Foot and Ankle Associates, Inc. Blog

Running Shoes and Socks for Diabetic Feet

Fri, 11 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

There are countless running shoes out there that are marketed to everyone from Olympic runners to couch potatoes. Some shoes are good; some are not so good. It usually depends on how the shoes fit the person. One specialty shoe is particularly important to the population they’re marketed for and plays an important role for that group’s health.

Shoes designed for people with diabetes are one of the more important specialty shoes. They can literally save a person’s life. A simple cut or blister, left unchecked, can lead to a foot ulcer, which can lead to a foot amputation.

Running shoes and socks are designed to cut down on friction in problem areas of the foot. They also soften the impact of running on the bottom of the feet. Reduced friction decreases the potential for blisters, and softened impact lessens the possibility of plantar ulcers on the foot. Cushioned inserts in regular running shoes help a little, but the benefits of specially designed diabetic running shoes can’t be matched.

Preventing ulcers and blisters also keeps runners on their feet longer, which increases overall health, which helps with diabetes. The results of running are very straightforward when it comes to diabetes. Weight control, increased blood flow and improving the body’s ability to process sugar are good for everyone, especially people with diabetes.

You can find running shoes and socks for diabetics both in running shops and online at a variety of websites. If you have questions about which running shoes are right for you, contact a Santa Fe foot doctor. The podiatrists at Foot & Ankle Associates work with you to develop a safe exercise regimen with the right diabetic footwear. You can also order our book, Foot and Ankle Health Book, available FREE online.

Finding the Right Yoga Mat for Your Feet

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Yoga is supposed to be the almighty physical activity that is the perfect cross training for whatever other activities you do, or the perfect activity by itself. It is a great discipline for the body’s core, balance, and strength.

Some say yoga won’t give them enough of a workout, and some people are worried that it might be too hard for them. But if you have enough strength to not give in to all your friends who say, “Oh my gosh, you just HAVE to try yoga,” then you have enough strength to try yoga in Santa Fe or anywhere else. Kind of a paradox, huh?

The first, and really only, piece of equipment you need for yoga is a good yoga mat. It needs to be thick enough to give you protection from the hard ground, but thin enough that you can keep your balance.

People with foot pain know how much it can hurt to be exposed to hard ground, but mats can be another paradox of yoga. If you have foot pain and want more protection, the thicker mats can move around and squish down, so that you actually have to engage more of your foot muscles and tendons to keep you steady. After an hour or so of yoga, this can actually end up hurting your foot even more.

A thinner mat might be better for people with foot pain because it can be enough protection from the ground, but can provide enough stability that you’re not wobbling around and putting extra pressure on your feet.

When buying a yoga mat in Santa Fe or anywhere else, ask to try it out for a couple minutes. Stand on one foot on the mat for about a minute and see if you’re able to keep yourself stable. If you can remain stationary without too much pain, you’ve found the right mat.

Questions regarding medical advice for foot injuries from sports or recovery plans for foot injuries in Santa Fe can be directed to the Foot & Ankles Associates, Inc. The Santa Fe podiatrist office can work with you to maintain foot health and work on problems that you may already have. You can order their Foot and Ankle Health Book available for free online.

Women Should Use Caution When Buying Men’s Shoes

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

There are a lot of differences between men and women, so many that some imply they come from different planets. Most of the differences are pretty straightforward, however, especially when it comes to the physical differences. While some of those differences are quite obvious, others are more subtle. For instance, men’s feet and women’s feet vary in what seem like minor ways. And when a woman is only able to find a pair of shoes available for men, she needs to look at more than the different sizes.

Women’s feet are built a little bit differently than men’s feet, and shoe designers know this fact; they design women’s shoes with women’s foot health in mind. The most common type of shoe to make the crossover is the running shoe, which is also the type of shoe that needs to fit best because of its purpose.

Special attention needs to be taken to how the shoe fits a woman’s foot. One study has shown that women have narrower heels, higher arches, and proportionally larger calves and ankles. Women’s shoes and men’s shoes differ by one or two sizes, so a woman with size 8 shoes would look for a men’s size 6. But if the shoe she’s looking at is only available in men’s sizes, she should also look at how the shoe fits her heels, arches, and ankles. If it sits incorrectly, it could do significant damage over time.

The shoes also have different areas of support between men and women, because the bodies are built differently and move differently. A woman should see if she can run around the block or around the store a little to see if the shoe moves with her the way it should.

If you have further questions about purchasing the right shoe, or feel that the wrong pair of shoes has led to an injury, contact an experienced Santa Fe foot doctor for a consultation. The Foot & Ankle Associates, Inc. can help develop a plan to get your foot health back on track. Order their free Foot and Ankle Health Book, available for free online.

Maintaining Physical Activity with Diabetes

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be difficult for any person. But living with diabetes is incredibly difficult and one of the best ways to prolong life, and protect the diabetic foot, is to get engaged in healthy living, healthy eating, and exercise. Getting into a workout regiment can be intimidating and worrisome when facing diabetes. Blisters and cuts can lead to amputations of the diabetic foot, but they shouldn’t scare someone out of staying healthy.

A life of physical activity can burn fat, lead to weight loss, increase muscle, and improve your body’s control of glycemic issues. The first step is to get a complete physical examination to determine what type of exercise your body is prepared for. It can also uncover underlying conditions for which exercise could be detrimental.

A physical therapist can then help produce a workout plan based on the patient’s goals, strengths, weaknesses, and lifestyle. A basic combination of strength training and weights or resistance training should be utilized throughout the program to burn fat and build muscle, both of which improve diabetic health.

Start with an easy warm-up and finish with a nice cool down or stretching session. Monitor blood sugar levels before and after working out and schedule activity around meal times that can affect those levels.

One of the most important things to consider when working out is using proper footwear. Since the diabetic foot is very susceptible to infections, a good fitting shoe that prevents blisters and sores during exercise is essential.

It is important to work with a doctor who has a focus on foot health care. Contact the Foot & Ankle Associates, Inc. who can work with you to develop a plan of action for keeping you safe and healthy. The Santa Fe podiatrist office offers the Foot and Ankle Health Book for free online.

Choosing the Perfect First Pair of Shoes for Your Child

Sun, 04 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Firstly, shoes should not be purchased for infants who are not walking yet, however adorable they may be. They can restrict movement and growth that hinders walking later on. A thick pair of socks should suffice for colder climates. Even as children walk, it’s important that they put in enough miles while barefoot so the feet can develop strength and flexibility.

As children reach the age of wearing shoes, parents want to make the best decisions for their children. While it’s easiest to just go with what looks the cutest covering those tiny little toes, there is a lot more that should go into buying the first (and following) pair of children’s shoes. When looking for that first pair of shoes a parent should look into features like:

Flexibility: Good, when the child begins walking around the house and especially outdoors, quality shoes should be purchased. A lightweight, flexible shoe is best for early walkers because the child’s foot is still developing and needs to be able to move around freely and naturally.

Arch Support: Bad, children don’t begin to develop a noticeable arch in their foot until around age three. And even beyond that, it is not necessary to purchase shoes with stiff arch support. This goes along with the idea of flexibility, but it’s important to take special care in looking for shoes that allow the foot to move and develop freely.

The Right Fit: Loose, the right shoes for children are the ones that allow the foot to move naturally and give room to grow. Parents don’t want to be buying new shoes every week and the feet will grow, so it’s ok to give those feet a little extra room.

Cuteness: Always, don’t worry about picking the cutest shoes. They’re children’s shoes, they’re all cute!

It may be a daunting responsibility to buy the perfect children’s shoes, but these tricks of the trade should take off a little pressure. If you have more questions regarding the right pair of shoes for your child, contact the Foot & Ankle Associates, Inc. The Santa Fe podiatrists also offer the, Foot and Ankle Health Book, for free online.

Sports Injury Prevention

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Any time someone gets involved with a sport or athletic activity, he puts himself at risk for sustaining a variety of injuries. The injuries can range from athlete’s foot to a broken ankle, caused by anything from walking to playing rugby, and keep a person off his feet for a night or a couple months.

There may be a laundry list of possible sports injuries, but they shouldn’t scare you from keeping an active lifestyle. With proper training and a few key precautions, everyone from professional athletes to weekend warriors can be a little safer on, or off, the field.

Here are a few tips to keep you safe on the court, track, field, or treadmill:

Footwear: Proper shoes can make or break an athlete. Get a shoe that fits snugly, but not too tight and is designed for the sport you’re playing. The right shoes can make or break an athlete.

Socks: Sounds simple, but the right cotton socks can keep you safe from blisters and help prevent athlete’s foot.

Stretch: Making sure the muscles are ready for athletic activity can keep you moving. Whether it’s static or kinetic stretching you’re into, your muscles and tendons get a greater range of motion and ability after properly warming up.

Work Up Gradually: If you’re setting high goals, start with small steps. Don’t just jump off the couch and try to run a half-marathon. Start with smaller steps and prepare your body for tougher challenges, and it will be more resistant to damage.

These tips may not seem like much, but many people could be a lot healthier after a few simple changes in their lives. If you have further questions on how to keep your feet healthy, or are worried that you may already have suffered an athletic injury, contact the Foot & Ankle Associates, Inc. The Santa Fe podiatrist office offers free consultations and you can order their Foot and Ankle Health Book for free online.

Living with the Diabetic Foot

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

There are an incredible amount of health issues associated with diabetes, and the diabetic foot is one of the most common and detrimental problems that a person with diabetes must deal with. From pain to numbness, to infection, to amputation, it’s always something that will have to be dealt with carefully.

Diabetes initially affects the foot by limiting the amount of blood that can flow all the way down and back. This is a problem for two reasons:

Numbness: The nerves need blood to work, and without blood, you can lose feeling. This can make it awkward to walk and prevent you from feeling when you’ve damaged your foot by bumping it or cutting it.
Healing: Blood helps your body heal. When you cut or bruise your foot somehow, it will take longer to get your rebuilding process sorted out. This also leads to other problems, discussed below.

There are shoes and socks specifically designed to help a diabetic person’s blood flow regularly, which should help with the issues above.

A diabetic must also be more aware of the condition of his feet. Any bruise or break in the skin can lead to further complications. Open wounds such as blisters, cuts, nicks, burns, ingrown nails, and scratches can easily become infected. Minor damage can lead to major problems, which can lead to amputations so the infection does not bring down the entire body.

If you have questions regarding your life with diabetes, how to protect yourself from infections and amputations, contact the Foot & Ankle Specialists, Inc., an experienced Santa Fe podiatrist office of doctors who can work with you to find your answers and set up a plan for taking care of your health. Order the free Foot and Ankle Health Book online at their website, and start your health plan off on the right foot.