Foot Care Tips!

• Except at the beach, avoid going barefoot, even in your own home.
• If you have foot problems, inspect your feet every day or have someone do this for you. If you notice any redness, swelling, cracks in the skin, or sores, consult your physician
• Trim or file your toenails straight across. If you have foot problems, inspect your feet every day or have someone do this for you. If you notice any redness, swelling, cracks in the skin, or sores, consult your physician.
• Bathe your feet daily in lukewarm (not hot) water, using a mild soap, preferably one containing a moisturizer, or use a moisturizer afterward.
• Panty hose or stockings should be of the correct size and preferably free of seams.
• A shoe with a firm sole and soft upper is best for daily activities.

My shoes wear badly…

I am looking for a product to help with a problem I am having with my shoes, despite the doctor-prescribed orthotics (dress and casual) that I have. My shoes wear badly down on one side: the left side on the left and the outside right on my right side. Do you have any product that might address that?

It is not abnormal to wear down your shoes slightly on the outside of your heels. Most people strike the ground normally on the outside of the heel. We call this motion supination. It is the first phase in the gait cycle. However, an abnormal strike pattern can lead to increased wear of the shoe. The job of the functional foot orthotic is to help control the mechanical forces in the foot. This can help reduce the wear in the shoe. But when the shoes show significant wear it is probably time to be fitted with new footwear. Shoes will wear and compress depending on the frequency of usage and do need to be replaced. The other consideration is that the orthotic prescription may need to be reevaluated. If the orthotic is not adequately controlling the mechanical forces in your feet, then this can lead to problems as well. It is hear that you should consult with you physician.

- Dr. Charles A. Mutschler, Podiatric Consultant for Footcare Express