Labor of the Feet

 

Happy Labor Day weekend everyone!

For many, this weekend closes out summer and welcomes in the fall season. Sandals are soon replaced with shoes and even boots as the month moves onward. This weekend, think about your feet - they truly are the laborers of your body.  Your feet are carrying you around while walking to running to cycling to kickboxing to rock climbing you name it. Basically, while you are motion, your feet are a major player.

Here is your list to ready your feet for fall:

Get a Pedicure, preferably by a Medical Nail Technician who specializes in aseptic techniques. Do not have your nails painted then…

See your Podiatrist for a full foot exam. Bring in your shoes, socks and insert or orthotics for a review. Be prepared to discuss your concerns and take notes during your visit. Also discuss with your doctor your current shoes and show examples. This will help your doctor see wear patterns and be on the lookout for potential issues with your gait.

Refresh your shoes. After a long hot summer of wear from walking to workouts, your shoes break down. Fall is a perfect time to replace athletic shoes and invest in cooler weather shoes.

Refresh your sock drawer. Do you have socks that are worn, discolored or added holes not present when you purchased them?  

Review your current shoes in your closet. Donate used shoes. There are many shoe donation programs who can reuse or recycle shoes.

Look at your foot accessories. Time to replace your foot buffer and nail files. When is the last time you cleaned your accessories – Yikes!

How about the shower floor? Is the shower disinfected regularly?  A quick spray of disinfectant is like an apple a day….it can keep bacteria away!

Following this check list will give your hard working feet a pep in each step!

The Big Squeeze on Compression Socks

For those dealing with varicose veins, wearing compression socks can become a daily routine. Likewise, those with recurrent edema (swelling) of the lower leg know regular wear of compression socks can help in reducing swelling.

So what exactly is a compression sock? Compression socks differ from the dress and athletic socks sitting in your sock drawer as they contain strong elastics to provide pressure on your lower legs, ankles and feet. The materials typically used range from rubber or spandex. Some versions may contain additional padding on the sole for shock absorption. 

The compression level is at its highest on the foot and ankle then reducing compression toward the heart. The goal of the sock is to increase arterial pressure which causes more blood to return to the heart and less blood to pool in the feet.

Along with different levels of compression, different styles are offered. From dress versions to athletic socks, compression is fitting into every lifestyle.

Those who travel on long flights especially travel overseas find wearing compression socks greatly reduces swelling and help with lower leg fatigue. A new set of consumers are emerging in the market - athletes. In a recovery state such as a post run, studies have shown a faster recovery time along with reduced soreness. The jury however is still out on wearing compression socks during exercise. If the athlete feels better wearing them during exercise then I say rock on.

Talk with your Podiatrist to see if compression socks are the right choice for you then visit Healthy Steps for your compression sock selection!

Suggest Edits

Why Choose Healthy Steps Shoes?

Frequently we are asked what is different about our shoes. The shoe lines offered at Healthy Steps start with a review of each style within the line to ensure your foot health is at the forefront. Over the years, it has been a nice treat to see comfort shoes grow into a fashion forward look with our patients and customers enjoying each pair they purchase. The fall 2013 line is without exception. For the first time, Healthy Steps will offer boots that are supportive yet stylish!

Most of our shoes will accept custom or over the counter orthotics as they have removable shoe liners and have the depth necessary to accommodate both the foot and the orthotic or insert. In your better brands of shoes which can be found at Healthy Steps, a noted trend is shoe manufacturers are now offering support within the shoe. The built in orthotics can help align the feet along with support and let the wearer enjoy a look of style. This along with a deeper heel and roomy toe box offer a fit of comfort and protection.

Some styles also have anti-microbial protection offered within the shoes. This along with smart fibers for proper ventilation allow the feet to breathe and “thermo regulate” within the shoe.

In the next few weeks, we will receive our fall shoe line and we could not be more proud. We look forward to showing you our choices from top brands such as Naot, Vionic (formerly known as Orthaheel) and Dansko to name a few. We are also happy to introduce a new line of shoes for the working women who LOVE heels! We welcome 34 minutes shoes this fall.  New styles are available from Dr. Comfort and of course, Brooks running and walking shoes will debut new colors for the Fall/Winter season.

On behalf of our staff at Grapevine and our newest location, Keller, come check us out. We would like to meet you and your feet and help you on the way to happy, healthy steps!

If you would like to be contacted upon our fall shoe line arrival, send your name and a contact phone or email address to contactus@faant.com.

Teachers Feet Are Heading Back to School Too!

Calling all Teachers to Healthy Steps!


At Healthy Steps we want Teachers feet to not miss a beat in the classroom. New fall styles are arriving in the month of August. Stop in and visit with our staff for a complete fitting and review of the season's newest styles. Enjoy a 15% discount on your shoe and/or insert purchase when showing a valid ID at checkout.