Are you wearing the Correct Shoe when Exercising??

Commonly I find myself having the same conversation with my patients and even my friends and family. We will be talking about exercising, or maybe sports that we play and someone will complain of their foot hurting. It might be arch pain, ball of foot pain, toe pain, tightness, or even just tired feet.

Most people do not realize that just because you are wearing a "name brand gym shoe" you may actually be wearing a shoe that is very wrong for your foot. I remember when I was younger, had not been to school and educated about different types of shoes I would walk into a shoe store and pick my new shoes by the look of the shoe or the color of the shoe. I would think to myself, I love purple I want that shoe.

Here is the problem:

All brands of gym shoes make shoes that are structured for different foot types. There are four main categories:
Neutral, Stability, Motion control, and Walking shoe.

Each shoe is made for a specific "foot type". Lets say you are wearing a asics shoe that is a neutral, but you pronate during the gait cycle... this could lead to a lot of foot issues.

You are probably thinking.. How do I know which foot type I have.

Most running stores now have trained people that are able to evaluate your gait and determine if you are wearing the correct shoe. If you are having pain in your back, legs, or feet your best option would be to see a Podiatrist. They are able to evaluate your gait cycle and your biomechanics and help you find the correct shoe for your foot type.

Are Orthotics Just An Arch Support?

Lots of patients in our Grapevine, TX office ask, "What is the difference between an orthotic and a simple arch suppoprt? Why should I spend that much more money when I can go to Wal-mart?" This is a great question with a simple, but yet complex answer.

As opposed to an arch support that can be purchased at many stores, an orthotic has some distinct advantages:

1. Orthotics are designed to last for years, instead of months from an arch support.

2. An arch support (and most shoes) are designed for the average foot, but an orthotic is custom made for your foot.

3. Although an arch support will provide support to the arch, the orthotic supports the entire foot and cradles the heel.

4. An arch support may flatten with running or increased pressure, where an orthotic will be firm and maintain the position of the foot.

5. An orthotic actually improves or optimizes walking or running patterns by rotating the foot into "neutral position". In this position, the foot functions at the highest level.

Bottom line: If your doctor says you need a custom foot orthotic, there is a distinct performance difference between an orthotic and a simple arch support. Believe me, your feet will thank you!

That thing to measure your feet....

When you shoe shop, are your feet measured each time you enter the shoe department? Most likely, the answer is occasionally to never. When you shop for shoes, insist on your feet being measured for there is good reason! Plain and simple, your feet change in shape and size. Wearing the wrong size shoes whether they are too small or too large in length and width can drastically affect your foot health.

The tool used to measure your foot has quite a history. The Brannock device has been in use since 1927. Developed by Charles Brannock, it is the most widely used instruments in measuring feet to this very day. The device is made in different colors of green, purple, red or black with each color representing a specific foot such as Men, Women and Children. There are also Brannock devices for Ski Boot and Athletic shoe options.

When Mr. Brannock released his invention, no one else could match the shoe fit. In a short amount of time, word traveled of the exactness of the device. During World War II, the Army hired Mr. Brannock to ensure that boots and shoes fit enlisted men. From that request, he expanded his manufacturing facilities to allow his creation to service proper shoe fitting nationwide.

The Brannock device has an accuracy rate of ninety five to ninety six percent. Based on a linear size system, the difference in each size marker on the device is approximately 1/3 inch. For example, a Men’s size one is seven and two thirds inches. Each additional size is one third inch longer.

Measurement of width on the Brannock device works the same way. Each marker for width is separated by a distance of 3/16 of an inch. Nine widths are offered in the U.S. system and vary according to foot length. The widths are: AAA, AA, A, B, C, D, E, EE, and EEE.

You owe it to yourself to shop in a location where a representative assists you in fitting shoes in lieu of selecting shoes from a display on your own. Never measure your feet by yourself as the tool is designed for a trained representative to measure your feet. Once your feet are measured, ask the representative for the length and width of each foot. You may be surprised to learn your feet may differ in size and that my friend is OK. The key is the shoe size you receive will be based on the longest and widest foot.

So now you know about the Brannock device...now go get your feet measured!