Why Shoe Fit Matters Even For Non-Deformed Feet

Every podiatrist understands the relationship between poorly fitting shoes and foot deformity. Many podiatrist routinely order diabetic shoes, extra-depth shoes and sometimes even casts for custom molded shoes for the deformed foot. For the non-deformed foot, we simply rely on an “approved shoe list” or a “specialty shoe store” to which we send our patients. (view our online shoe store "type in shoes in the search bar")

We do not know the difference between a shoe’s upper and lower. We are not familiar with any brand of shoes that are not approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association or the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine. We do not know what a Brannock device is, much less how to differentiate heel-to-ball from heel-to-toe.

It doesn't matter if a patient was a sponsored triathlete or a young woman who has to wear high heels at work everyday. One thing became crystal clear. Without the right shoe, the best treatment plan or orthotic in the world wouldn’t help.

What you need to know about Choosing Footwear

Did You Know? Carefully choosing footwear can reduce many foot problems.

More than 43 million Americans experience foot trouble due to poorly fitted shoes. You can learn how to ruduce your foot and ankle problems by learning how to choose shoes that are protective, durable, and comfortable.

Children's shoes

As your child's foot develops, you will need to resize socks and shoes frequently to allow for comfort and growth. When shopping for shoes, be sure to examine the shoe for comfort, fit, support and quality. Do not use handed-down shoes that may impact your child's foot development.

Women's shoes

Women's Leather Strap

A vast majority of women suffer from wearing high heels --2" or higher -- to be fashionable and feel more attractive. For the healthiest feet, women should avoid standing or walking in high heels for long periods of time. Here at our online products store, we have plenty of shoes to choose from. The product to our right (you can view this shoe by clicking on the highlighted link) is our Women's leather strap. This is a Therapeutic Shoe, that looks as great as it feels. This product is made by OrthoFeet. OrthoFeet shoes offer the most comfortable fit and pain relief for those suffering from diabetes, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, bunions, hammertoes, corns, Morton's neuroma, and swollen feet and toes. Each pair is sold with a 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed Policy!

Men's Leather Lace Boot

Men's shoes

Men in professional work can select high quality oxford style shoes with a cushioned sole. For men who work in industrial setting, water-resistent, steel toe capped safety boots are recommended. A very durable shoe we recommend for hefty males in the office is our Orthofeet Men's Leather Lace Boot (Pictured on the left). If you click on the highlighted link under the boot, you can view all the accomdations this Therapeutic Shoe has to offer. It's a light weight, soft, and has extra width and depth to accommodate swollen feet. When ordering this boot, order this as you would any athletic shoe. If you wear a size 11 for basketball, a size 11 would work just fine for this lightweight boot.

Men's Athletic Lace-Up

Athletic Shoes

Athletes of all ages and performance levels need shoes designed for their sport or activity. Properly fitted, sport specific shoes should be worn to hold the foot in the most natural position for the expected movement. This mens athletic shoe to our right (Click on the Highlighted link to view our shoe), is a unique customized fit with innovative stretch panels and moldable insoles that offers great walking comfort. This shoe is very unique because it was designed to offer added depth and a wide toe box that ensures a relaxed fit and plenty of toe movement.

Finally, tips for choosing your footwear:

-Have your feet measured each time, because feet change size over time.

-While your feet are being measured, be sure to stand with weight on them.

-Your feet swell during the day, so shop for shoes towards the evening.

-Fit new shoes to your largest foot, if your feet are different sizes.

-Have shoes fitted to your heel as well as your toes.

-Always try on shoes, as sizes may vary by brand.

-Walkin around in the shoes to make sure they fit comfortable.

-There should be a 1/2" space from the end of your longest toe to the end of the shoe

-Always allow for "wiggle room" for your toes.

-Avoid shoes that have a heel higher than 2".

*Please feel free to call us (419) 423-1888 for a regular foot exam or if you have any foot problems.

Fashionable Footcare

More than 43 million Americans struggle with foot trouble due to ill fitting shoes.  This struggle can be attributed to sandals, flip flops, high heels, or even ill fitting tennis shoes.

High heels tighten the Achilles tendon and calf muscles as well as adding a significant amount of pressure to the ball of the foot. The fancy footwear also causes metatarsalgia, which is pain in the ball of the foot.  Heels can also do some serious damage to your knees. 

Sandals and flip flops provide little support for your feet and arches.  Most flip flops have only a thin sole that does not protect from gravel, broken glass, or hard surfaces.  Simply stepping on gravel can cause bruising in the foot, and no one wants a bruise on the feet that support them all day! However, in the warm summer months no one wants to be stuck in a pair of bulky tennis shoes or struggling with pain caused from wearing sandals with little or no support.  The Advanced Footcare Clinic offers a solution to this sandal lover's dilemma. 

Sandalistas are stylish podiatrist approved sandals. Sandalistas are constructed with Memory Foam that adapts to your unique gait as well as providing an equal distribution of pressure while walking. They feature built-in Lynco support, giving you the benefits of a successful orthotic system.  Mozaic Technology is built into the footbed, a patented technology that allows you to customize each sandal. Best of all for flip flop fashionistas, Sandalistas are stylish.  The shoes come in several fashionable styles and colors.

For more fashionable footcare visit our product store at vailfoot.com.  The website offers healthy (and cute!)flip flops that are only available through podiatrist's office.  So ditch your old worn old sandals and upgrade to fashionable footcare.

Fungus of the toenails, also called onychomycosis, is fairly common. Affected toenails become yellow or brownish and brittle. They also can thicken and become painful over time. Fungus toenails may also lead to bacterial infections and ingrown toenails. Fungus is an organism damp, dark and warm places. Wear socks that wick away moisture from the skin and shoes that allow your feet to breathe. Nail polish can also encourage fungal growth. There is a nail polish called Dr. Remedys Enriched Nail Polish that contains an antibacterial and antifungal preservative to help prevent fungal toenail infections.



Click below to purchase the Dr. Remedys Enriched Nail Polish from Our Online Store:



http://www.ourdoctorstore.com/vail/store/item.asp?ITEM_ID=694&DEPARTMENT_ID=174

Foot infection is a huge economic and social burden for patients with diabetes. Infection usually is a consequence rather than the cause of foot ulcers in diabetic patients. Infection is a clinically diagnosis and can be categorized as mild cellulitis, moderate to severe cellulitis and osteomyelitis. Infected foot ulcers require appropriate tissue and bone cultures to guide antibiotic therapy whereas uninfected ulcers do not require antibiotics. Duration of treatment varies from 2 to 6 weeks based on the severity of infection, along with surgical debridement. Prevention of foot ulcer and infection requires patient education, detection of neuropathy, glycemic control, and proper foot care with foot hygiene and appropriate footwear. The patient is an important member of the team and should be taught the importance of self examination and early reporting of foot problems.
To get Dr. Vail's new book: Diabetes and your Feet: Steps to an Easier Life, Click the link below:

http://www.advancedfootcareclinic.com/book-and-dvd.html

A great product for Neuropathy is 'Neuremedy'. Many neuropathy sufferers experience dramatic relief from their symptoms within a month after trying Neuremedy. It is not unusual to notice improvement within a few days. Click link below to purchase:Many neuropathy sufferers experience dramatic relief from their symptoms within a month after trying Neuremedy. It is not unusual to notice improvement within a few days.

http://www.ourdoctorstore.com/vail/store/item.asp?ITEM_ID=712&DEPARTMENT_ID=53

The human foot has 26 bones, 33 joints and more than 100 tendons, muscles and ligaments. With such a complex structure, a lot can go wrong. While some foot problems are inherited, many occur because of years of wear and tear. Signs of foot trouble include pain, excessively dry skin, thickened or discolored nails, swelling redness and unusual sensations. People with diabetes, poor circulation or heart problems should not treat their own feet because they are more prone to infection.

Are you looking to purchase Diabetic Shoes? Here are a few tips to follow:

• Look for shoes with no interior seam it helps to prevent rubbing injuries
• Shoes should have deep and wide designs for feet to breath
• Plenty of toe box room to prevent pinching or squeezing of the toes
• Wear proper fitting shoes, the right size and wide help prevent slipping

Finding The Proper Shoe Fit

Find shoes that allow a natural position for the whole foot, providing adequate room for the toes to spread out. Shoes with flexible soles are a good way to strengthen the tendon of the foot and toes. Toe spring, heel height and narrow toe boxes are the three important components of a shoes that will influence the structure of the foot. Most importantly, give your feet some breathing room. Strip them down and give them some much needed TLC!

CARING FOR YOUR FEET

*Wear the right shoe for the right activity

*Buy comfortable, well made shoes that support your feet and ankles


*Avoid walking barefoot outside

*Pamper you feet after a hard days work

*Make an appointment with a doctor if you have an injury or pain that won't go away

*Sometimes an injection, orthopedic shoes (or insert), or series of stretches can relieve your symptoms without having surgery

Foot pain can take the pleasure out of living. By taking care of your feet you can prolong the enjoyment and delay the pain.

"Tyless" Tie-less Laces

Some of our patients have problems tying their shoes. This can be a complication for elderly patients, and a large concern for them. Other patients prefer to slip on their shoes, but do not benefit from the adjustment in the fit or support they would get if they were to fully tie their laces. If you would benefit from a product that makes tying your laces quick and easy, then come into our office for a pair of "Tyless" laces. These elastic laces have a special button which is placed on the lace at the very top eyelet of the shoe. Simply tighten the elastic and then lock it off in the button. The laces come in both black and white, and are available in four lengths: 25", 32", 37", and 42". These laces make tying your shoes a snap.

Findlay's Day of Dance

The Advanced Footcare Clinic will be at the Day of Dance for Health event sponsored by Blanchard Valley Health Systems! The event is to raise awareness for women's health issues, as well as enjoy a day to enjoy different dance styles, watch dance performance groups, take in music, eat good food, sign up for give-a-ways, receive health screenings and even win door prizes. Our office will have a booth at this event to share valuable health information about your feet. When you are exercising or dancing regularly you can really improve your over-all health. But nothing will hinder your ability to do so quicker than sore feet. So we want to give you tips on how to avoid this type of pain, as well as making you aware that we are available when you do experience foot problems. We will also have special offers and products from our office. Our display will include examples of our new therapeutic shoes. We want our patients to see that our shoes are not what they traditionally think of as therapeutic shoes, but they have been updated to offer great style as well as great footcare. And these shoes are available to all our patients, not just diabetics. We will also have an offer on a free pair of Dr. Comfort brand slippers for anyone who makes an appointment to see the podiatrist. And lastly, we will be offering free giveaways on some of our most recommended moisturizers, creams, scrubs, soaks, and other products.

The event will be held on Saturday, February 27th from 10:00am to 2:00pm. It will be in the University of Findlay's Koehler Center and the admission fee is a toothbrush and/or tube of tooth paste for charity. There is no preregistration required. Any questions can be directed to 419-423-5551. We look forward to seeing you that Saturday to enjoy yourself and learn all about women's health needs.

Diabetes is a disease which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar and starches into energy needed for daily life. The loss of blood flow and nerve damage are two common symptoms of diabetes. Decreased blood flow can make feet less able to fight infection and nerve damage make the feet less able to fight infection. Foot related problems include blisters, calluses, ulcers, infection, deformity and in some cases amputation. People with diabetes are at greater risk for foot problems, studies show that comprehensive foot care can reduce and even prevent foot complications. Proper footwear is essential to good foot health.

Diabetic Shoes

Why buy diabetic shoes? Diabetics shoes are the first step for better foot care. Studies show that a well fitted diabetic shoe help with ulcers and sores. Starting a preventative measure early helps to avoid foot problems later. We carry a wide range of diabetic shoes at our office. Stop in or call for an appointment to find the right shoe fit and style for you.

Top Shoe List

How Do Your Feet Feel At the End of the Day?

Unless you can answer that question with a smile on your face, your feet need help! One in Six people suffer from a foot problem. That could be a foot problem caused by chronic disease like diabetes or arthritis, leg length discrepancy, a sports injury, or a common condition like heel pain, flat feet or Achilles tendonitis. Whatever the cause, you don't have to live with the pain

Several times per year our staff and doctor visit shoe retailers and evaluate the shoes currently available on the market. The shoes we evaluate include walking, running, training, dress, casual, sandals and slippers. We then compile a list of the best shoes for your feet for children and adults. To get the most recent list of what shoes made our 'top list', subscribe today and receive the most updated list by e-mail within 24 hours. Once you register you will subsequently receive by e-mail our updated list throughout the year and our e-newsletter.

The 'Top Shoes' List has many of the best shoes that we have found on the market. Proper footwear is an integral part of any comprehensive foot care plan. In fact, the success of any treatment plan your doctor may prescribe can be enhanced or undermined by your choice of shoes. The Step Alive Shoes staff, trained in foot pathology and properly fitting shoes, created this list to help you make choices that will support your foot care plan. We know that your time is valuable so our hope is that this list will guide you as you shop for shoes and make the experience enjoyable. Our 'Top Shoes' List is only a tool and individual needs may vary. For expert fitting, make an appointment at our Step Alive Shoes store within the Advanced Footcare Clinic and we will make sure you get the best shoe for your particular foot needs.

The Importance of Properly Fitted Shoes
A properly fitted, supportive shoe offers increased stability and can put your feet in balance which in turn improves the alignment of the rest of your body. A stable shoe should allow the foot to function in a more normal manner and help the foot perform its natural job of absorbing shock. 90% of all people are wearing improperly fitted shoes! Most foot problems are caused or aggravated by improperly fitted shoes. Shoes are an integral part of treating nearly all foot complaints and we believe everyone should be evaluated to determine the proper shoe for their foot. The Step Alive Shoes staff is trained and certified to determine the proper shoes for each patient by evaluating the patient's foot shape, size, biomechanics, symptoms, activities, weight and other factors. We recommend the best shoes for the individual and guarantee our fit!

Our 'Top Shoes' List can help:
-People interested in preventative health.
-Baby boomers and up as their feet tend to expand and broaden with age.
-Athletes who put extra demands on their feet.
-Pregnant women whose feet are affected by weight gain.
-People with both high and low arches.
-Anyone experiencing foot pain.
-People who stand or are active on their feet for a significant portion of the day

Stable Shoe features:
To meet our high standards at the Advanced Footcare Clinic and our Step Alive Shoes staff, a shoe must meet the following criteria:
-Torsional Stability (Forefoot does not twist easily on the rearfoot)
-Firm Heel Counter
-Firm Medial (inside) Midsole
-Removable Insole

As a subscriber to our 'Top Shoes' List, you will be notified by e-mail when the list is updated. We update the list 4 times throughout the year.

Visit our website at http://www.vailfoot.com/ to learn more about all your footcare needs. If you would like more information about our Top Shoes List or to register for this free service, visit: http://www.vailfoot.com/top-shoes-list.html

Step Alive Shoes

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! Stop by our office or our website for all your winter shoes needs.

Shoe Care

Shoes can be fun. They reflect your style and help you vary your outfits. And shoes have so many purposes. Some are for dancing, some for running, and some are attractive. No matter what the use your shoe may have, you want them to last so you can wear them over and over. Although you should replace shoes when they are worn out, you can get a little extra mileage out of them. Keep in mind that shoes which do not offer the appropriate support may be harmful to your foot health. But here are some tips for keeping your shoes in good shape just a little bit longer.

1. Always unlace your shoes. When you leave your shoes tied and slip them on and off, you most likely are bending the support around the ankle. The rigidity in this part of the shoe is important to support your ankle and heel. Bending it outwards when taking the shoe off, or smashing it down when sliding into shoes makes the shoes lose this support faster. This is especially important in athletic shoes which are supporting your feet during activity.

2. Add new insoles. Insoles sometimes wear out before the outside of a shoe does. When this happens, you can extend the life of your shoe by adding new ones. For some people, this is a matter of comfort as they want more padding in an already supportive shoe which has lost its original padding. For others, adding an insole is a matter of support, as they need orthotics to correct misalignments in their feet.

3. Clean your shoes. There are many products for cleaning all kinds of shoes, from leather dress shoes, to mesh athletic shoes, or even hiking or snow boots. If your shoes still have good support but are looking a little dingy, cleaning them restores that new look to your shoes. You can unlace the shoes and wash dirty shoelaces, or just replace them with new ones. If a shoestring breaks, replace it promptly. Don't just clean the outside of your shoes, but the inside as well. Spraying your shoes weekly with a disinfectant spray (like Lysol) helps kill bacteria, viruses and fungi in your shoes which cause infections (like toenail fungus and athlete's foot). You can dry your shoes with a hair dryer after spraying them.

4. Polish your shoes. Dress shoes make an impression. When your shoes are getting scuffed and worn, you can restore them to their original look with a little shoe polish. Match the polish and your shoe color and take your time to follow the instructions for the polish. Your shoes will not only have the support you require, but will start looking good again. You can even get your shoes polished by someone else as a way to relax in the middle of your day, you just need to know where to look. Machine shoe polishers are also available in certain locations.

5. Treat your shoes. There are many products available to seal shoes against weather. This will not only benefit outdoor shoes like hiking boots, but athletic, casual, and dress shoes as well. You will inevitably get caught in the rain in Italian leather dress oxfords or your favorite pair of designer pumps. Being prepared for this with a pretreatment can save your shoes from damage (and you some money if they are expensive shoes).

6. Rotate shoes. Wearing one pair of shoes every day has a lot of disadvantages. First of all, your shoes need time to air out and dry between wears. alternate shoes at least every other day. This alternation will also spread wear amongst many pairs of shoes, making them all last longer. You should also match your shoes to their activity. Your dress shoes aren't built to withstand muddy hikes or shoveling snow. Keep in mind that picking the appropriate shoe is not only good for you, but your shoes as well.

7. Store your shoes correctly. Keep them on a rack or other storage system. If your shoes get covered in heavy objects, they can lose their structure and become weakened. You should store off-season shoes in a plastic bin with a lid to avoid moisture getting to your shoes while they are in store and ruining them.

Keep Mindful of Your Feet...even while exercising indoors...

Sports activities are an exciting and healthy part of life. However, sports that include jarring starts and stops, or sports that are performed on uneven surfaces, often lead to heel pain. The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) in cooperation with the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine (AAPSM) offer five sports most likely to contribute to heel pain and steps you can take to prevent it from occurring.

Running
Pain in the arch and bottom of the heel can be caused by both short and long distance running. Choose the correct shoe for running, short or long distances, this can prevent most pain. Over-the-counter insoles can sometimes help to relieve pain by providing cushion and shock absorption. Custom orthotics can also help many runners. Replace worn shoes every 350-500 miles.

Walking & Hiking
Walking and hiking may irritate a Haglund’s deformity, which is a bump on the back of the heel bone where the Achilles tendon attaches. It can become larger or inflamed over time. Wearing shoes or boots with stiff heel counters can irritate the heel bone, especially on steep climbs. Selecting a shoe with a lower or softer heel counter may relieve pain.Using heel lifts and custom orthotics can reposition the heel and reduce irritation.

Kickboxing & Aerobics
Acute or traumatic pain in the arch of the foot and bottom of the heel can develop due to the high impact of these activities. Stretch the Achilles tendon both before and after activity. Consult a podiatrist immediately if sudden heel, arch or ankle pain is experienced.

Tennis
Tennis may cause pain on the outer sides of the heel due to body positioning during play. Increase stretching at the first signs of heel pain, making sure to include the hamstrings. Insoles and custom-molded orthotic devices available from a podiatrist can often help heel pain.

Basketball
Basketball, as well as other jarring sports, can cause stress fractures and pain on the bottom, back and sides of the heel. High-top shoes can help to keep the foot stable. Stretch the entire leg and foot before playing. Heel lifts and custom foot orthotics can prevent pain and provide relief.

Contact Dr. Vail if you experience any of these problems this winter! 419-423-1888

Keep Shopping!!!

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 onyour feet all day, wear comfortable shoes with arch support and a padded sole.

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!

New Shoe

Natural Step has come out with a new style, tie or Velcro with nubuck leather. A fashionable, casual style that looks good with jeans or khakis and is available now to order. It's even billable through our Medicare Diabetic Shoe Program. Click this link to view all our shoe vendors: http://www.vailfoot.com/step-alive-shoes.html.

A Great Stocking Stuffer!

At The Advanced Footcare Clinic, we offer the highest quality products for all our patients. One such item that we offer is Dr. Comfort Diabetic Socks. These socks would be a perfect match for your diabetic shoes! Available to you are several styles to meet your footcare needs:Nano Bamboo Charcoal Fibers Seamless Diabetic Socks - A superior sock designed to keep feet dry; smooth seam construction; non-binding; ball and heel padding; anti-microbial odor control; superior breathability. These socks are available for both men and women in various sizes and styles - Merry Jane, Ankle Length, and Crew Length.Extra Roomy Seamless Edema Socks - A superior comfort sock designed to be extra roomy for enlarged feet and legs. These socks are available for both men and women in various sizes.

Please call for an appointment or stop by the office to check out our large selection of socks, shoes, and other footcare products.

www.vailfoot.com
419-423-1888