In previous blogs, you have heard from our Doctors along with myself discuss proper foot care, shoe gear, biomechanics and pretty much everything to do with your feet.
So we decided it is time to change things up a bit. I am inviting you along with friends and family to take a journey. Each week I will be updating you on the trials and tribulations associated with a “task” we elected to do for the next 11 or so months. The task is completing our first full ironman distance race to be held on May 21, 2011 at the inaugural Texas Ironman.
It is our hope as you read this blog you think about not only your feet but to also think about what you can do to live the healthiest life. We hope to inspire you as well as have a few laughs along the way. Alas, the journey begins!
The Journey to a Texas Ironman…..
by:Janet Dixon
So Dr. Crane pops over to my desk last Thursday and with a smile says “Guess what you are doing for us tomorrow morning?” I reply back to her “What am I doing for us tomorrow morning?” She replies “You are enrolling us in the Texas Ironman”. I freeze and again try to understand how the human stomach can literally fall all the way down your leg and wind up in your big toe. I am sure I looked at her with a get out of town look. I sat at my desk bewildered. How I am going to complete a 2.4 mile open water swim, 112 mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile run all in the same day?
For the rest of the day and night, in the back of my head questions of can I do this or will I be strong enough to go a total of 140.6 miles or really…Me?? After much discussion with previous Ironman finishers, a lengthy conversation with my triathalon coach and my family the air began to clear. The race date is May 21, 2011 which is just under a year from now. Sure I can finish….gulp!
I wake up Friday morning nervous actually it was more like scared straight. Of the folks I am to enroll online which includes myself I receive text messages and notes not to be late – I have to be online ready to enroll at 8:00am. So here I am sitting at my desk – READY! I attempt online registration with an immediate response to try again later. Thinking this was an obvious sign, I soon realized the registration opens at 10:00am pacific and that would be noon central time zone. Jeez, the group is so wound up no one realized the correct time to enroll including myself. ;)
Eventually the noon hour strikes and once again I am online. After filling in online forms, we are registered for the 2011 Inaugural Texas Ironman! Whoo-hoo! Word spreads like wildfire and folks are either in complete support or believe we have lost a majority of our gray matter.
It’s going to be okay……right? Next week we start reporting on our training, I already have a few "incidents" just from this weekend. Stay tuned! ;)
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Ah, now it’s the shoes that can rid you of body fat….……
Lately, you may have seen an influx of advertisements regarding shoes to help you lose weight, tone and firm. So much for the magic pill to achieve perfect thighs, abs of steel or that healthy glow. Now the rage is a pair of shoes. Really?
Many people may think if the product is advertised in fitness magazines or blasted on every channel that this just might be the answer to lose unwanted pounds. Well folks, it does not. If you are looking to lose weight or tone up, your diet and activity level are what you need to focus on and not a pair of shoes.
What the shoe manufactures have done is taken the rocker bottom sole that has been around for ages and are spinning them as the weight loss answer. Rocker bottom soles purpose is to offload areas of pressure. Here are a couple of rocker bottom examples and the intended use:
Forefoot Rocker Sole:
In this style, the foot is propelled from the metatarsal head forward. It is utilized to reduce pressure on the ball of the foot along with forefoot joint issues such as bunions.
Heel to Toe Rocker Bottom Sole:
A heel to toe rocker bottom sole limits ankle and midfoot motion. This style can be particularly helpful if you have ankle arthritis or midfoot arthritis.
So where do you find rocker bottom shoes? Consider the Dansko line of shoes. They are available in stores and online. Also, many shoe repair shops can add a rocker bottom to your existing shoes.
Brands currently pushing the weight loss and toning are MBT, Sketchers and now New Balance. You may wish to try all the brands listed to see if the shoes do assist you in relieving pressure areas however look past the fancy marketing of shaping and toning.
So remember, to lose weight you need to stick with the basics. Eat right, exercise regularly and get plenty of rest. That is what your body really needs.
Healthy Steps…..for your feet…..for your life!
Many people may think if the product is advertised in fitness magazines or blasted on every channel that this just might be the answer to lose unwanted pounds. Well folks, it does not. If you are looking to lose weight or tone up, your diet and activity level are what you need to focus on and not a pair of shoes.
What the shoe manufactures have done is taken the rocker bottom sole that has been around for ages and are spinning them as the weight loss answer. Rocker bottom soles purpose is to offload areas of pressure. Here are a couple of rocker bottom examples and the intended use:
Forefoot Rocker Sole:
In this style, the foot is propelled from the metatarsal head forward. It is utilized to reduce pressure on the ball of the foot along with forefoot joint issues such as bunions.
Heel to Toe Rocker Bottom Sole:
A heel to toe rocker bottom sole limits ankle and midfoot motion. This style can be particularly helpful if you have ankle arthritis or midfoot arthritis.
So where do you find rocker bottom shoes? Consider the Dansko line of shoes. They are available in stores and online. Also, many shoe repair shops can add a rocker bottom to your existing shoes.
Brands currently pushing the weight loss and toning are MBT, Sketchers and now New Balance. You may wish to try all the brands listed to see if the shoes do assist you in relieving pressure areas however look past the fancy marketing of shaping and toning.
So remember, to lose weight you need to stick with the basics. Eat right, exercise regularly and get plenty of rest. That is what your body really needs.
Healthy Steps…..for your feet…..for your life!
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Where you receive your therapeutic shoe gear matters.
Each year, thousands of people receive shoes and inserts via the therapeutic shoe bill. Medicare patients with part B coverage who are under the care of a Physician for Type I or Type II Diabetes and have one or more of the required conditions can receive approved diabetic footwear and inserts each calendar year.
While this benefit is available, there are unfortunately suppliers whom improperly bill or provide less than adequate shoe gear. So who do you trust your feet or your loved ones feet to offer appropriately fitting shoes and inserts? Here are a few tips to guide you:
Consult your Physician or Podiatrist for a resource. Many Podiatrists have shoes onsite or can offer you a referal along with a perscription for obtaining shoes and inserts.
Avoid mail order programs. The final fit is crucial to ensure an appropriate fit. Both feet need to be measured along with a review of each foot in consideration of accomodations for appropiate support. The shoes must be issued by a Certified Pedorthist, Orthotist or Podiatrist.
Patients living in skilled nursing facilities may have a person who will fit patients in the facility. Ask who is completing the fitting? Are they certified? Who will check to make sure the fit of the shoes and inserts are appropriate?
More and more you will see Podiatrists and Certified Pedorthists working together to solutionize your shoe gear needs. The medical expertise of your Podiatrist along with the fitting expertise of a Certified Pedorthist are proving to offer patients a safe and proper fit of protective inserts and shoes.
If you are referred to a therapeutic store location, facilities are now required to complete an accreditation process in order to bill Medicare for therapeutic shoes and inserts. This process must be completed every three years to ensure compliance. The accreditation requires standards that are grouped into categories and include topics such as:
organizational process
patient care
performance management
product safety
facility safety and supplier compliance
Each of these categories contains multiple standards unique to the specific type of accreditation an organization is seeking. For more information on accreditation, access www.abcop.org.
Accreditation is a privilege and can be revoked at any time. Once a location has been revoked, the location has sixty days to correct inadequacies then be reinspected. During this time, the facility will not be permitted to dispense therapeutic shoes and inserts and bill Medicare.
So the next time you or someone you know are in need of therapeutic shoes and inserts, do yourself a favor and ask questions. You have two feet – protect them!
While this benefit is available, there are unfortunately suppliers whom improperly bill or provide less than adequate shoe gear. So who do you trust your feet or your loved ones feet to offer appropriately fitting shoes and inserts? Here are a few tips to guide you:
Consult your Physician or Podiatrist for a resource. Many Podiatrists have shoes onsite or can offer you a referal along with a perscription for obtaining shoes and inserts.
Avoid mail order programs. The final fit is crucial to ensure an appropriate fit. Both feet need to be measured along with a review of each foot in consideration of accomodations for appropiate support. The shoes must be issued by a Certified Pedorthist, Orthotist or Podiatrist.
Patients living in skilled nursing facilities may have a person who will fit patients in the facility. Ask who is completing the fitting? Are they certified? Who will check to make sure the fit of the shoes and inserts are appropriate?
More and more you will see Podiatrists and Certified Pedorthists working together to solutionize your shoe gear needs. The medical expertise of your Podiatrist along with the fitting expertise of a Certified Pedorthist are proving to offer patients a safe and proper fit of protective inserts and shoes.
If you are referred to a therapeutic store location, facilities are now required to complete an accreditation process in order to bill Medicare for therapeutic shoes and inserts. This process must be completed every three years to ensure compliance. The accreditation requires standards that are grouped into categories and include topics such as:
organizational process
patient care
performance management
product safety
facility safety and supplier compliance
Each of these categories contains multiple standards unique to the specific type of accreditation an organization is seeking. For more information on accreditation, access www.abcop.org.
Accreditation is a privilege and can be revoked at any time. Once a location has been revoked, the location has sixty days to correct inadequacies then be reinspected. During this time, the facility will not be permitted to dispense therapeutic shoes and inserts and bill Medicare.
So the next time you or someone you know are in need of therapeutic shoes and inserts, do yourself a favor and ask questions. You have two feet – protect them!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Cutting the Grass
Spring is here and for those who love lawn and gardening care, it’s time to cut the grass!
After tuning up the lawnmower and the edger…. off you go to play with the lawn. So what do feet have to do with cutting the grass? Actually, quite a bit if you wish to continue your drive for the greenest lawn on the block. Below are safety tips for your feet during the lawn and garden season.
If you store your lawn and garden shoes in a garage or pantry, check the inside of the shoes prior to placing them on your feet. Small rocks even bugs amongst other things may quietly reside in your shoes. In particular, those who have a loss of feeling in their feet should be diligent in checking the inside of their shoes. Remove the internal liner of each shoe and feel the insides of the shoes…you might be surprised what you find.
Always wear shoes or work boots when mowing. Far too many severe foot injuries occur from lawn mower blades in part to wearing inappropriate shoe gear. Never wear open toe shoes such as flip flops or even worse, walk barefoot pushing the mower across the grass.
Wear socks with your shoes. As the summer temperature heats up so will your feet. Wearing socks will reduce the chance of blistering while working outdoors. If you still tend to have blisters on your feet even with socks, have the fit of your shoes checked to make sure they are adequate. Use anti chafing products such as body glide or similar that can be applied to the feet prior to the days activities. Using such products will greatly reduce friction yet still allow skin to breathe unlike Vaseline or other pore clogging products.
Make sure the shoes you are wearing are not old tennis shoes from last year. Even your lawn and garden shoes should provide support and protection from challenges such as uneven ground, pesky insect bites and sharp blades. If your shoes are broken down, consider donating the shoes at your local shoe recycling programs then purchase appropriate fitting shoes dedicated to yard work.
Remove debris from the shoes such as mud by rinsing with cold water. Caked on mud can limit the flexibility of the shoes. Shoes should be completely dry prior to wearing for the next lawn encounter.
When you are finished with your lawn tasks, remove your shoes and socks and rinse off your feet. Eliminating debris accumulated from a days work in the yard will prevent you from dragging in pebbles, dirt and maybe even a few other little critters into your home and prevent your feet from further trauma.
Taking care of your feet is something you need to do each and every day no matter what the activity. Following smart, simple tips for your feet will allow you to enjoy the seasons activities.
Happy Gardening!
After tuning up the lawnmower and the edger…. off you go to play with the lawn. So what do feet have to do with cutting the grass? Actually, quite a bit if you wish to continue your drive for the greenest lawn on the block. Below are safety tips for your feet during the lawn and garden season.
If you store your lawn and garden shoes in a garage or pantry, check the inside of the shoes prior to placing them on your feet. Small rocks even bugs amongst other things may quietly reside in your shoes. In particular, those who have a loss of feeling in their feet should be diligent in checking the inside of their shoes. Remove the internal liner of each shoe and feel the insides of the shoes…you might be surprised what you find.
Always wear shoes or work boots when mowing. Far too many severe foot injuries occur from lawn mower blades in part to wearing inappropriate shoe gear. Never wear open toe shoes such as flip flops or even worse, walk barefoot pushing the mower across the grass.
Wear socks with your shoes. As the summer temperature heats up so will your feet. Wearing socks will reduce the chance of blistering while working outdoors. If you still tend to have blisters on your feet even with socks, have the fit of your shoes checked to make sure they are adequate. Use anti chafing products such as body glide or similar that can be applied to the feet prior to the days activities. Using such products will greatly reduce friction yet still allow skin to breathe unlike Vaseline or other pore clogging products.
Make sure the shoes you are wearing are not old tennis shoes from last year. Even your lawn and garden shoes should provide support and protection from challenges such as uneven ground, pesky insect bites and sharp blades. If your shoes are broken down, consider donating the shoes at your local shoe recycling programs then purchase appropriate fitting shoes dedicated to yard work.
Remove debris from the shoes such as mud by rinsing with cold water. Caked on mud can limit the flexibility of the shoes. Shoes should be completely dry prior to wearing for the next lawn encounter.
When you are finished with your lawn tasks, remove your shoes and socks and rinse off your feet. Eliminating debris accumulated from a days work in the yard will prevent you from dragging in pebbles, dirt and maybe even a few other little critters into your home and prevent your feet from further trauma.
Taking care of your feet is something you need to do each and every day no matter what the activity. Following smart, simple tips for your feet will allow you to enjoy the seasons activities.
Happy Gardening!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
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.
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.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
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!
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!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
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!
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!
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