Conditions

- HEALTH HIGHLIGHTS
- BUNIONS
- DEGENERATIVE JOINT DISEASE (Arthritis)
- HEEL PROBLEMS AND BONE SPURS
- TOE PROBLEMS
- OTHER FOREFOOT PROBLEMS

TIPS FOR HEALTHY FEET

The warm weather of summer brings out the "weekend warrior" spirit in many. But the battle for enjoyment has its share of casualties, and the increase in activity often results in a higher incidence of foot problems.

In reality, there is no reason to have consistently fatigued or swollen feet. Simple measures can be preventative medicine.

Going barefoot in summer, as traditional as watermelon and ball games, is more temptation than treat. Young and old alike should wear good, arch-supportive shoes as much as possible.

Different sports place distinct demands on the foot and ankle, a fact athletic shoe manufactures recognize. A basketball shoe, for example, is designed to pad certain high impact points and give ankle support, while a running shoe's design focuses on the different requirements of the sport.

If no one sport is done to an extreme, a cross-training shoe can offer adequate support and save the consumer the confusion and expense of having to choose from a wide variety of athletic styles.

The heel of the shoe should be snug - not tight - against the back of the foot. Likewise, the front of the foot should be held in place by the shoe with movement limited but not cramped.

Poor-fitting shoes can both produce and aggravate foot problems such as blisters, bone spurs and nail damage. In some instances, simply placing adhesive felt strips and pads in shoes can alleviate the problem points.

For others, custom-molded orthotic devices can correct problem feet. These devices are designed specifically for the individual's foot based on casts made in the podiatrist's office. The orthotic device is worn inside the shoe and, in many cases, can be transferred from one shoe style to another, allowing the patient diversity in shoe selection and freedom from foot pain at the same time.