William Penn Life, 2002 (37. évfolyam, 1-11. szám)
2002-07-01 / 7. szám
T reat your Proper care and the right shoes are the keys to avoiding problems WHEN WE ARE IN LOVE we may be "swept off our feet." When we don't want to do something, we are said to have "cold feet." A sensible person "has both feet on the ground." Sometimes we even "vote with our feet." The human foot is a biological masterpiece. Its strong, flexible, and functional design enables it to do its job well and without complaint-if you take care of it and don't take it for granted. Years of wear and tear can be hard on our feet. So can disease, poor circulation, improperly trimmed toenails, and wearing shoes that don't fit properly. Problems with our feet can be the first sign of more serious medical conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and nerve and circulatory disorders. tfow to treat your- feet You can prevent foot trouble by practicing good foot care. Check your feet regularly, or have a member of your family check them. Podiatrists and primary care doctors (internists and family practitioners) are qualified to treat most foot problems. Sometimes the special skills of an orthopedic surgeon or dermatologist are needed. It also helps to keep blood circulating to your feet as much as possible. Do this by putting your feet up when you are sitting or lying down, stretching if you've had to sit for a long while, walking, having a gentle foot massage, or taking a warm foot bath. Other things you can do to treat your feet right include: • avoiding pressure from shoes that don't fit right; • not exposing your feet to cold temperatures; 4. Don't select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe but by how the shoe fits your foot. 5. Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot. During the fitting process, make sure there is enough space (3/8" to 1 / 2") for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up. Make sure the ball of your foot fits comfortably into the widest part of the shoe. Don't buy shoes that feel too tight and expect them to stretch to fit. Your heel should fit comfortably in the shoe with a minimum amount of slipping—the shoes should not ride up and down on your heel when you walk. 6. Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right. Then take them home and spend some time walking on carpet to make sure the fit is a good one. • avoid sitting for long periods of time (especially with your legs crossed); and • not smoking. /y the shoe, fits... Wearing comfortable shoes that fit well can prevent many foot ailments. Here are some tips for getting a proper shoe fit: 1. The size of your feet changes as you grow older so always have your feet measured before buying shoes. 2. The best time to measure your feet is at the end of the day when your feet are largest. 3. Most of us have one foot that is larger than the other, so fit your shoe to your larger foot. The upper part of the shoes should be made of a soft, flexible material to match the shape of your foot. Shoes made of leather can reduce the’ possibility of skin irritations. Soles should provide solid footing and not be slippery. Thick soles cushion your feet when walking on hard surfaces. Low-heeled shoes are more comfortable, safer, and less damaging than high-heeled shoes. Health Links For more information proper foot care and common foot ailments, contact: 3 American Podiatric Medical Association 9312 Old Georgetown Road Bethesda, Maryland 20814 I -800-FOOTCARE www.apma.org Uilliam IVnn Lile. July 2002 5
