Treat Your Feet This Summer
Posted by: Star Local News
Summer is almost here, and the change in warmer weather also brings a change in footwear. Below, Dr. Mojan Tavakoli, a podiatrist on the medical staff at Centennial Medical Center, answers a few questions to keep your feet protected and supported all summer long.
Q. Flip-flops are rumored to be a bad shoe choice because of the lack of support they provide. Is this true?
A. Not necessarily. There are many manufacturers that make supportive flip flops. It’s important to make sure that your flip flops bend at the ball of the foot, fit properly and have the American Podiatric Medical association seal of acceptance. If your toes or heels are hanging off the side of the flip-flop then you need to try a bigger size or a different brand.
Q. Flip-flops are rumored to be a bad shoe choice because of the lack of support they provide. Is this true?
A. Not necessarily. There are many manufacturers that make supportive flip flops. It’s important to make sure that your flip flops bend at the ball of the foot, fit properly and have the American Podiatric Medical association seal of acceptance. If your toes or heels are hanging off the side of the flip-flop then you need to try a bigger size or a different brand.
Q. Should I limit the time I wear flip-flops?
A. Yes. You should avoid wearing flip flops when walking long distances, performing yard work or playing sports. Throw out any flip-flops that are overly worn. Do not ignore irritation between the toes caused by your flip-flops this could lead to blistering and possible infection. I do not recommend that students wear flip-flops at school all day.
Q. It feels like my legs have to grip flip flops for them to stay on. Is this a good thing?
A. Yes. You are actually exercising the small muscles inside your foot. These muscles are responsible for balancing the toes. However, if you feel any unusual sensations or fatigue in your feet you should be evaluated by your podiatrist.
Q. Is it fine to go barefoot in my own backyard?
A. No. Walking barefoot can expose you to foreign bodies, insect bites and blistering from hot surfaces. In addition, chemicals from lawn treatments can absorb into your body through the skin.
Q. Can going barefoot too much have a negative effect on my arches or posture?
A. Yes. Walking barefoot does not provide any shock absorption. This lack of shock absorption may cause pain in your heel, arch and back, particularly if have any arch abnormalities. Walking barefoot may actually worsen your condition overtime.
Q. Do I need to wear sunscreen on my feet if I wear sandals?
A. Yes. Unfortunately, the likelihood of developing melanoma is increasing. Melanoma is a potentially life threatening cancer caused by sun exposure. In addition, sun exposure can worsen the appearance of scars causing them to become darker in color.
Q. High heels are a popular fashion choice for warm weather. Are there any risks to wearing these all day?
A. Yes. While summer is a good time to wear stylish high heeled sandals or shoes you should avoid wearing them all day. Make sure to choose a shoe with adequate cushioning and support in order to prevent heel and arch pain. Wearing heels that are less than two inches in height will decrease the likelihood of ankle sprains and pain in the ball of the foot. It may be helpful to try a wedge style heel or those with a rubber sole that provide good traction.
Q. Do you have any suggestions for the best types of shoes to wear at the pool or beach?
A. Yes. You should avoid wearing flip flops when walking long distances, performing yard work or playing sports. Throw out any flip-flops that are overly worn. Do not ignore irritation between the toes caused by your flip-flops this could lead to blistering and possible infection. I do not recommend that students wear flip-flops at school all day.
Q. It feels like my legs have to grip flip flops for them to stay on. Is this a good thing?
A. Yes. You are actually exercising the small muscles inside your foot. These muscles are responsible for balancing the toes. However, if you feel any unusual sensations or fatigue in your feet you should be evaluated by your podiatrist.
Q. Is it fine to go barefoot in my own backyard?
A. No. Walking barefoot can expose you to foreign bodies, insect bites and blistering from hot surfaces. In addition, chemicals from lawn treatments can absorb into your body through the skin.
Q. Can going barefoot too much have a negative effect on my arches or posture?
A. Yes. Walking barefoot does not provide any shock absorption. This lack of shock absorption may cause pain in your heel, arch and back, particularly if have any arch abnormalities. Walking barefoot may actually worsen your condition overtime.
Q. Do I need to wear sunscreen on my feet if I wear sandals?
A. Yes. Unfortunately, the likelihood of developing melanoma is increasing. Melanoma is a potentially life threatening cancer caused by sun exposure. In addition, sun exposure can worsen the appearance of scars causing them to become darker in color.
Q. High heels are a popular fashion choice for warm weather. Are there any risks to wearing these all day?
A. Yes. While summer is a good time to wear stylish high heeled sandals or shoes you should avoid wearing them all day. Make sure to choose a shoe with adequate cushioning and support in order to prevent heel and arch pain. Wearing heels that are less than two inches in height will decrease the likelihood of ankle sprains and pain in the ball of the foot. It may be helpful to try a wedge style heel or those with a rubber sole that provide good traction.
Q. Do you have any suggestions for the best types of shoes to wear at the pool or beach?
A. It is important to wear a sturdy pair of flip flops when you are walking in public areas such as the public pool, the beach, hotel rooms and locker rooms. Walking barefoot in these public areas can expose you to warts, athlete’s foot and foreign bodies. You should also consider purchasing water shoes if you will be at the lake this summer. It is common for people to step on rocks, branches, or glass bottles while at the lake.
Please call the Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center office anytime @702-878-2455 between Monday – Friday and we would be happy to set up an appointment for you. Please visit our website @ www.FallCenter.com The Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center has Diagnostic imaging: Digital X-Rays, Ultrasound or Advanced Imaging will be used to aid in the diagnosis.
Please call the Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center office anytime @702-878-2455 between Monday – Friday and we would be happy to set up an appointment for you. Please visit our website @ www.FallCenter.com The Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center has Diagnostic imaging: Digital X-Rays, Ultrasound or Advanced Imaging will be used to aid in the diagnosis.
Dr. Anthony Ricciardi at the Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center has completed training in endoscopic/minimally invasive surgery for chronic heel pain and nerve pain, foot and ankle joint replacement for restoring pain free motion, arthroscopic surgery, bunion surgery, fracture repair, flat foot correction, external fixation for complex deformities and extensive experience in peripheral nerve surgery including diabetic peripheral neuropathy and reconstructive surgery of previously failed foot surgical procedures. In addition to his surgical training Dr. Ricciardi focuses on sports medicine of the foot and ankle through regenerative techniques using the patient’s own blood/platelets for healing chronic foot and ankle problems (pain) as a result of repetitive sport injuries. This cutting edge technology enables patients to continue training with little or no down time. Dr. Ricciardi continues to be active in teaching and training other podiatric surgeons on innovative surgical techniques in foot surgery. Dr. Ricciardi is Board Certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and Fellow of the Association of Extremity Nerve Surgeons. Dr. Ricciardi’s vision is to bring each patient the most current state of the Art Technology and personalized treatment options to meet their Foot and Ankle needs (from conservative care to surgical options). Dr. Ricciardi believes in quality service and puts his patients first!
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