DANGER: Your shoes are killing you

                                           Shoes to die for

With todays plethora of uncomfortable styles and constructions, the words 'shoes to die for' can never have been more appropriate. Even men's shoes that are traditionally aimed more at comfort than style are becoming increasingly hard on our long suffering feet. Then there's womens shoes - well the less said about them the better.

                 Walking to the kitchen has never been so tricky!

In my years working with my clients, I have from time to time found it invaluable to consult a podiatrist/chiropodist to help them fully utilise their shoe collection. It is an all too familiar tale of clients on big evenings out trying to weigh up whether it's possible to wear those killer heels and still be able to walk 3 steps to the taxi at the end of the night. Now I know it might not be very rock and roll and sometimes you have to suffer for your art, but there are some very simple steps we can all do that enables us to wear those fabulous Alexander Wang's and still be able to stand up right the next day.

It is worth pointing out that I am not a chiropodist or podiatrist, (chiropodist - UK, podiatrist - worldwide)

                                                 Top 10 Insider Tips

1. Don't ignore foot pain—it's not normal. If the pain persists, see a chiropractor/podiatric physician
    
2. Inspect your feet regularly. Pay attention to changes in color and temperature of your feet. Look for thick or discolored nails (a sign of developing fungus), and check for cracks or cuts in the skin. Peeling or scaling on the soles of feet could indicate athlete*s foot. Any growth on the foot is not considered normal.
   
3. Wash your feet regularly, especially between the toes, and be sure to dry them completely.
   
4. Trim toenails straight across, but not too short. Be careful not to cut nails in corners or on the sides; it can lead to ingrown toenails. Persons with diabetes, poor circulation or heart problems should not treat their own feet because they are more prone to infection.
   
5. Make sure that your shoes fit properly. Purchase new shoes later in the day when feet tend to be at their largest and replace worn out shoes as soon as possible.
   
6. Select and wear the right shoe for the activity that you are engaged in (i.e. running shoes for running).
   
7. Alternate shoes—don't wear the same pair of shoes every day.
   
8. Avoid walking barefooted—your feet will be more prone to injury and infection. At the beach or when wearing sandals always use sunblock on your feet as the rest of your body.
   
9. Be cautious when using home remedies for foot ailments; self-treatment can often turn a minor problem into a major one.
   
10. If you are a person with diabetes it is vital that you see a chiropractor/podiatric physician at least once a year for a check-up.
     

I hope that may have helped you a little and if all else fails take spare pair out with you that are more appropriate for walking in.



Drew