Athlete's Foot

One of the most common foot ailments that I see in my shoe store, is Athlete's Foot. This is not something to be played with, and you don't actually have to be an athlete to get it. Here is the definition, cause, treatment and prevention that will help you to know if you have this ailment and then what to do to treat it.

Definition
Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that causes red, dry, flaking skin, sometimes accompanied by pain or itching. The condition usually occurs between the toes or on the soles or sides of the feet. In its acute stage, the infected foot exhibits blisters that itch or weep. Athlete's Foot can spread to the toenails, causing chronic fungal infections. Often when a patient thinks the feet are only dry and cracking, Athlete's Foot is responsible for the problem.

Cause
Fungal infections like Athlete's Foot are often contracted in showers, gyms, dressing rooms, swimming pool lockers, or other warm, damp areas where fungus can thrive. The name of the condition comes from the fact that athletes spend the most time in these environments and therefore are at a higher risk of fungal infection.Once fungal spores are present on the feet, they can enter fissures or sores and remain there to spread, unless the feet are carefully washed and thoroughly dried after exposure.Athlete's Foot can spread from the toes to the toenails. If the patient touches or scratches the infection and then touches other parts of the body, the fungus can spread to fingernails or other parts of the body, including the groin and underarms.Like any foot condition, Athlete's Foot is of special concern to people with diabetes and compromised immune systems who are more susceptible to developing infections that can lead to serious medical problems.

Treatment and Prevention
Vigilant foot hygiene can prevent Athlete's Foot. Daily washing of the feet with soap and water followed by thorough drying, especially between the toes, is important. Wearing dry, airy shoes and socks, not borrowing footwear from others, avoiding tight hosiery and using foot powder all help to keep the feet dry and infection-free. When using public showers or pool areas it is a good idea to wear protective shoes.Once an infection has occurred, it is important to see a doctor, have the problem diagnosed correctly, and treat it promptly. Fungal infections can be stubborn and difficult to treat, and can become chronic. Treatment plans include prescription anti fungal medications, either topical or oral, and continued attention to keeping the feet clean and dry.

Continue to consult with your foot doctor until the problem is eradicated.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis is an inflammation caused by excessive stretching of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a broad band of fibrous tissue which runs along the bottom surface of the foot, attaching at the bottom of the heel bone and extending to the forefoot. When the plantar fascia is excessively stretched, this can cause plantar fasciitis, which can also lead to heel pain, arch pain, and heel spurs.



Cause

Plantar Fasciitis often leads to heel pain, heel spurs, and/or arch pain. The excessive stretching of the plantar fascia that leads to the inflammation and discomfort can be caused by the following:

• Over-pronation (flat feet) which results in the arch collapsing upon weight bearing


• A foot with an unusually high arch


• A sudden increase in physical activity


• Excessive weight on the foot, usually attributed to obesity or pregnancy


• Improperly fitting footwear


• Over-pronation (flat feet) is the leading cause of plantar fasciitis. Over-pronation occurs in the walking process, when a person's arch collapses upon weight bearing, causing the plantar fascia to be stretched away from the heel bone.

With Plantar Fasciitis, the bottom of your foot usually hurts near the inside of the foot where the heel and arch meet. The pain is often acute either first thing in the morning or after a long rest, because while resting the plantar fascia contracts back to its original shape. As the day progresses and the plantar fascia continues to be stretched, the pain often subsides.

Treatment and Prevention

The key for the proper treatment of plantar fasciitis is determining what is causing the excessive stretching of the plantar fascia. When the cause is over-pronation (flat feet), an orthotic with rearfoot posting and longitudinal arch support is an effective device to reduce the over-pronation and allow the condition to heal.

If you have usually high arches, which can also lead to plantar fasciitis, cushion the heel, absorb shock and wear proper footwear that will accommodate and comfort the foot.
Other common treatments include stretching exercises, plantar fasciitis night splints, wearing shoes that have a cushioned heel to absorb shock, and elevating the heel with the use of a heel cradle or heel cup. Heel cradles and heel cups provide extra comfort, cushion the heel, and reduce the amount of shock and shear forces placed during everyday activities.
Every time your foot strikes the ground, the plantar fascia is stretched. You can reduce the strain and stress on the plantar fascia by following these simple instructions: Avoid running on hard or uneven ground, lose any excess weight, and wear shoes and orthotics that support your arch to prevent over-stretching of the plantar fascia.

An Excellent Product To Help With This Are The Dr. Roth's Fabs
Click the picture to take you to the Dr. Roth's website for more information. These are fantastic!






If problem persists, consult your foot doctor. You can find products to help with this problem at http://www.foot.com/ as well.

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How to measure your feet

Why Heel-to-Ball Is Essential
This illustration shows two feet which are the same length, but each require different size shoes. There are different fittings for short-toed feet and long-toed feet. Proper shoe-fitting incorporates not only overall length (heel-to-toe measurement) but also arch length (heel-to-ball measurement). Shoes are designed to flex at the ball of the foot. Correct fitting properly positions the ball joint in the shoe and provides room for the toes so they are not confined.
Without Utilizing Heel to Ball Measurement
Improperly fitted shoes (shown right) can cause a variety of foot problems in addition to general discomfort and shoe breakdown. If the arch of the foot is not positioned properly in the shoe, the foot will become fatigued and uncomfortable.
The Brannock Foot-Measuring Device ® Ensures Correct Fit
The foot to the left is correctly fitted. The arch of the shoe and ball joint of the foot meet at the same point. The foot arch is correctly positioned in the shoe. The foot and shoe bend at the same location, with the arch fully supported, allowing the toes to remain straight. There is ample space in front of the toes to allow adequate ventilation. This will ensure a correct and comfortable shoe which will keep its shape.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE


1. Prepare the Device
Prepare the Brannock Foot-Measuring Device® as shown in the photo below. The width bar should be set to its widest position and the arch length indicator should be slid back, so the foot can be positioned easily on the device.Note: Some devices have dual calibrations for the heel-to-toe, arch, and width measurements. Be sure to read the colored area which corresponds to the calibration you are fitting.

2. Position the Foot
Have the customer remove their footwear and stand, placing their right heel into the right heel cup. The customer should stand with equal weight on both feet to ensure that the foot being measured has elongated and spread to it's maximum size. Be sure the heel is properly located against the back of the heel cup, by grasping the customer's ankle and device together, as illustrated in photo.
3. Measure Lengths
Heel-to-Toe Length
Press the toes flat against the base of the device and look straight down over the longest toe (not necessarily the first toe) to read toe length. Make sure the customer's socks are snug against the toes (without drawing the toes back) to yield an accurate measurement.





Arch Length (Heel-to-Ball)
Place your thumb on the ball joint of the foot (as shown in the photo to the right). Slide the pointer (A on diagram) forward so the inside curve of the pointer fits the ball joint of the foot and the two high ribs come in contact with your thumb. When the pointer is properly located, the lower middle rib will be against the ball joint on the side of the foot (B on diagram). This yields the arch measurement. The arch length represented in the diagram is 8 1/2.
4. Find the Correct Shoe Size
Compare the arch length to the heel-to-toe length. Generally you'll use the larger of the two measurements as the correct shoe size. If the arch length and heel-to-toe length are the same, this will be the shoe size. If the heel-to-toe length is larger than the arch length, then fit to the heel-to-toe size. If arch length is larger than heel-to-toe, then fit to arch length.EXAMPLE:
Heel-to-Toe Measurement
Arch Measurement
Shoe Size
8 8 8
8 81/2 81/2
8 1/2 8 81/2 8 1/2
It is important that both measurements be taken and compared to find the proper shoe size. Simply using the heel-to-toe length may result in an improper fit.
5. Measure the Width
Slide the width bar firmly to the edge of the foot. Locate the shoe size (as determined in step four) on the movable width bar and view the width measurement indicated by the properly determined shoe size. If the shoe size falls between widths, choose a wider width for a thick foot, a narrower width for a thin foot.
Cleaning the Device Clean tbe Brannock Device with a damp cloth. Use liquid dishwashing detergent if necessary. Do not use spray cleaners or disinfecting solutions as they may adversely affect the measuring areas of the device.




6. Measure the Other Foot
Reverse the device end-for-end and measure the other foot following the steps described above. Be sure to measure both feet, then fit the larger foot. It is common to have feet of different sizes.
7. Remember the Fitting Process
When used properly, the Genuine Brannock Foot-Measuring Device® is designed to indicate the correct shoe size. This is the first step in the fitting process. Due to differences in manufacturing, styling, and other variables, it is up to each fitter to be knowledgeable of shoe styles and fit characteristics. It may be necessary to make compensation in sizing to achieve a proper fit for each individual customer. The fitting process often involves trial fittings to ensure that the proper size was selected.
Junior Model
The Genuine Brannock Junior Model, shown here, is designed exclusively for children. Children's feet are constantly growing. With this in mind, the Junior Model device ensures that the shoe will fit, while allowing approximately one size for growth.
The method of measurement is the same as the adult model with the exception of finding the width. Instead of utilizing a width t-bar, the Junior device uses a slide to measure the width. Position the slide so the arrows point to the size determined from toe or arch length. Then, find the width line which aligns to the widest part of the foot.
How to Measure Infants
When measuring infants, place the ball indicator to the end of the slot. Hold the heel firmly against heel cup, and rest the inner edge of the foot against the indicator. Press the toes against the device with your thumb and read the toe length. To measure the width, use the diagonal width line which comes in contact with the foot at the widest part.


Terms such as narrow, wide, regular, extra wide (and others) may be used by manufacturers to indicate a width size. These terms are not standardized. Footwear manufacturers can use these terms at their discretion so it is difficult to determine how the Brannock width measurement you measure relates to a manufacturers specification. Contact the footwear retailer or manufacture to get specific recommendation on their width sizing.
Shop at stores that provide service to their customers and have knowledgeable sales people. Getting properly fitted footwear takes more than picking a shoe off the shelf and having the sales associate ring up your sale.
Be sure to have both feet measured. Many people have feet of different sizes. Fit to the larger of the two. Have your feet measured and fitted each time you purchase shoes. Your foot size changes with age, weight changes, and other factors. The shoe size you wore in high school probably is not the right size.
Have footwear fitted at a similar time as when you will be wearing the footwear. For daily footwear go when you've been on your feet all day your feet have expanded.
Shoes don't stretch. If they don't feel right at the time of purchase they probably will never feel right.
Correctly fitted footwear can prevent long term foot problems. Take time to fully lace and tie the shoe properly and walk around in the shoe at the time of try on.

For more information about the Brannock Device, click here

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YakTrax Walkers, Don't Fall in the Snow & Ice!

For those of you who live in an area that has ice and snow, I have come across one of the greatest tools for allowing you to get where you need to go, even if there is ice and snow around.

YakTrax Walkers have a unique spikeless patented coil design, unlike other products on the market.

The YakTrax Walker will instantly give you better traction, confidence and safety on packed snow or ice. Move about naturally with the same solid grip that you are accostomed to on dry surfaces. Walk as you normally would and experience stability on ice and snow like you have never felt before.

Made with high strength, abrasion resistant 1.2 mm steel coils and easy-to-use polyelastomer material, the YakTrax Walker easily conforms to the shape of your boot or shoe. With its patented SkidLock coil design, the YakTrax Walker provides 360 degrees of traction on packed snow and ice and can be worn in temperatures as low as -41 degrees fahrenheit.

YaxFacts
MEDICAL STUDY
A new study conducted by Fergus Eoin McKiernan, MD, of the Center for Bone Diseases, Marshfield Clinic, and published by the American Geriatrics Society in its June issue confirms that the Yaktrax Walker keeps the elderly safer on ice and snow.
To read the complete medical study click here.

I sell these in my shoe store, and will be happy to mail you some if you need them. Use the size grid to determine which size you need, then give me a call at 918-227-7463.

These sell for $17.95 a pair (plus tax & $5.00 shipping) I accept Visa, Mastercard & Discover.

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The Diabetic Foot

The following article, may or may not apply to you, but I am sure that you will find that you know somebody who can benefit from this information. After all, you only have one set of feet and I want you to keep them.

Treatment and Prevention

Footwear and orthotics play an important role in diabetic footcare. Orthotics designed with Plastazote foam, the #1 material for protecting the insensitive diabetic foot, are usually recommended. Plastazote is a material designed to accommodate pressure hot spots by conforming to heat and pressure. By customizing to the foot, Plastazote provides the comfort and protection needed in diabetic footcare. Footwear constructed with Plastazote is also recommended frequently for the diabetic patient. Diabetic footwear should also provide the following protective benefits:

• High, wide toe box (high and wide space in the toe area)
• Removable insoles for fitting flexibility and the option to insert orthotics if necessary.
• Rocker Soles designed to reduce pressure in the areas of the foot most susceptible to pain, most notably the ball-of-the-foot.
• Firm Heel Counters for support and stability.

If you are a diabetic, you should be particularly alert to any problems you may be having with your feet. It is very important for diabetics with neuropathy to take necessary precautions to prevent injury and keep their feet healthy. If you have diabetes and are experiencing a foot problem, immediately consult your foot doctor.

Footcare & Diabetes
Proper footcare is especially critical for diabetics because they are prone to foot problems such as:

• Loss of feeling in their feet
• Changes in the shape of their feet.
• Foot ulcers or sores that do not heal.

Simple daily footcare can prevent serious problems. According to the National Institute of Health, the following simple everyday steps will help prevent serious complications from diabetes:

• Take Care of Your DiabetesMake healthy lifestyle choices to keep your blood sugar close to normal. Work with your health care team to create a diabetes plan that fits your lifestyle characteristics.
• Check Your Feet Every DayYou may have foot problems that you may not be aware of. Check your feet for cuts, sores, red spots, swelling, or infected toenails. Checking your feet should become part of your daily routine. If you have trouble bending over to see your feet, use a plastic mirror to help. You can also ask a family member to help you. Important Reminder: Be sure to call your doctor immediately if a cut, sore, blister, or bruise on your foot does not heal after one day.
• Wash Your Feet Every DayWash your feet in warm, NOT HOT, water. Do not soak your feet because your skin will get dry. Before bathing or showering, test the water to make sure it is not too hot. You should use a thermometer or your elbow. Dry your feet well. Be sure to dry between your toes. Use talcum powder to keep the skin dry between the toes.
  Keep the Skin Soft and SmoothRub a thin coat of skin lotion or cream on the tops and bottoms of the feet. Do not put lotion between your toes, because this might cause infection.
• Wear Shoes and Socks At All TimesWear shoes and socks at all times. Do not walk barefoot, not even indoors. It is extremely easy to step on something and hurt your feet. Always wear seamless socks, stockings, and nylons with your shoes to help avoid the possibility of blisters and sores developing. Be sure to choose seamless socks that are made of materials that wick moisture away from your feet and absorb shock and shear. Socks made of these materials help keep your feet dry. Always check the insides of your shoes before putting them on. Make sure the lining is smooth and there are no foreign objects in the shoe, such as pebbles. Wear shoes that fit well and protect your feet.
• Protect Your Feet From Hot and ColdAlways wear shoes at the beach or on hot pavement. Put sunscreen on the tops of your feet for protection from the sun. Keep your feet away from radiators or open fires. DO NOT use hot water bottle or heating pads on your feet. If your feet are cold, wear seamless socks at night. Lined boots are good to keep your feet warm in the winter. Choose socks carefully. DO NOT wear socks with seams or bumpy areas. Choose padded socks to protect your feet and make walking more comfortable. In cold weather, check your feet often to keep your feet warm avoid frostbite.
• Keep the Blood Flowing to Your Feet. Put your feet up when you are sitting. Wiggle your toes for 5 minutes, 2 or 3 times a day. Move your ankles up and down and in and out to improve blood flow in your feet and legs.
• DO NOT cross your legs for long periods of time.
• DO NOT wear tight socks, elastic, or rubber bands, or garters around your legs.
• DO NOT wear restrictive footwear or foot products. Foot products that can cut off circulation to the feet, such as products with elastic, should not be worn by diabetics.
• DO NOT smoke. Smoking reduces blood flow to your feet. If you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, work with your health care team to lower it.
• Be More Active. Ask your doctor to plan an exercise program that is right for you. Walking, dancing, swimming, and bicycling are good forms of exercise that are easy on the feet. Avoid all activities that are hard on the feet, such as running and jumping. Always include a short warm-up or cool-down period. Wear protective walking or athletic shoes that fit well and offer good support.
• Communicate With Your DoctorAsk your doctor to check the sense of feeling and pulses in your feet at least once a year. Ask your doctor to tell you immediately if you have serious foot problems. Ask your doctor for proper footcare tips and for the name of your local podiatrist.

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Why I Should Be Your Shoe Guy

Why I should be your shoe-guy. Well first, let me ask you, "Do you actually have a Shoe-Guy, or is it just some teenager working at a nation wide chain store?" Now if you're answer was what's wrong with some teenager at a nation wide chain store, you are in despereate need of a shoe-guy.

What does a Shoe-Guy do you might ask? Well a Shoe-Guy is the person that is there to help you with all of your shoe needs. He has knowledge (or the ability to find the knowledge you seek) about all things pertaining to shoes, feet and the ailments surrounding both. Usually he is the person who buys the merchandise in his store, and is also the person who greets you when you go into his store.

What gives me the right to be a "Shoe-Guy"? I have been working in a shoe store (started in my dad's) since I was fifteen years old. (I am now 41 so that means 26 years for those of you who struggle with math) My Grandfather started our group of shoe stores way back on February 14, 1939. (66 years, again for the math strugglers) I am a third generation Shoe-Guy of the old school variety. What I mean by that is that in my store we still measure people's feet with a Brannock device, actually talk to customers to find out what they want or need, and then sit on a fitting stool placing the shoes right onto the customer's feet. (a thing very unheard of in today's big chain society)

I would actually love to hear your comments about your experiences in my shoe store, or in any shoe store for that matter. I love feedback on how things are going in my store, and I love hearing the good and the bad that customers tell me of their shoe shopping woes. The one thing I hear more often than not, is "Man, I should have come to your store first, I would have saved a lot of time and money."

So if you are in need of a Shoe-Guy, let me be yours. You can find me at:

FELTS SHOES

124 W. TAFT

SAPULPA, OK 74066

918-227-7463

WHERE YOUR NEW SHOES NEVER "FELTS" SO GOOD!

www.shoe-guy.com