 or 880
Nike Pegasus
Pearl Izumi VisIQ
Saucony Trigon Responsive

Stability Shoes for the Medium Arched Foot:
Adidas Supernova Control
Asics Gel-Kayano 10, Creed, GT 2090, or Gel 1090
Brooks Trance, Adrenaline GTS 5, or Vantage
Mizuno Alchemy or Wave Mercury 4
New Balance 991, 855, 765, or 716
Nike Structure Triax, Moto, or Althea
Saucony Hurricane or Omni


Motion Control Shoes for the Low Arched Foot:
Adidas Brevard or Cairo
Asics Gel Foundation Plus
Brooks Ariel or Addiction
Etonic Pro3 MC2
Mizuno Legend or Renegade
New Balance 587
Nike Durham
Saucony Stabil MC


For a more thorough explanation of how to choose an athletic shoe, click on the link below.

http://www.apma.org/MainMenu/News/FeatureArticles/HowtoChooseanAthleticShoeThatsRightforYou.aspx

As always, you may call the office to set up an appointment to have Shoe Specialist evaluate your feet and make the appropriate athletic shoe recommendation.

It's The Holiday Season...Well, Soon, Anyway

In preparation for the upcoming holiday season, take heed of the following important tips offered by the American Podiatric Medical Association:

Lots of holiday shopping usually means lots of walking, sometimes running and it can all add up to painful feet! A survey by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) shows the number one way women (Hey! Men Shop Too!) soothe their soles during the holiday madness is by moisturizing their feet. Stretching and massaging the feet are also on the list of favorite foot fixes. APMA offers a few more ways to keep your feet merry this holiday season:

Point Your Toes – Avoid toe cramping by raising, pointing and curling your toes for five seconds each and repeat 10 times. You won’t even break a sweat!

Massage Your Feet – Women (and men) like it because it works! Release tension, increase circulation and rejuvenate the skin after a long day on your feet. Get out the lotion and rub those toes!

Elevate Your Legs – Reduce swelling by lying down and lifting legs above your heart.

Rotate Your Ankles – Relax your feet by rotating your ankles, cupping your heel and turning each ankle slowly five times. This loosens the ankle joints.

Wear Smart Shoes – No high heels! (Or flip-flops, or sandals...) If you know you will be on
your feet all day, wear comfortable shoes with arch support and a padded sole.

SAVE YOUR FEET DURING BLACK FRIDAY!!!

If you would like to be fitted for a custom pair, our Shoe Specialist will be more than happy to set up an appointment with you to assist you in ordering your specialized! You can call the office at 419-423-1888 to set up an appointment. Please be sure to explore both our clinic website and on-line store. We strive to provide you with the most up-to-date information and footcare products so that you can have the healthiest feet possible!

Tips to Avoid a Flip-Flop Fiasco

Following the recommendations listed below, which are provided by the American Podiatrtic Medical Association will ensure that when you wear flip-flops, your feet will remain protected and healthy!

Shop for a flip-flop made of high-quality, soft leather. Leather minimizes the potential
for blisters and other types of irritation.

DO’S:
• Do look for flip-flops that hold APMA’s Seal of Acceptance, such as those made by SOLE
and Orthaheel. Evaluated by a team of APMA podiatrists, these products are shown to
allow for the most normal foot function and promote quality health.
• Do gently bend the flip-flop from end to end, ensuring it bends at the ball of the foot.
Shoes of any kind should never fold in half.
• Do wear a sturdy pair of flip-flops when walking around a public pool, at the beach, in
hotel rooms and in locker room areas. Walking barefoot can expose foot soles to plantar
warts and athlete’s foot.
• Do ensure that your foot doesn’t hang off of the edge of the flip-flop.

DO NOT'S
•Don’t re-wear flip-flops year after year. Inspect older pairs for wear. If they show signs of
severe wear, discard them.
• Don’t ignore irritation between toes, where the toe thong fits. This 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 do yard work while wearing flip-flops. Always wear a shoe that fully protects feet
when doing outside activities such as mowing the lawn or using a weed-eater.
• Don’t play sports in flip-flops. This practice can lead to twisting of the foot or ankle, as
well as sprains and breaks.

Baby's First Shoes

It is ill-advised to force a child to walk. When physically and mentally ready, the child will walk. Comparisons with other children are misleading, since age for independent walking ranges from 10 to 18 months.

When a baby first begins to walk, shoes are not necessary indoors. As a toddler, walking barefoot allows the youngster's foot to grow normally and to develop its musculature and strength, as well as the grasping action of toes. Of course, when walking outside or on rough surfaces, babies' feet should be protected in lightweight, flexible footwear made of natural materials.

If you have any questions or concerns about what appropriate footwear to provide for your child, please call the office to set up an appointment (419-423-1888).

Take The 1, 2, 3 Test!

When purchasing new shoes, or checking if your shoes are still in good condition, use the following quick guidelines:

1. Look for a stiff heel cup. Press on both sides of the heel - it shouldn't collapse.

2. Check toe flexibility. The shoe should bend with your toes. It shouldn't bee too stiff of bend too much in the toe box.

3. Select a shoe that's rigid in the middle. Does your shoe twist? Your shoe should never twist in the middle.

(These tips are suggested by the American Podiatric Medical Association)

If you would like to be fitted for a custom pair, our Shoe Specialist will be more than happy to set up an appointment with you to assist you in ordering your specialized! You can call the office at 419-423-1888 to set up an appointment. Please be sure to explore both our clinic website and on-line store. We strive to provide you with the most up-to-date information and footcare products so that you can have the healthiest feet possible!

Sport Specific Shoes

Below is information that will help you to choose the appropriate shoe for your athletic activities. For each sport listed, the particular physical requirements and injuries are listed as well as the special attributes shoes should have to prevent injuries.

SPORT: Basketball
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT: Running, jumping
POSSIBLE INJURIES: Ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis, tendonitis
SHOE ATTRIBUTES: Thick stiff sole, high ankle support, shock absorption

SPORT: Tennis
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Lateral movement, shifting of weight
POSSIBLE INJURIES: Ankle sprains, plantar faciitis, corn, calluses
SHOE ATTRIBUTES: Support on both sides of the shoe, flexible soles

SPORT: Running
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Leg extension, force on the ball of the foot
POSSIBLE INJURIES: Shin splints, heel pains, blisters
SHOE ATTRIBUTES: Shock absorption, control, bendable, room for orthotics

SPORT: Soccer
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Running, lateral movement, jumping
POSSIBLE INJURIES: Heel pain, shin splints
SHOE ATTRIBUTES: Multiple cleats in the heel, enough room for thick soccer socks

Five Shoe Buying Tips for Children

The following steps are recommendations from the American Podiatric Medical Association:

1. Take your child shoe shopping. It's important to have your child's feet measured before buying shoes. Letting a child have a say in the shoe buying process promotes healthy foot habits down the road.

2. Shop for shoes later in the day. Feet tend to swell during the day; it's best to be fitted while they are swollen.

3. Buy shoes that do not need a "break-in" period; shoes should be comfortable immediately.

4. Always buy for the larger foot. Feet are seldom precisely the same size.

5. Have your child try on shoes with socks or tights, if that's how they will be worn.

Walking & Your Feet

Walking improves cardiovascular fitness. As an aerobic exercise, walking gets the heart beating faster to transport oxygen-rich blood from the lungs to the muscles. The heart and lungs grow more efficient with a regular walking regimen, reducing blood pressure and the resting heart rate. Walking is even a central element of medical rehabilitation. Recovery from many ailments, including heart attack, is facilitated by a regular walking regimen.

When you do walk, it is important to be wearing the appropriate shoe for protection, support, and comfort. The Advanced Footcare Clinic has an in-house shoe specialist that is more than willing to assist you in selecting the right shoe for you. Please call the office - 419-423-1888 - for an appointment!

Selecting the Right Shoe for You!

Buying Tips
1. Have your feet measured while you’re standing.
2. Always try on both shoes, and walk around the store.
3. Always buy for the larger foot; feet are seldom precisely the same size.
4. Don’t buy shoes that need a “break-in” period; shoes should be comfortable immediately.
5. Don’t rely on the size of your last pair of shoes. Your feet do get larger, and lasts (shoemakers’ sizing molds) also vary.
6. Shop for shoes later in the day; feet tend to swell during the day, and it’s best to be fitted while they are in that state.
7. Be sure that shoes fit well—front, back, and sides—to distribute weight. It sounds elementary, but be sure the widest part of your foot corresponds to the widest part of the shoe.
8. Select a shoe with a leather upper, stiff heel counter, appropriate cushioning, and flexibility at the ball of the foot.
9. Buy shoes that don’t pinch your toes, either at the tips, or across the toe box.
10. Try on shoes while you’re wearing the same type of socks or stockings you expect to wear with the shoes.
11. If you wear prescription orthotics—biomechanical inserts prescribed by a podiatric physician—you should take them along to shoe fittings.

If you would like to be fitted for a custom pair, our Shoe Specialist will be more than happy to set up an appointment with you to assist you in ordering your specialized! You can call the office at 419-423-1888 to set up an appointment. Please be sure to explore both our clinic website and on-line store. We strive to provide you with the most up-to-date information and footcare products so that you can have the healthiest feet possible!

Choosing Shoes
by Frida Wolfe


New shoes, new shoes,
Red and pink and blue shoes.
Tell me, what would you choose,
If they'd let us buy?

Buckle shoes, bow shoes,
Pretty pointy-toe shoes,
Strappy, cappy low shoes;
Let's have some to try.

Bright shoes, white shoes,
Dandy-dance-by-night shoes,
Perhaps-a-little-tight shoes,
Like some? So would I.

BUT

Flat shoes, fat shoes,
Stump-along-like-that shoes,
Wipe-them-on-the-mat shoes,
That's the sort they'll buy.

You don't have to be disappointed by unattractive and bulky diabetic shoes! We have a wide assortment of stylish diabetic shoes that will certainly match your tastes!

If you would like to be fitted for a custom pair, our Shoe Specialist will be more than happy to set up an appointment with you to assist you in ordering your specialized! You can call the office at 419-423-1888 to set up an appointment. Please be sure to explore both our clinic website and on-line store. We strive to provide you with the most up-to-date information and footcare products so that you can have the healthiest feet possible!

Why Should You Be Wearing Step Alive Shoes?

Poorly fitting shoes can cause bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, and other disabling foot problems. According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS), one in six persons or 43.1 million people in the U.S. have foot problems. Thirty-six percent regard their foot problems as serious enough to warrant medical attention. The cost of foot surgery to correct foot problems from tight-fitting shoes is $2 billion a year, according to ACFAS. If time off from work for the surgery and recovery is included, the cost is $3.5 billion.

If you would like to be fitted for a custom pair, our Shoe Specialist will be more than happy to set up an appointment with you to assist you in ordering your specialized! You can call the office at 419-423-1888 to set up an appointment.
Please be sure to explore both our clinic website and on-line store. We strive to provide you with the most up-to-date information and footcare products so that you can have the healthiest feet possible!