4 Top Tips from Our Podiatrist
Why slippers are so bad for the elderly – they can cause falls. Read more….
Using generic corn pads on corns and callouses can cause acid burns. Read more….
For kids, barefoot is best. Especially in the toddler years thongs can cause clawing of the foot. Read more….
Beauty is pain? Women may love to wear high heels for going out. But these can cause balance problems, and falls, corns, callouses and bunions. Read more….
Why slippers are so bad for the elderly – they can cause falls. The message for the elderly here is Don’t Wear Slippers. While they are beautifully comfortable and easy to get on and off, slippers stretch and become loose causing the feet to drag, so increasing the falls risk. Shoes with a non-slip sole and Velcro straps over the top of the foot can also come with a sheepskin lining and are as comfortable as slippers. Safe and comfortable shoes are available through Paul Carrol or Gadean Footwear.
Using generic corn pads on corns and callouses can cause acid burns. The majority of corn removal pads contain an acid and when used incorrectly result in the healthy skin being burned. The burnt area can then become infected and incredibly painful. For diabetic feet, acid burns can result in an ulcer, which in the worst case scenario can result in the need for an amputation. For safe corn removal it’s best to see a podiatrist. Better still see one for tips on how to prevent corns from developing.
For kids, barefoot is best. Especially in the toddler years thongs can cause clawing of the foot. In the toddler years, both, a mature pattern of walking, and the bones, cartilage and ligaments of the feet are developing. Toddlers get feedback from the ground and this helps them to balance. Bare feet are best but when protection or warmth is required joggers are the best option. Also available are a range of barefoot shoes made for young children.
A word on thongs, which we in Perth, love. Even in an adult, the feet claw to get a grip on the thong. For a child wearing thongs causes an abnormal walking pattern that can affect both, the way a child learns to walk and the development of a normal foot skeleton.
Just remember walking barefoot helps to develop the muscles and ligaments of the foot, increases the strength of the foot’s arch, improves proprioception (our awareness of where our body is in relation to the space around us) and contributes to good posture.
Beauty is pain? Women may love to wear high heels for going out. But these can cause balance problems, and falls, corns, callouses and bunions.
Wearing shoes with high heels can cause balance issues and increase the falls risk particularly for an elderly person. The tendo-achilles is shortened when wearing heels and this affects the biomechanics of the lower limbs and back. It can make back, hip or knee conditions worse.
Fashion shoes may also have become too tight and can cause callouses and bunions. Fortunately there are so many ladies shoes now available that are safe, comfortable, attractive and fashionable…think sports luxe!