F O O T P R I N T SA N I N F O R M AT I O N A L N E W S L E T T E R F O R PAT I E N T S O F A P M A M E M B E R P O D I AT R I S T S J U L Y 2 0 1 5

S U M M E R E D I T I O N

SUMMERTIME BRINGS

WARM WEATHER,

AND WHILE YOUR

SANDALS AND REGULAR

PEDICURES SEEM LIKE A

WELCOME TREAT AFTER A

LONG WINTER, THEY MAY

POSE MORE PROBLEMS

THAN YOU REALIZE.

YOUR GUIDE TO A SUMMER FREE FROM FOOT PAIN

M E M B E R

CONTINUED ON OTHER SIDE

“Warm weather is a great excuse to show off your feet and

polished toes, but flimsy flip-flops are one of the common

causes of heel pain,” says American Podiatric Medical Association

(APMA) President Phillip E. Ward, DPM. “Heel pain can seriously

impact your day-to-day life, and if your pedicure isn’t done

properly, it can lead to serious foot problems like ingrown

toenails and foot fungus.”

Heel pain, ingrown toenails, and foot fungus are not problems

you want to deal with in the midst of pool parties, weddings,

and vacations. Thankfully, there are ways to prevent these

common aliments so you can enjoy a foot-pain-free summer.

Start with your shoes! To avoid heel pain and other foot

problems, follow these tips when purchasing your next pair

of summer footwear:

WEDGES AND ESPADRILLES Problem: Ankle twist or sprain; instability and difficulty walking Solution: Try a wider, flatter wedge; look for a rubber sole with good traction

PEEP-TOE SANDALS Problem: Increased pressure on toes, bunions, and hammertoes Solution: Wear only for short periods of time; use an APMA-accepted insert

FLATS AND SLIDES Problem: Arch and heel pain; inadequate cushioning and foot support Solution: Avoid prolonged wear; try cushioned inserts for shock absorption; select a sole that doesn’t twist excessively

PLATFORMS AND HIGH HEELS Problem: Pain in the ball of the foot; ankle injuries Solution: Wear lower, more stable heels (two inches or under); use an APMA-accepted insert

GLADIATOR AND STRAPPY SANDALS Problem: Irritation between toes; callus and dead skin build-up around heels; lack of support and shock absorption Solution: Select natural materials such as soft, supple leather; ensure proper fit with no toes or heels hanging off the edge

D O C T O R S O F P O D I AT R I C M E D I C I N E A R E P O D I AT R I C P H Y S I C I A N S A N D S U R G E O N S , A L S O K N O W N A S P O D I AT R I S T S , Q U A L I F I E D B Y T H E I R E D U C AT I O N ,

T R A I N I N G , A N D E X P E R I E N C E T O D I A G N O S E A N D T R E AT C O N D I T I O N S A F F E C T I N G T H E F O O T, A N K L E , A N D R E L AT E D S T R U C T U R E S O F T H E L E G .

A MERIC A N P ODIAT RIC MEDIC A L A S SOCIATION9312 OLD GEORGE T OWN ROA D

BE T HESDA , MD 20814-1621 • WWW.A PM A .ORG •

THIS PATIENT INFOR M ATION

NEWSL E T T ER IS SUPPORT ED

BY AN EDUC ATIONAL GR ANT

FROM SPENCO, INC.

Y OUR W EDDING S E A S ON F OO T W E A R GUIDEWedding season is in full swing! From weddings at the beach to the

barn, APMA has you covered with these tips to avoid heel pain:

Wear shoes that fit well—front, back, and sides—and have

shock-absorbent soles, rigid shanks, and supportive heel counters.

Look for a shoe with a generous toe box area.

Inspect for cushioning at the front.

Remember: Excessive heel, wedge, or platform height can

lead to instability and ankle rolls. Try keeping the height at two

inches or under.

As always, treat heels like dessert—wear them sparingly!

VAC ATION CHECKLIS T

Don’t shave your legs before receiving a pedicure. Shaving creates

small cuts on your legs that may allow bacteria to enter your body.

Do bring your own pedicure utensils to the salon. Why? Because

bacteria and fungus can move easily from one person to the next

if the salon doesn’t use proper sterilization techniques. Yuck!

Don’t allow salons to use a foot razor to remove dead skin. Using

a razor can result in permanent damage if used incorrectly and can

easily cause infection if too much skin is removed.

Do use a pumice stone, foot file, or exfoliating scrub when

eliminating thick, dead skin buildup, also known as calluses, on the

heel and balls of the feet. Be sure to soak your feet in warm water

for at least five minutes first.

Don’t apply nail polish to cover up discolored nails. Thick and

discolored toenails could be a sign of a fungal infection. Nail polish

locks out moisture and doesn’t allow the nail bed to “breathe.”

If you think you have a toenail infection, schedule an appointment

with today’s podiatrist immediately to get it checked out.

Do gently run a wooden or rubber manicure stick under your nails.

This step helps keep your nails clean and removes the dirt, glitter,

and other types of build-up you may not be able to see.

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DOS AND DON’ T S FOR A FABULOUS PEDICUR E:

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