Memorial Day Shoe Gear - Do's and Don'ts

Hello and Welcome to our inaugural blog entry! I will be updating the blog frequently with interesting stories and tips to help keep you all "on your toes". This week I will be focusing on Summer Shoe gear and have included an article that I wrote in our local Health Magazine...

Summer Foot Gear
The Good, Bad, and Ugly!
Melissa J. Lockwood, DPM

"June is finally upon us and we are all excited to enjoy those outdoor activities with our family and friends! Whether you area new outdoor enthusiast or a seasoned veteran, below are some tips and information to help get you off on the 'right foot' as we head into the dog days of summer!

FLIP FLOPS
These colorful, trendy shoes are NOT our friends! Unfortunately, the use of flip flops should be limited to the beach as much as possible. Flip flops (and other extremely flat and open back sandals) make our feet work extra hard because our muscles have to balance us and keep those shoes from slipping off! A great alternative would be a low heeled (less than 1 inch) sandal with a closed back if possible. The more support and mechanical advantage we can give our Achilles tendons (the muscle on the back of our calves that helps us move forward) the better. The flimsy, flip flop style of shoe can cause a lot of 'footaches' down the road (including extra pressure on the ball of your foot), so it's best to wear them onl when you will be walking for short distances.

WALKING SHOES
Summer is the best time to get up and begin a walking program. Trees are green and we have lots of sunshine in the heart of Illinois! The right type of walking shoe is a must. There are several new brands of walking shoes that aim to have an 'exercise advantage' because of their 'rocker bottom' shape. While these types of shoes do engage the muscles in the back of your leg (both the superficial Achilles Gastro complex and the deep muscles), they also force these muscles to work (or "fire") during times of the gait cycle that is not appropriate which can lead to muscle fatigue and possible cramping. The best tip is to start SLOWLY with any type of walking shoe and to stretch all your muscles before and after exercise. Also, as with any type of gym or tennis shoe, it's important to have a strong counter (the middle of the shoe) and a stiff sole.

WEDDING SHOES
With June comes the 'busy' season of weddings! And with a quick toss of rice at the bride and groom comes the aches and pains of summer dress shoes. The phenomenon of "I have to wear them becuase they match my outfit!" is not isolated to women either. Men also put on those old wing tips that pinch their baby toes just as quickly as the women strap on those three inch strappy silver stilettos! the best advice is the simplest: If you must wear a pair of shoes that are painful when you first put them on for the sake of 'fashion', alsways bring a backup pair of comforatble, appropriate shoes to dance the night away in afer your feet have painfully reminded you to come to your senses! Even a dress pair of isotoner slippers can feel great after a day of hobbling!

For more information about appropriate types of summer shoe gear or if you are having any foot problems following an 'improper shoe' incident, please contact Dr. Lockwood at 309-661-9975 or at www.heartlandfootandankle.com"

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