When it Comes to Foot Health, Flip Flops, FLOP!

Now that it's starting to warm up and people are getting into the summer state of mind, the shorts and beloved thong sandals (flip flops) are making the first appearances of the season. Many people think that by wearing these light, flimsy sandals they're giving their feet a break, when it in fact it's quite the opposite.

"Flip-flops have a spongy sole, so when the foot hits the ground, it roles inward and the sponge allows it to roll even more than usual," says Dr. John E. Mancuso, a podiatrist at the Manhattan Podiatry Associates in New York. "This is called pronation, and it causes many problems in the foot."


The flip flop don't offer the kind of support our feet need. As a result, many ankle sprains are caused by stumbling or tripping while wearing the sandals. Flip flops do not need to be cut out of your summer completely, they are still great to have at the pool or the beach. The important thing to remember is that that are not a shoe replacement and should not be worn the entire day. 


For more information on proper foot care or appointment bookings, please give us a call at: 780 488 4844

Foot and Ankle Wellness Center - 780 488-4844 (Edmonton, AB, Canada)
Like Us On Facebook
Follow Us On Twitter
Read More On Our Website

Arthritis Foot Care Tips

Home Feet Home
Regardless if you have arthritis or not, the best thing you can do for your feet is find shoes that fit and feel comfortable. Here are some tips for finding the perfect pair for your feet.

• Buy a pair shaped like your feet. To find out if your current shoes are causing problem, outline them on a piece of tracing paper. Then outline your bare feet on top of those tracings. If your feet are outside of the shoe tracing, you have problems. Look at buying shoes that are square or rounded at the toe. These shoes will give your feet more room to move.
• Get the support you need. Find shoes with good arch support and an additional layer of support on top of the shoe. These qualities are most common in athletic shoes.
• Rubber soles are key! The rubber material will provide more cushioning for your foot. When trying on, be sure to check the flexibility of the shoe near the ball of your foot. 
• Say no to heels! Heels increase the amount of stress on your feet and restrict your toes ability to move. 

Stretch Your Self, Before You Wreck Yourself

Well-exercised and fit feet, may not be as noticeable as biceps, but they are just as important when comes to keeping your body healthy and pain-free. Be sure to consult us before starting a routine foot exercise regime. 

• Achilles stretch. Lean against a wall, palms flat on the wall, one foot forward, one foot back. Leave the heel on the floor and lean forward, feeling the pull in your Achilles tendon and calf. Do three times, holding for 10 seconds each time.
• Big-toe stretch. Loop one thick rubber band around your big toes and pull the big toes away from each other and toward your other toes. Hold for five seconds. Repeat 10 times.
• Toe pull. Put a rubber band around the toes of each foot and spread your toes. Hold for five seconds. Repeat 10 times.

Foot and Ankle Wellness Center - 780 488-4844 (Edmonton, AB, Canada)
Like Us On Facebook
Follow Us On Twitter
Read More On Our Website

3 Types of Shoes That Should NOT Be Worn During Pregnancy.

There are numerous changes women must make to their lifestyles once they have become pregnant, such as what to eat, specific exercises, what to wear, etc. Did you know that this includes changing the types of shoes worn? Here are three types of shoes to avoid during pregnancy.

1. Slippers.

Slippers with the non-slip sole function can lead to numerous injuries such as: twisted feet/ankles, fall down, and so on, seriously endangering the health of pregnant women, and can even lead to premature delivery, miscarriage, and other problems. Another health risk associated with slippers is dermatitis. During pregnancy women become, on average, 15 kg heavier, this quick increase of pressure on the feet can lead to increased activity by the woman's sweat glands. Once the plastic of rubber slippers have become sweaty feet may be become red and itchy, these are symptoms of Dermatitis.

2. Sports Shoes.

Sports and leisure shoes that are constructed from "non-airtight" materials, such as nylon and synthetic leather, will only increase the swelling of the feet. Pregnant women should also avoid wearing flat-shoes. These shoes are not able to able maintain the arch of the foot to absorb the shock and they can also lead to fatigue and muscle and ligament damage.

3. Leather Shoes.

Leather shoes have very poor ventilation, and with the increased activity of the sweat glands caused by pregnancy, the feet will become even more sweaty. These shoes are a good environment for reproduction and growth of anaerobic bacteria and mold.

Foot and Ankle Wellness Center - 780 488-4844 (Edmonton, AB, Canada)
Like Us On Facebook
Follow Us On Twitter
Read More On Our Website3 Types of Shoes That Should NOT Be Worn During Pregnancy.