Traveling feet....

Summer travel is upon us! It never ceases to amaze me when I am at the airport how people think nothing of taking off their shoes and sandals then walk through security bare foot. Simply makes me cringe. I get it; there are travelers who choose to wear shoes without socks. However, you might want to think twice the next time you travel. 

You would not walk barefoot in a locker room or other public areas…so why is security ok? I don’t think the body scanner or wands used by T.S.A. agents are warding off bacteria. When is the last time you have seen a security area scrubbed down? A thin pair of socks in your carry on bag is a good way to ward off any creepy crawlies that are lurking on the ground. This way, you can proceed through the area with some protection on your feet. 

How about the airplane carpeting….spotless right? Considering the quick turn around aircrafts go through, we are lucky to have the floor cleaned of left over trash let alone vacuumed. Use the same socks to cover your feet as you used walking through security or heck, jazz it up and bring fun socks to lighten the mood of the travel time if removing your shoes is a must for you.  


Many of our patients travel for extended periods of time. Compression socks, particularly for longer flights more than two hours can help reduce swelling and restless legs.  When you wear compression socks, you are increasing circulation which can reduce lower body fatigue, achiness and soreness. If however, you are lying down for long period of time, the compression socks should be removed.  The socks are created in a variety of strengths. Typically, compressions levels of 10-20mmg are normally worn for travel however, check in with your Podiatrist to make sure you purchase the right compression level for you.

Happy Travels!  

Going barefoot? Think again....

What does a popcorn kernel, an earring post and a sewing needle have in common? They are just some of the items I have found stuck on the bottom of diabetic patient’s feet during a shoe and insert check…..and they hadn’t a clue.

Diabetics especially those with neuropathy know they must be diligent on checking their feet frequently. Without feeling, debris can embed into the foot and in no time at all an ulcer could appear.  

One the best ways to battle objects from attaching to your feet is to wear shoes and socks outdoors or protective sandals and at a minimum for indoors wear firm soled slippers while indoors.

I hear from many of our patients the dislike for wearing shoes in the warmer months. It really is a matter of changing your mindset and look for shoes that will work for you. If your feet tend to be too warm while wearing shoes, opt for styles that are breathable such as mesh or neoprene fabrics.

Remember, the fit is key. Always have your feet measured each time you shoe shop which includes length and width and realize the fitter may need to adjust the size depending on how the particular style runs in size. Don’t worry about the size on the box – it is the fit that matters.

If you don’t like to wear socks, consider the type of materials in the socks you own. Today’s fabrics are varied. Opt for moisture wicking fabrics to regulate your foot temperature fluctuation. Cotton socks are a great natural fabric however moisture is retained and not repeld as with technical fabrics.  

You may have also heard about the barefoot running phenomenon. This has been a controversial topic for many as the less is more concept has moved to shoes. Minimalist shoes are good cross training tools for biomechanically efficient feet. Speak to your Podiatrist for guidance and options to see if minimalist running is for you.

All feet need a treat.....

 Organized bicycle rallys are a great way for athletes to complete distance workouts as well as a fun exercise to do for those looking to pedal a few miles with friends and family. This past Saturday, while at a rally, I could not help but notice looking at participant’s feet as they were getting ready for the ride (gee, wonder why that is) and I could not help but notice how many folks REALLY needed a pedicure.

While some may think pedicures are a girly thing, it is quite the contrary as more and more men are receiving pedicures as part of their foot care regimen and here is why:

Pedicures can improve your foot health and can help you in reducing the risk of injury. Pedicures can improve blood flow and reduce inflammation and pain while removing areas of hardened skin. When the hardened skin is removed, this reduces pressure points. Another feature of the pedicure is having your toenails properly trimmed. When your toenails are properly trimmed, the chance of an ingrown toenail is greatly reduced.

Many sports pedicures begin by soaking feet in warm water and Epsom salt. The technician will then apply foot cream and massage feet and legs. The toenails are trimmed is then completed then an exfoliating scrub to remove dry dead skin from the feet is completed.

So where do you start in looking for a location to have your pedicure? Here are a few questions to consider the next time you schedule a pedicure:

How often is sanitizing completed?
After each use? Once day? Once a week?. Note, if you are told once a day or once a week sanitizing…move onto the next spa on your list! Spa tools, tub and work area should be sanitized after each use. Autoclave tools should be opened in front of you at the time of service.

What is included in the pedicure?
If you are looking for an extended foot massage for example, inquire on the length of time and techniques used.

What are the qualifications of the technician?
Choose a location in your area where the technician has received additional certification. A Medical Nail Technician, MNT, is certified in advanced aseptic techniques and is trained to work with high risk foot care patients.

Can I bring my own tools and nail polish if I choose?
Bringing your own tools will also cut down on infection. Don’t forget, you need to clean your tools after each use.

Knowing the above information will help you find the right location for you and give your feet a well deserved treat!  

What's this thing called a gait analysis?

We  have a lot of patients and customers ask what exactly does a Pedorthist do when fitting a patient in shoes or orthotics. Well, there is actually a lot to it as we are just not staring at your feet.  When a Pedorthist completes a gait analysis, the goal is to look for abnormalities that can contribute to the foot problem. Recognizing normal and abnormal gait patterns can tell us a lot about your feet. Here is a snippet of what we are looking for when you walk. Don’t worry; I will keep it easy so no need to have a medical dictionary for this blog.

After learning about the patient’s history such as age, weight, activities or occupation and current issues, patients are watched walking with shoes and without shoes. We note particular attention to patient’s walking in shoes as the shoe itself can have a strong influence to the patient’s gait. We focus on feet however we also focus on the gait cycle, and overall body movement.  There are four main areas of the body we focus on during the gait analysis. The Pelvis/Hips, Knees, Ankle and of course, the foot. 

During the gait phase, the pelvis should rise and fall symmetrically. An unusual rise of one hip compared to the other could be a sign of leg length discrepancy or weakness of muscles such as the  anterior  tibialis. 

The knee is observed for signs of excessive movement and hyper extension. 

The ankle is noted for stability and fluid movement. The inability to move the ankle normally through the gait phase can signal the need for footwear modification.

The foot is observed in both weight bearing and not weight bearing positions. We watch for flexibility, contact points, movement through each stance of gait cycle then note the abnormalities. 

Once we look at all of the information, we can determine the correct style of shoe and if necessary, an over the counter insert or if need be, custom orthotics. When you visit for a gait analysis, bring in a sample of your shoes, socks and bring along any notes or recommendations from your Podiatrist. Your feet will be on the way to healthier steps before you know it!