Shape up shoes who needs them?

I have been asked 2-3 times per week lately about the new Shape up shoes by Sketchers. There has been a lot of positive word of mouth reports that they help reduce back pain and leg fatigue. These shoes use a rocker bottom sole which we as foot and ankle specialists have used for years in custom molded shoes for people with severe foot and ankle deformities either excessively high or low arched feet.
I feel that these shoes do have a place, especially for the high arched foot, people who need shock absorption like those who may weight more than their recommended weight, those people who have extensive osteoarthritis of the foot, ankle, knee, hip, or back.
I also like the Sketcher shoe because a custom made orthotic which we provide for many of our patients can still fit in this style of shoe.
But be careful if you choose this shoe since there have been reports of injuries to the Achilles tendon. Also, they do take some getting used to the change in gait and can make you unstable when you walk. If you question you need for this or have a foot problem and you wonder if they help it may be best to come see us for our thoughts!!!

Stretching to do or not to do that is the question!!

Stretching is a subject that is very controversial. A new article about runners that just came out continues to question the value of stretching. USA Track and Field looked at 3000 runners to see if stretching made any effect on injury rates. These runners where split into two categories, those that did stretch and those that did not. No reference was made about if the stretching was before or after running or about the stretching technique. The overall injury rate was the same for both groups (16%). One finding that was significant was that if you normally stretch and then stopped stretching this rate of injury almost doubled. Thus,if you are used to a certain routine-stick with it!!
I believe stretching is most important once a muscle is completely warmed up ie. right at the end of the exercise. Holding a stretch as is done in Yoga, until the muscle stops resisting seems to have the greatest effect. People with plantar fascia problems seem to benefit from stretching both the calf and hamstrings.
Doing stretching will not hurt you. Doing it correctly has helped most all of my patients in my experience.

Diabetic ulcerations New Study AVOID AMPUTATION!!

Just saw another study that showed the value for diabetics to see the foot doctor. This study confirmed what we already know. Diabetics who had their foot and ankle checked by a foot doctor at least once a year had 29% lower rate of amputation and 24% lower hospitalization rate. I was asked by a patient today does my husband really need to come and get his foot checked since he is diabetic? I feel strongly that a once a year preventative check is an important way to avoid future complications in the diabetic patient. Remember the old saying an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure? Well if you are a diabetic it could mean preventing loss of toe,foot, or leg!!!!

SWEAT or PERSPIRATION?????

Funny how people will answer the question do your feet sweat? Most quickly say NO!! Especially women!! Truth is most people have feet that sweat or perspire. I think if I asked if people if the perspire they would agree since it sounds nicer than sweat! Truth is if you suffer from warts, athletes foot, or have severe cracks in your skin on the bottom of your feet you may have a problem with too much sweat. This often gets overlooked in the evaluation and or examination of skin related issues of the feet. We have a great treatment for this problem. So if you suffer from a skin problem that will not go away come see us for a complete foot exam and treatment program that can address this issue!!

Shoes this summer!!

As a foot and ankle doctor people always ask me about shoes. What should I wear? What brand should I buy? Unfortunately, in the summer the type of shoes people wear changes quite a bit. I find it interesting that June and July tend to be the busiest months of the year in our office. Often, it is the result of wearing the wrong shoes for the wrong type of activity. If you are going to be doing very little walking there is nothing wrong with wearing a sandal or open type shoe. However, once you start increasing your time on your feet, ie.30 minutes or greater, consider wearing a more supportive style shoe. Keep in mind that the surface you are going to walk on is also a consideration. Harder surfaces like concrete and asphalt are much harder on your feet. Sand and grass are easier. If you are going to wear a sandal find one that has a good sole. ALso look for an arch that contours to your foot. Last if you have a history of foot problems limit use of sandals even more.

Diabetic ulcerations

Just thinking about all those diabetics who have a sore on their foot that they have ignored. It seems that these are usually the folks who go on to the worst complication AMPUTATION!!! Lack of attention to a sore can lead to loss of your leg. I have a patient right now who has let something go and now faces loss of limb and possible death which occurs frequently once a leg gets removed!!! Go see your foot doctor when you get a sore! Do not wait it could cost you your life.