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Don't Risk Your Sole For Sake Of Beauty

By KAREN SHIDELER

McClatchy Newspapers

Ahhh, summer, when our toes wiggle free. We show them off in fun flip-flops, sexy sandals, playful platforms and whimsical wedges. Ouch! Just turned an ankle, didn't you? Rubbed a blister on your big toe?

No, no, no, we're not going to say you shouldn't wear those fun summer shoes.

But (you knew that was coming, didn't you?) Naomi Shields, a Wichita, Kan., orthopedic surgeon who specializes in foot and ankle surgery, and Wichita Clinic podiatrist Joe Lickteig say there are some things you should be aware of.

FLIP-FLOPS

Potential hazards:

• Dry, cracked heels because of the exposure to air.

• Lack of support, especially for people with flat feet or other foot problems.

• Injured toes, if something's dropped on them.

• Sunburned feet.

• Increased risk of foot infection in people with diabetes.

Reduce your risks:

• Use sunscreen on the top of your foot.

• Watch for irritation between toes.

• Treat your heels to some extra attention.

• Get flip-flops that fit; don't let toe or heel hang over the edge.

• Look for shoes made of natural materials, such as leather, that have some give.

PLATFORMS

Potential hazards:

• Sprains or broken ankles.

• Extra pressure on the ball of your foot.

• Tightened calf muscles.

• Inflammation from the pressure, particularly under your second toe.

• Can aggravate Morton's neuroma, an enlarged nerve between the third and fourth toes.

Reduce your risks:

• Switch to a lower heel and stretch on a regular basis to keep calf muscles from shortening.

• The thicker, stiffer sole actually can be more comfortable than a flexible shoe if you have arthritis or similar problems -and are careful.

Potential hazards:

• Hmmmm -- they make your feet look bigger?

• Not enough heel support for some people.Reduce your risks:

• Wear the strap around your heel, for more support.WEDGE HEELSPotential hazards:

• The higher the wedge, the greater the chance of sprains or broken ankles.

• Tightened calf muscles.• Extra pressure on the ball of your foot.• Inflammation from the pressure, particularly under your second toe.

• Knee and back pain because the high wedges change your body's mechanical alignment.

Reduce your risks:

• Stretch your calf muscles regularly.

• Change your heel height regularly.

• Select shoes with lower and wider heels when possible.

SPIKE AND STILETTO HEELS

Potential hazards:

• The higher the heel, the greater the risk of sprains and broken ankles.

• Increased pressure on the ball of your foot.

• Changed body mechanics, with more load on your back.

• Inflammation on the ball of your foot.

Reduce your risks:

• Stretch your calf muscles regularly.

• Change your heel height regularly.

• Select shoes with lower and wider heels when possible.

TIPS FOR ANY SHOE

• Look for a style with good support.

• Match the shoe to the activity:

Don't wear high wedge heels on a day when you'll do lots of walking.

• If you're wearing skimpy shoes, don't forget sunscreen for the tops of your feet.

• Don't buy a shoe if it isn't comfortable in the store.

• Do keep feet neat-looking. Trim and polish nails, treat corns and calluses, moisturize.

• If you have flat feet, opt for a well-made sandal with good support, such as those made by Teva or Birkenstock.

• Change shoes regularly to vary where the force is put on your foot.

• As for those shoes that don't support your feet, save them for when you're going to dress up.

posted by Cheryl Levesque @ 3:51 PM