12-19-2009, kaimi44: Nordstrom splits pairs!

The Nordstrom department stores have a company-wide policy that allows people with feet over one and one half sizes different to buy the right sizes for the cost of only one pair. Even those on sale! Starting out as a shoe ...
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09-16-2009, KentB: The Pros and Cons of Heel Lifts

Heel lifts are used to correct both health and cosmetic issues. Uneven legs are fairly common but usually make no difference to a person�s health if the difference between the legs is less than �-inch. Anything more than ...
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09-16-2009, KentB: Fitting Sports Shoes

There is a reason walking shoes and running shoes are always separated in department stores. Different sports and athletic activities put pressure and stress on the body in different ways and places. It only makes sense that...
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09-16-2009, KentB: A Comparison Between Two Bargain Running Shoes

Compare the specs on these two economical running shoes from Asics and Nike. Both shoes are stability shoes designed for neutral to moderate over-pronators. They should give you a quality running experience without breaking t...
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09-16-2009, KentB: The Basics of Running Shoes for a Beginning Runner

Buying a pair of running shoes can be nightmare, especially if you are a beginning runner who does not know a lot about your feet. Some of this knowledge comes from trial and error. There is no �best� brand of running sho...
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09-16-2009, KentB: Shoe Tying Techniques, Part 3

Loop it, Swoop it, Pull! As you probably discovered in kindergarten, there�s no one way to tie a shoe. But what you may not be aware of is that shoe tying can address serious problems when it comes to fitting athletic shoes...
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09-16-2009, KentB: Shoe Tying Techniques, Part 2

The way you tie your shoes can completely change the way an athletic shoe fits. Put your shoe tying skills to work with special shoe tying techniques designed to address fit problems. If your shoe feels too tight� It is ...
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09-16-2009, KentB: Shoe Tying Techniques, Part 1

Shoe tying may seem like elementary stuff. (Remember the story about the little bunny who hops around a tree and finds a hole?) But you can actually put your shoe tying skills to serious work. Often times the fit of athletic...
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09-16-2009, KentB: How to Care for Athletic Shoes

Athletic shoes are a big investment, and unfortunately for your wallet, they are an investment you will continually need to make. Of course this kind of maintenance is worth it! After all, the health of your body is at stake....
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09-16-2009, KentB: How to Safely Break in a Pair of Shoes

Whether you have purchased a pair of high heels or hiking boots, some shoes take awhile before they comfortably fit on your feet. Unfortunately, there is no magic short-cut that eliminates the �breaking-in� process. The ...
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09-16-2009, KentB: How To Determine Your Shoe Size

Believe it or not, your foot changes size and shape over time. Just because you�ve been a size 7 for the last 10 years, doesn�t mean you�ll be a size 7 for the rest of your life. It�s important to periodically measur...
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09-16-2009, KentB: How to Polish Shoes

When polishing leather shoes, you need to choose between four basic forms of shoe polish: wax, paste, liquid and cream. There are pros and cons to each option. Liquid polish dries quickly, but it does not come in a wide sele...
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09-16-2009, KentB: How to Eliminate Slippery Soles

Slippery soles are not only obnoxious; they pose a serious threat to your health. There is no need for you to be unsteady on your feet because your shoes can�t seem to �get a grip� on the floor! Check out the suggested...
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09-16-2009, KentB: How to Fix Common Shoe Problems

Heel Problems. Heels often wear down before the rest of the sole. You can extend the life of your shoes if you repair the heels as soon as you notice a problem. � Wobbly Heels: Wobbly heels are a sign that the nails or sc...
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09-16-2009, KentB: The Amazing, Foldable Flat

Have you ever made the mistake of thinking you could make it through the night in a pair of 3-inch heels? I know I have! Stilettos that seem oh so fashionable and fun at 8 o�clock in the evening turn into my worst nightmar...
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09-16-2009, KentB: How to Resole a Shoe and Attach a New Heel

Resoling a shoe is a relatively easy do-it-yourself repair you can tackle at home. Just follow these simple steps: 1. The first step is to clean the soles of your shoes. You will want to remove all gunk, gum and dirt. If yo...
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09-16-2009, KentB: Creative Ways to Stretch Leather Shoes

Here�s a creative way to stretch leather shoes. All you need is two small Ziploc bags, water and a freezer. Fill each bag 1/3 full of water from the tap. Be sure to seal the bags completely! Now place each bag in the are...
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09-16-2009, KentB: How to Shorten High Heels

We all know that high heels are bad for our feet, ankles, knees, posture� The list goes on! But that doesn�t seem to stop us from wearing them. Pain may equal beauty in the short term, but at what price? Unfortunately ...
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09-16-2009, KentB: Leather Basics

What�s the difference between nubuck and suede? Why is some leather described as �full-grain� and other leather �natural grain�? Will shoes made from expensive leather require more maintenance? These are just som...
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09-16-2009, KentB: Caring for Special Types of Leather Shoes

Exotic Leathers Exotic leathers such as ostrich, shark, crocodile and lizard are particularly popular among women�s shoes as well as men�s and women�s cowboy boots. Most of the leather comes from animals raised on farms...
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09-16-2009, KentB: Leather Shoe Care

The full spectrum of caring for your leather shoes includes cleaning, conditioning, polishing and waterproofing. It may sound like a lot of work, but once the basic materials are gathered you will find that the occasional mai...
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09-16-2009, KentB: Replacement Heel Caps and Heel Tips

It is not uncommon for the heels of shoes to wear down prematurely. The good news is that without a lot of effort (or money) the heels of most shoes can be replaced. You should be able to purchase what are called �heel caps...
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09-16-2009, KentB: Six Tried and Trusted Methods for Removing Scuff Marks from Shoes

There is nothing worse than splurging on a new pair of shoes only to have them marred by scuff marks a few wears later. Luckily, most scuff marks are easily removable. A quick Google search reveals that there are a myriad of ...
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09-16-2009, KentB: How to Clean Athletic Shoes

Athletic or tennis shoes can get really smelly, if you are not careful, and you should not be afraid to give your smelly shoes a bath every once in a while. But before you jump the gun and throw your dirty sneakers in the was...
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09-16-2009, KentB: Cleaning Leather Shoes

A pair of leather shoes can be an excellent investment. Not only do leather shoes look spiffy, but also the soft, breathable (not to mention natural) material is gentle on your feet. If you do decide to go the leather route, ...
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09-16-2009, KentB: How to Fix Squeaky Shoes

Is a pair of squeaky shoes driving you past the point of insanity? Try these simple techniques to return your shoes to their normal, stealthy selves. Option #1: Baby Powder Remove the insole and sprinkle the inside of the s...
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09-16-2009, KentB: Shoe Goo Makes Your Shoes Brand New

Shoe Goo is an industrial strength rubber cement that may be exactly what you are looking for when it comes to repairing your old shoes. Invented in 1972, Shoe Goo was originally designed to combat a problem known as �tenni...
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09-16-2009, KentB: Repairing the Heel on Your Running Shoes

As any runner will tell you, most running shoes wear quickly and unevenly. This means that although your high-tech EVA midsole may have plenty of bounce left in it, the traction on the outer sole may have worn away - or vice ...
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09-16-2009, KentB: Resoling Your Old Shoes

Some of us cannot bear to part with a favorite pair of shoes. I, for one, stand guilty as charged. I still wear my favorite pair of knee-high brown boots despite the fact that their soles are marred with cracks that let the w...
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09-16-2009, KentB: Adjusting Boots to Fit Your Calves

There is nothing worse than finding a pair of stylish boots that fit your feet perfectly but not your calves. As a woman with fairly muscular calves, I know firsthand that boots small enough to suit my feet probably will not ...
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09-16-2009, KentB: How to Repair High Heel Shoes at Home

There is no need to visit a shoe repair shop the next time the heel breaks on one of your pairs of stylish pumps. And there�s no need to prematurely toss your high heels into the dustbin either! Most broken heels can be sat...
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09-01-2009, KentB: Soles 4 Souls: Donating Shoes to a Good Cause

Soles 4 Souls is a non-profit organization that collects donations of new and �gently� worn shoes and distributes them to people in need in the United States and abroad. Soles 4 Souls specializes in disaster relief effort...
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09-01-2009, KentB: History and Overview of Nine West Shoes

Compared to most major shoe companies, Nine West is the new kid on the block. The company was founded in May 1977 when Jerome Fisher and Vincent Camuto saw an opportunity to capitalize on the women�s shoe market. (Compare t...
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09-01-2009, KentB: Where Can I Buy Shoes Made Out of Recycled Materials?

It seems like these days everyone is concerned with being green � and with good reason! Whether or not you believe an environmental catastrophe due to global warming is right around the corner, there is no time like the pre...
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09-01-2009, KentB: How to Donate Shoes Domestically and Abroad

If you want to donate your shoes domestically consider giving them to� 1. Planet Aid, Inc. Planet Aid, Inc. collects shoes in the US from 19 states and attempts to resell them. (Check out the Planet Aid, Inc. website ...
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09-01-2009, KentB: A Second Chance for Shoes Not Sold in a Thrift Store

Any regular thrift store shopper knows that some shoes or shirts just do not sell. So what happens to these double cast-offs? If their owners put them up for sale and no one bites, is it worth keeping them around? If you are ...
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09-01-2009, KentB: Nike�s Reuse-A-Shoe Program Wants Your Old Running Shoes

Nike wants to turn your old tennis shoes into brand spanking new athletic surfaces! The recycling process is very simple. Nike has placed Reuse-A-Shoe bins in 300 locations across the United States as well as in drop-off loca...
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09-01-2009, KentB: Two Shoe Charities That You Can (and Should!) Support

Instead of allowing old or under-used shoes to clutter up your closet (or a landfill), consider donating your shoes to one of the charitable causes listed below: Nike� Shoe Recycling and Sustainability Program (Reuse-A-Sh...
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09-01-2009, KentB: Credential Clothing: When Your Old Shoes Take a Trip Around the World

Credential clothing is unsorted, untouched donations of soft goods including clothing, shoes, handbags and toys. The clothing often comes from thrift stores such as the Salvation Army that are unable to sell the merchandise. ...
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09-01-2009, KentB: What to Do With Your Old Shoes?

1. Old shoes that have been �gently� worn can be donated to charity. Soles 4 Souls is a reputable charity that has collected hundreds of thousands of pairs of shoes and sent them across the United States and all over ...
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09-01-2009, KentB: A Brief History of Shoe Manufacturing the United States (Part Two)

By the late 19th century, shoes were largely manufactured in factories that specialized in a minute step of the shoemaking process. Materials, parts and products were shipped around the US. And a standardized American sizin...
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09-01-2009, KentB: A Brief History of Shoe Manufacturing in the US (Part One)

Shoe making in the United States of America began as a specialized trade for cobblers who emigrated from Europe. These boot-makers and shoemakers worked locally. They usually set up shop in their homes, purchased leather fr...
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09-01-2009, KentB: History of Platform Shoes

You may think platform shoes are something straight out of contemporary pop culture, but you�d be wrong. Platform shoes have a rich and varied history that begins in the theaters of Ancient Greece. Tragic actors would oft...
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09-01-2009, KentB: Controlling Sales of Counterfeit Shoes

As the number of counterfeit shoes continues to increase, trading officers around the world are working overtime to keep the counterfeit market under control. Shoes were the number one clothing item seized by United States c...
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09-01-2009, KentB: History of the High Heel

Believe it or not, the high heel was originally invented for purely practical purposes! Forget about aesthetics or Vogue�s claim that the high heel�s sole purpose is to show off a woman�s leg! Shoes with distinct heel...
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09-01-2009, KentB: Troop Sneakers Are Back In Town

Troops were popular as an urban / hip-hop sneaker in the 80s and the 90s. The sneakers were endorsed by the likes of LL Cool J, MC Hammer, Ultramagnetic MCs, Stetsasonic, Public Enemy�s Chuck D, Flava Flav as well as Ghost...
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09-01-2009, KentB: The History of the Saucony Shoe Manufacturing Company

Saucony shoes have been around for 111 years. Founded in 1898 by four businessmen from Kutztown, Pennsylvania, the shoe company�s fortunes and merchandise followed the course of American history. The name of the company is...
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09-01-2009, KentB: Midsole and Outsole Technology at Saucony

Saucony is an athletic shoe company that originated in Kutztown, Pennsylvania in the United States. The Saucony Company specializes in running shoes, and its technology is at the forefront of the running shoe industry. It h...
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09-01-2009, KentB: Tips for Buying Designer Shoes Online

Price. Like it or not, designer shoes are expensive. If a shoe that usually costs 400 dollars is being sold for 99 dollars, it is probably too good to be true. Lots of websites pass off counterfeit designer shoes at a disc...
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09-01-2009, KentB: History of New Balance Athletic Shoes

New Balance Athletic Shoes, Inc. is an American footwear company based in Boston, Massachusetts. It began existence as New Balance Arch Support Company and exclusively sold arch supports and other shoe accessories. In the 1...
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09-01-2009, KentB: Terms You Should Know When Buying a New Balance Shoe

Midsole: 1. ACTEVA Midsole. Note the �EVA� in the word �ACTEVA�. That�s right. ACTEVA simply means a special kind of EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) midsole. EVA is popular because it is lightweight and offers m...
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09-01-2009, KentB: Outsourcing that Leads to Counterfeit Shoe Production

Counterfeit shoes are sweeping the market, and controlling the sale and production of these fakes is becoming more complicated than ever. This is partly because it is becoming more and more difficult for a consumer to tell a...
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09-01-2009, KentB: Italian Shoes Made in China

Most of us do not associate �Made in China� with luxury or designer brands but more and more of those fancy Italian shoes you like so much are actually made in China. You just may not find a tag inside the shoe saying so...
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09-01-2009, KentB: Markups on Shoes

Most of us realize that the shoes we buy � whether they are high heels, sports shoes or sandals � come with a hefty markup. That is to say, the price you pay to own that particular pair of shoes is much, much higher than...
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09-01-2009, KentB: How to Spot Fake Uggs

Believe it or not, a �Made in China� label is actually a good sign on a pair of genuine Ugg boots. The shoes are, in fact, made in China by Deckers Inc. (an American company) as of several years ago. Classic and Short U...
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09-01-2009, KentB: How to Spot Fake Air Jordan Shoes

Owning a pair of Air Jordans has long been a symbol of social status. The shoes are expensive, which often means that people will go to great lengths to own a pair. It also means that there is an army of sellers out there w...
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09-01-2009, KentB: Common (and Fake!) Excuses Vendors Will Give to Explain Why Their Designer Shoes Have No Labels or Tags

Most authentic designer shoes come with labels (sewn to or printed on the interior of the shoe) and with paper tags. Here are some common, and most likely fake, excuses that vendors of counterfeit shoes may use in an attempt...
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09-01-2009, KentB: How to Spot a Pair of Fake Gucci Shoes

Gucci shoes are some of the most widely imitated shoes on the market. Before buying a pair of Gucci shoes online, make sure that you are not accidentally investing in a fake. Browse the guidelines below for tips on how to a...
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09-01-2009, KentB: Are You Sure Your Chanel Ballerina Flats Are Authentic?

Perhaps the most important feature to inspect when it comes to detecting a fake Chanel shoe is the label. Chanel�s Cambon line of ballerina flats has only one label, and it should read �CHANEL�. If you see a Cambon ba...
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09-01-2009, KentB: How To Tell a Real Manolo Blahnik from a Fake Manolo Blahnik

Manolo Blahniks are high-end shoes designed by (and named after) the fashion designer Manolo Blahnik. Blahnik had a Czech father, Spanish mother and was raised in the Canary Islands. His first Manolo Blahnik workshop and stor...
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09-01-2009, KentB: How to Spot a Fake Prada Sports Shoe

Genuine Prada shoes (in this case, I am referring to a sneaker or trainer, not a high heel or sandal) should have a removable insole. The insole itself will have a Prada label. The label should read �PRADA� with �Made...
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08-14-2009, KentB: Causes and Complications of Toe Amputation

Toe amputations may be necessary for several reasons. Infection is perhaps the most common cause for infection and is often associated with foot problems relating to diabetes. In addition to infection, toes may need to be a...
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08-14-2009, KentB: Chuck Taylor and the History of Converse All-Stars

Chuck Taylor All-Stars, Chucks, Converse All-Stars, Cons – whatever you call them, this shoe is one of the most successful shoes in history. Designed in 1917, the shoes have been overwhelmingly popular across decades and cu...
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08-14-2009, KentB: History of Reebok

Reebok was founded in 1895 in Bolton, England by J.W. Foster. In its first incarnation, the company was called simply J.W. Foster and Sons. Foster’s goal was simple: make a running shoe that enabled athletes to run faster. ...
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08-14-2009, KentB: Reebok Freestyle

In 1982, Reebok introduced the Reebok “Freestyle”, a woman’s athletic shoe designed for aerobic exercise. This new shoe marked a shift in the athletic shoes market towards athletic shoes designed for sports other than joggi...
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08-14-2009, KentB: Confiscated Designer Goods Given to the Homeless

Where, oh where did that confiscated pair of fake Chanel shoes end up? Hopefully in the hands of somebody who really needed it! All around the world trading standard officers regularly raid warehouses and find thousands ...
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08-14-2009, KentB: Beware of Fake Designer Shoes

The faux Louis Vuitton handbag has become a standard for people hoping to capture designer style without designer cost. These fake designer products (Oakleys, Dolce & Gabbana) are so common that most people who wear them do...
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08-14-2009, KentB: How to Prevent Runner’s Knee

There are several precautions you can take to prevent runner’s knee, a painful wearing away of the cartilage surrounding the kneecap. This condition (known as patellofemoral pain syndrome, or PFPS) is more likely to affect ...
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08-14-2009, KentB: History of Asics Shoes

Asics is a Japanese company that officially started business on September 1, 1949 under the name Onitsuka Co., Ltd. Its founder - Kihachiro Onitsuka - set up shop in Kobe, Japan. Onitsuka had a mission. He wanted to use sp...
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08-14-2009, KentB: Exercises for Runner’s Knee

Runner’s knee and other knee injuries often result from imbalanced muscles in the thighs. It is necessary to strengthen the quadriceps and the hamstrings so that your body is balanced, and your knees are not put under and un...
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08-14-2009, KentB: How to Treat Runner’s Knee

Runner’s knee is a fairly common condition that occurs when the kneecap (patella) gets out of line with the femoral groove. What exactly is the femoral groove? It is a small indentation on your femur (your thigh bone). Whe...
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08-14-2009, KentB: Midsoles: EVA versus PU

When deciding which running shoe to buy, perhaps the most important feature of the shoe is its midsole. You can’t see the midsole (it is sandwiched between the outsole and the insole), but it is largely responsible for the c...
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08-14-2009, KentB: Breaking Down Common Midsole Jargon

Buying running shoes can be overwhelming, especially when you have to decipher all the high-tech jargon the companies throw at you. What’s the difference between ClimaProofä and ClimaCoolä (to use an example from adidas)? ...
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08-14-2009, KentB: The Puma Archive

Some classic designs deserve a second go-around. Puma’s Archive collection attempts to do just that. It is a celebration, in a way, of the most distinctive, memorable Puma sneakers designed, worn and loved in the last fort...
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08-14-2009, KentB: Runner’s Knee: Causes and Symptoms

Runner’s knee may have a variety of causes. Overuse is one of the most common culprits responsible for it development. Too much bending of the knee can lead to irritated nerves in the kneecap as well as overstretched tendon...
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08-14-2009, KentB: Crocs Flip Flips

Good news for people who love the way Crocs feel but hate the way the shoes look! Crocs has launched a new brand of flip-flops. Now you can reap the benefits of Crocs comfortable fit without giving in to what some would ca...
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08-14-2009, KentB: Air Jordans

In 1984, the athletic shoe company Nike was going through a rough patch. The jogging craze that swept the nation in the ‘70s was cooling down, aerobics was heating up and consumers were looking to companies such as Reebok a...
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08-14-2009, KentB: The Nike Swoosh

The Nike “swoosh” is perhaps one of the most recognizable (and thereby you could argue the most successful) trademarks in the world. It was designed in 1971 by Carolyn Davidson, who was a graphic design student at Portland ...
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08-14-2009, KentB: Croslite and Crocs: Turning a Good Idea into a Multi-Million Dollar Enterprise

Crocs are distinctive in many ways – the bright colors, the ventilation holes, not to mention the forefront of the shoe that looks something like the snout of a…crocodile. But without a doubt, one of the first characteristic...
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08-14-2009, KentB: Famous Athletes Who Wear Pumas and adidas

In 1936, Adi Dassel packed a suitcase full of sports spikes and loaded them into his car. He drove on one of the world’s first motorways from the small town of Herzogenaurach, Bavaria to the Olympic Village in Berlin. Adi w...
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08-14-2009, KentB: History of Puma Shoes

You would never guess it but the history of the Puma shoe company is a dramatic one involving world war, Olympic glory and brotherly strife. The company began humbly enough. Rudolph and Adolf (Adi) Dassler, two brothers fr...
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08-14-2009, KentB: The Silver Cloud.

The Silver Cloud is one of CrocsRx Medical shoes designed specifically for the diabetic foot. It is also a potentially good shoe for people suffering from bunions, hammertoe, mallet toe, overlapping, toes, underlapping toes,...
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08-14-2009, KentB: Crocs for Foot Problems

Love them or hate them, Crocs are kind to your feet. The CrocsRx line (intended for people with diabetes or other circulatory problems) has won all sorts of podiatric seals of approval. Just check out the American Podiatric...
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08-14-2009, KentB: Deformities that Affect the Little Toe

The fifth toe on our foot takes a lot of abuse largely thanks to the fashionable shoes we wear. This little toe is squeezed, squashed, smashed and shoved into footwear of all shapes and sizes. The unfortunate results are fo...
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08-14-2009, KentB: Overlapping and Underlapping Toes

Overlapping Toes. This deformity occurs when one of the toes lies on top of the adjacent toe. It most commonly affects the fifth toe, but is also fairly common in the second toe (especially if the person has bunions). The...
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08-14-2009, KentB: Causes and Treatments for Overlapping Toes

Overlapping toes is usually a congenital deformity that causes one toe to lie on top of another toe. It most often occurs with the little toe, but the middle toes can also be affected. Sometimes overlapping toes develop as...
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08-14-2009, KentB: The Benefits of Diabetic Socks

There are several brands of orthopedic socks on the market that tout promises of foot relief for diabetics. These socks offer important features such as seamless toes, moisture control, anti-microbial agents and stretchy fa...
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08-14-2009, KentB: How to Treat Cracked Heels

There are several steps you can take to cure your cracked heels in the comfort of your home. Check below for a few of the most successful home remedies. At home treatment. Applying a heavy-duty moisturizer twice a day can ...
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08-14-2009, KentB: What Causes Cracked Heels?

My aunt was always taking a pumice stone to her heels. The skin on her feet was consistently hard, dry and cracked. (Like dinosaur skin, I thought.) Looking from her feet to my soft baby-skinned feet, I did not understand ho...
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08-14-2009, KentB: Peripheral Neuropathy: Symptoms, Causes and Diagnosis

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that occurs when the peripheral nervous system becomes damaged by disease, trauma or toxins. The condition can result in a person being unable to detect heat, cold and pain. There is oft...
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08-14-2009, KentB: An Overview of Diabetic Neuropathy

Approximately 25% of diabetics develop complications in their feet. Foot deformities such as bunions, hammertoes, blisters and Charcot feet are more likely to affect diabetics. Minor scraps, cuts and bruises can progress un...
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08-02-2009, KentB: What You Should Know About Metatarsalgia

Metatarsalgia generally refers to pain that affects the ball of your foot. It is sometimes called a “stone bruise.” It most often occurs in the first metatarsal head (the ball of the foot just under the big toe) where there...
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08-02-2009, KentB: How to Treat a Sprained Toe

A good treatment regimen for recovering from a sprained toe may include: 1. Rest. This is perhaps the simplest treatment and the most difficult to commit to, but if a sprained toe is going to heal quickly, you must give yo...
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08-02-2009, KentB: Pedors Diabetic Shoes

If you are in the market for a quality pair of diabetic shoes, you may want to check out the brand Pedors. Check out the two examples of Pedors diabetic shoes for men and women below to see if these shoes are right for you ...
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08-02-2009, KentB: Aetrex Ambulator Stretcher

Velcro and spandex may sound like a slightly grotesque combination born out of the ‘80s, but they spell sweet relief to a diabetic’s feet. The Aetrex Diabetic Ambulator Stretcher is evidence of this magical combination. Wit...
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08-02-2009, KentB: Characteristics of a Quality Orthopedic Shoe

Who needs orthopedic shoes? A whole bunch of people! If you suffer from heel pain, Achilles tendon pain, heel spurs, pain in the ball of your foot, plantar fasciitis, calluses, corns, bunions, hammertoe, claw toe or hallux ...
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08-02-2009, KentB: Diabetic Flip-Flop

Diabetic flip-flop may sound to some people like an oxymoron. After all, diabetics are generally supposed to wear supportive, closed-toes shoes that protect and cushion the feet. Flip-flops are about as unsupportive and “un...
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08-02-2009, KentB: Orthopedic Socks for Plantar Fasciitis

You might surprised to hear that there are now socks designed to alleviate pain caused by plantar fasciitis. That’s right – orthopedic socks, not shoes. Plantar fasciitis is a condition that results when the plantar fascia...
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08-02-2009, KentB: How to Tell If Your Toe is Sprained or Fractured

It can be difficult to tell the difference between a broken toe and a sprained toe. Sometimes you will hear the bone break, or you will see that the toe has been knocked out of its socket (i.e., dislocated). These signs and...
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08-02-2009, KentB: How to Treat a Broken Toe at Home

There is not normally much to do for a broken toe. Doctors rarely put fractured toes in cast or decide a patient needs to undergo surgery. That said, fractured toes should not be left untreated. There are several steps you...
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08-02-2009, KentB: Broken Toes: Traumatic and Stress Fractures

Yes, believe it or not, stubbing your toe can result in a serious fracture. In fact, broken toes (also known as fractured metatarsals) are a fairly common injury. Many people believe that since there is nothing a doctor can...
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08-02-2009, KentB: How to Treat Blisters

Follow these basic steps when popping blisters on your feet, and you will be well on your way to eliminating pain and reducing the likelihood of infection. 1. The first (and perhaps most important) step of blister care is to ...
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08-02-2009, KentB: Should I Pop My Blister?

Every time I am unfortunate enough to get a blister, I am confronted by the age-old questions: to pop or not to pop. And which method is better for my feet in the long run? Of course there is no one right answer. In the cas...
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08-02-2009, KentB: A Popular Walker from Instride

Instride’s most popular walker is called the Newport, and it is available for both men and women. The Newport is a great choice for diabetics who have an active lifestyle. It can be used as a walking shoe, or as footwear fo...
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08-02-2009, KentB: Psoriasis on the Feet

Q: What is Psoriasis? A: Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the skin, nails and joints. It causes scales to form on the skin (known as psoriatic plaques) and can cause pain in the joints. Psoriasis nor...
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08-02-2009, KentB: Deformed Toenails

It is sandal season again and that means all of us out there who are less than thrilled with the shape or look of our feet will be subtly tucking our sandal-clad appendages beneath lawn chairs or cramming our feet into tennis...
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08-02-2009, KentB: PW Minor: Shoes for People with Diabetes

When you suffer from a foot deformity, injury or a disease that affects the health of your feet, shopping for shoes designed with your condition in mind can go a long way to targeting your specific foot pain. Read below to l...
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08-02-2009, KentB: PW Minor: Shoes for People with Hammertoe and Metatarsalgia

When you suffer from a foot deformity, injury or a disease that affects the health of your feet, shopping for shoes designed with your condition in mind can go a long way to targeting your specific foot pain. Read below to l...
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08-02-2009, KentB: PW Minor: Shoes for People with Arthritis and Bunions

When you suffer from a foot deformity, injury or a disease that affects the health of your feet, shopping for shoes designed with your condition in mind can go a long way to targeting your specific foot pain. Read below to l...
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08-02-2009, KentB: Using a Thermometer to Detect Hot Spots on Your Feet

There is a new tool on the market to help diabetics detect hot spots early, before a foot ulcer develops. This new gadget is an infrared thermometer that measures temperature at various points on your feet. If the thermomet...
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08-02-2009, KentB: Instride: Diabetic Shoes for Women

Instride specializes in shoes for diabetics with a wide range of products including shoes, liners, socks, insoles and braces. Check out a few of their most popular diabetic shoes for women. The Newport. The Newport is an ex...
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08-02-2009, KentB: PW Minor: History and Quality

The footwear company P.W. Minor got its start in 1886 when Peter Wycoff Minor (the original P.W.) and his younger brother Abrahm Vorhees decided to go into the shoe business. Like most American shoe manufacturers, they began...
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08-02-2009, KentB: Best Brands of Shoes for Diabetics

The average person does not think about feet when they hear the word diabetes. But as almost any diabetic would tell you, foot infections are among the more serious problems that diabetics face. The combination of poor circ...
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08-02-2009, KentB: Etonic Soft-Tech Dress Shoes

If you are looking for a line of dress shoes that looks stylish but will give you top quality support, traction and motion control, check out Etonic’s collection of Soft-Tech shoes. The shoe SFT20-1 comes in Black/Black, Whit...
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08-02-2009, KentB: Etonic Golf Shoes and the PowerPlay Outsole System

Etonic shoes have launched a golf shoe that boasts “trampoline action” insoles and “PowerPlay” outsoles. The shoe is designed to maximize traction and control and increase balance and power. This shoe is an example of a hig...
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08-02-2009, KentB: Brooks Diabetic Shoes

Brooks is a trusted brand perhaps most known for its line of athletic shoes but popular among people looking for diabetic and orthopedic shoes as well. One of the many features that helps Brooks stand out is their decision t...
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08-02-2009, KentB: Dansko

Often cited as one of the most comfortable brands of shoes out there, Dansko sandals and shoes proudly bear the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance. Dansko manufactures a wide variety of clogs, s...
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08-02-2009, KentB: Parts of a Shoe

When looking for orthopedic or specialized shoes, it is important to know exactly what you are looking for. And in order to be an informed consumer, you have to get comfortable with shoe terminology. Review the list below o...
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08-02-2009, KentB: Shoe Anatomy

The first step to becoming a successful shoe-shopper is knowing your way around the shoe. I’m talking about “shoe anatomy”. Various brands and department stores may advertise “premium leather uppers” and “light-weight midso...
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08-02-2009, KentB: ASICS: At the Forefront of Shoe Technology

ASICS is a Japanese company established in the 1950’s that specializes in running and athletic shoes. The name ASICS is an acronym for “Anima Sana In Corpore Sano” – which is Latin for “Sound Mind in a Sound Body”. And just...
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08-02-2009, KentB: Clark’s Wallabees: A Fashionable Classic

Today Clarks shoes produces almost 35 million pairs of shoes year. But despite its international success, the company had humble beginnings. Founded in 1825 by Cyrus and James Clark in the small English village of Street in...
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06-10-2009, KentB: Orthotics for Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a common foot deformity that occurs when the toes become locked into a permanently bent position. They are often caused by wearing ill-fitting footwear, particularly high-heeled shoes, which force the toes into ...
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06-10-2009, KentB: Orthopedic Shoes that Fit Your Lifestyle

Orthopedic Shoes for People Who Have Extra Wide Feet Cramming your feet into shoes that are too narrow is never a good idea. In fact, it is a quick way to end up with common foot deformities such as bunions, hammertoe, claw ...
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06-10-2009, KentB: Common Foot and Lower Leg Injuries Among Young Athletes

Athletes put their bodies (and their feet and legs in particular) under a lot of stress. Even among high school athletes, competition is fierce and so it�s no surprise that so many young people wind up in the hospital with...
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06-10-2009, KentB: Surgery for Arthritis in the Foot and Ankle

Hopefully the arthritis in your feet will go away with the help of orthotics, foot braces, anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy and other largely non-invasive treatments. Sometimes, however, surgery is necessary. ...
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06-10-2009, KentB: New Balance Orthopedic Shoes

New Balance has long been popular among runners and avid walkers for their comfortable athletic shoes. Their line of custom orthopedic shoes promises the same level of quality that their customers have come to expect. Each N...
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06-10-2009, KentB: Hush Puppies: Comfort and Style

Hush Puppies is an internationally successful brand of casual footwear based in Rockford, Michigan. The first Hush Puppies were created in 1958 when the Chairman of Wolverine Worldwide (the parent company of Hush Puppies) wa...
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06-10-2009, KentB: Silver Socks and Silver-Lined Shoes

We have Dorothy�s ruby slipper, Cinderella�s glass slipper, Michael Johnson�s gold shoes but what about shoes of silver? Believe it or not, �silver� shoes are widely available today even without a good witch or fai...
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06-10-2009, KentB: How Severe Is My Ankle Sprain?

Spraining your ankle is the most common ankle injury, and it occurs when the ligaments in the ankle are either torn or stretched beyond their limit. People who have suffered from sprained ankles in the past have a higher ris...
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06-10-2009, KentB: Orthopedic Insoles made from Memory Foam

�Memory foam� has recently become popular among lines of orthopedic shoes and orthopedic insoles. This visco-elastic material is designed to conform to the shape of your feet. Memory foam actually changes shape when you...
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06-10-2009, KentB: Protecting Your Knees

With the number of �healthy adults� going under the knife for knee surgery on the rise, it�s clear that our knees won�t stand up to abuse � even if we maintain an otherwise active, healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately,...
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06-10-2009, KentB: Types of Arthritis in the Feet

There are over 30 joints in each of the feet; if arthritis develops in one or more of these joints walking and basic mobility can be difficult. Common symptoms of arthritis in the feet include pain, limited mobility and swel...
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06-10-2009, KentB: What Causes Foot Drop?

A person with foot drop is unable to lift the front part of his foot (a movement known as dorsiflexion). When a person with foot drop attempts to walk, the foot will slap down on the floor. The affected person may try to ac...
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06-10-2009, KentB: Gender Specific Running Shoes

Do men and women need the same support when it comes to running shoes? The shoe company Mizuno doesn�t think so. They�ve introduced what they call �Gender Engineering� into their new line for 2009. According to Rod...
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06-10-2009, KentB: Inside and Outside Orthopedic Shoes

If you are looking for an orthopedic shoe that will help relieve pain in your feet (or prevent certain foot deformities or injuries from getting worse), it�s important to look for key characteristics in each area of the sho...
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06-10-2009, KentB: Nine Ways to Eliminate Foot Odor

Foot odor is one of the most common (and most embarrassing) foot ailments to suffer from � and it�s not your fault! Believe it or not, some people simply have more sweat glands on their feet than others. The bad news is...
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06-10-2009, KentB: The Benefits of Going Barefoot

We all remember being kids and playing barefoot outside. I grew up in a rural community and so shoes were optional when it came to playing on the front lawn, climbing trees or even running down the street to play with a near...
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06-10-2009, KentB: Foot Care for Senior Citizens

Good foot health is especially important for senior citizens. The longer your feet stay healthy, the longer you can maintain an active lifestyle. Simply follow these 5 guidelines put forth by the International Council on Ac...
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06-10-2009, KentB: Choosing Orthopedic Insoles

Orthopedic insoles have become quite sophisticated. Traditionally used to alleviate foot pain by shifting pressure away from certain sore or stressed areas of the foot, insoles nowadays can actually be used to treat the unde...
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06-10-2009, KentB: What to Look For in an Orthopedic Shoe

Investing in a pair of orthopedic shoes is well worth the money, especially if you suffer from a foot condition or deformity, or are recovering from a foot injury. But before you spend major bucks on that pricey pair of shoe...
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06-10-2009, KentB: Choosing an Orthopedic Sandal

It�s not easy to find a pair of sandals that properly supports your feet. But after an entire summer of sandal wearing, you�ll wish you had. Most sandals � with their flat, thin sole � simply don�t cut it when it ...
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06-10-2009, KentB: Treatment for Morton�s Neuroma

Morton�s Neuroma (also known as Morton�s neuralgia, Morton�s metatarsalgia and intermetatarsal neuroma) occurs when the nervous tissue near the base of the third and fourth toe becomes inflamed. The nerve that runs bet...
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06-10-2009, KentB: How Do I Know If I Have a Morton�s Neuroma?

The symptoms of a Morton�s neuroma tend to develop gradually over time. At first, you may only notice pain when you wear narrow shoes or put unusual stress on your foot. Pain may quickly dissipate if you massage the affec...
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06-10-2009, KentB: How to Treat Shin Splints

Shin splints are a common athletic injury. They occur when the tissues surrounding the tibia (the major bone in the lower leg) become inflamed. Inflammation can occur in the medial (inner) tissue or anterior (front) tissue ...
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06-10-2009, KentB: Orthotic Devices Custom Designed for Your Foot Ailment

Orthotics can go a long way when it comes to relieving foot, toe and ankle pain. Much more than �padding� in your shoe, orthotics are custom designed to address the specific symptoms of your foot ailment. Read below to ...
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06-10-2009, KentB: Flip-Flops: Comfortable Sandals that Hurt Your Feet

With summer just around the corner, people across America are breaking out their shorts, swimsuits and, of course, their flip-flops. These popular rubber sandals, which were once relegated to the beach or pool, have become t...
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06-10-2009, KentB: What to Look for in a High Heel

Here are some figures for you. Approximately 3.5 billion dollars are spent each year in the United States for women�s foot surgeries. On top of that enormous cost, the female workforce misses 15 million workdays each year...
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06-10-2009, KentB: At-Home Cures for Foot Odor

Ever slipped your shoes off at a meeting only to be mortified minutes later when the unseemly scent of your feet wafted upwards? You�re not alone. Foot odor is a common problem that occurs when feet have overactive sweat g...
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06-10-2009, KentB: Fighting Bacteria and Fungi In Your Shoes

Ever wonder why shoes smell so bad? Well, you can blame it on the millions of bacteria and fungi that have set up house in your shoes. Shoes provide the perfect environment for these little critters: dark, damp and inhabite...
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06-10-2009, KentB: Keds: A Sneaker for Everyone

Keds were the original �sneakers� � a name adopted because of the flexible, rubber sole that enabled you to �sneak� up behind someone without them noticing. The brand originated in 1916 and was produced by a compan...
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06-10-2009, KentB: Quality Shoes for People with Plantar Fasciitis

People who suffer from plantar fasciitis know that the condition can be excruciatingly painful and that there is little they can do to alleviate that pain besides resting and icing their feet. Supportive footwear can play a ...
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06-10-2009, KentB: Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

If you have chronic pain in your heel, you may have a condition known as plantar fasciitis. This condition occurs when the ligament that runs across the bottom of your foot becomes inflamed. It is often associated with heel...
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06-10-2009, KentB: Dress Shoes that are Stylish and Comfortable

When most people think of shoes with orthopedic support, they think ugly. I am certainly no stranger to this phenomenon. I had to wear orthopedic shoes for the first six years of my life and no matter how many times my moth...
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06-10-2009, KentB: Characteristics of Comfortable Shoes

These are some of the characteristics you should keep in mind when searching for a comfortable pair of walking shoes: Look for a wide toe box (both length and depth). This will prevent unnecessary pinching or pressure in the...
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06-10-2009, KentB: Birkenstocks: Legacy of Excellent Orthopedic Support

Before the Birkenstock family started making sandals, they made orthopedic shoe inserts. It all began with a German cobbler named Konrad Birkenstock (descended from a long line of cobblers, the earliest recorded name being J...
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06-10-2009, KentB: Q: What�s the difference between running shoes and walking shoes?

A: The concept of sport specific shoes is an important one for athletes, even if it is often overlooked. It is understandably frustrating to need to purchase multiple pairs of athletic shoes, especially if you are an amateur...
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06-10-2009, KentB: Running Shoes that Are Right For You

Choosing a pair of running shoes can be tricky business, especially with the constant influx of new technology and the latest trends. Many websites, magazines and runners� forums hesitate to make specific recommendations ...
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06-09-2009, KentB: Work Boots For Diabetics

Diabetics must be particularly cautious when it comes to preventing foot injuries. Even minor blisters, calluses and abrasions can lead to open wounds on the feet known as foot ulcers. These foot ulcers are easily infected,...
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06-09-2009, KentB: Walking Shoes for Diabetics

Walking is a great way for a diabetic to keep in shape. Not only is it good for the overall health of your body, but it also promotes healthy circulation in your lower legs and feet. Choosing the proper pair of walking shoe...
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06-09-2009, KentB: Best Brands for Diabetics Shoes

Choosing the right pair of shoes is an important job for a diabetic. The good news is that there are several quality brands available to you. The bad news is that the process of choosing among them can be tedious and diffic...
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06-09-2009, KentB: Dress Shoes for Diabetics

Preventative foot care is essential for people who live with diabetes. Perhaps the most important part of this preventative care is the shoes you wear. While the rest of us may suffer through a night in six-inch heels, or fo...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Caring for Your Residual Limb After Amputation

After surgery your residual limb will be covered in a cast or soft bandage. This bandage is designed to keep the wound clean and dry. It can also help prevent swelling in the residual limb. The bandage will need to be chan...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Children�s Foot Problems

Clubfoot. Clubfoot is a common birth defect occurring in approximately 1 out of every 1000 births. It affects males more often than females and can affect one or both feet. Clubfoot should be diagnosed at birth (although s...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Footwear that Protects the Achilles Tendon

Q: What sort of shoes should I wear to relieve pain in my Achilles Tendon? A: Proper footwear can go a long way when it comes to preventing Achilles tendon injuries. Of course that means the opposite is also true! Footwea...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Foot Care for Senior Citizens

By the time you reach the golden years of life, your feet have served you well! Pay them back by adjusting to their needs as you age. Don�t expect to have the same sized feet throughout your life. Feet tend to increase ...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Is It Normal to Have Different Sized Feet?

Q: How Common Is It to Have Different Sized Feet? A: The easy is answer is that everybody has different sized feet! Go ahead and take a look. Your two feet are not the same. Don�t believe me? Get out a pad of paper and ...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Warm-Up to Prevent Foot Injury

Whether you are recovering from a foot injury or working hard to prevent one, a proper warm up before athletic activity is crucial. Your warm-up should have this basic structure. Start with a general warm-up. This is inten...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Caring for an Injured Foot

You may need to stay off an injured foot for any number of reasons. Broken bones, stress fractures, sprained ankles and strained ankles are only a few of the most common foot injuries. Foot surgery is also necessary to corr...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Ankle Exercises for an Injured Ankle

An ankle injury may keep you off your foot for months. Ankle strains, sprains and fractures are common among athletes and among those of us who just get unlucky (tripping over our feet, slipping down the stairs, etc.). Peop...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Foot Pain: Heed the Warning Signs

When it comes to protecting your feet, preventative care is the way to go. Look for these warning signs, which may indicate the presence of an underlying foot injury or foot deformity. Severe Toe Pain. Your toe may either...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Is Bunion Surgery Right for You?

Bunion surgery is an outpatient surgery that only takes 1 hour to complete under local anesthesia but can take weeks to mend. Most podiatrists estimate that people who undergo bunion surgery will need to stay off their feet ...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Guideline for Fitting Shoes

Most people stick faithfully to their shoe size. If you�re like me, at least, you don�t even bother contemplating other sizes when going shoe shopping. Once a size 7, always a size 7. The truth is that shoes sizes vary w...
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04-14-2009, KentB: What to Expect from Common Foot Surgeries

Bunion Surgery. Recovering from bunion surgery may take anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks. It largely depends on the type of surgery you underwent (whether a metal pin was put into your foot, how far the hallux valgus deformity ha...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Recovering From Foot Surgery

Surgery may be necessary in order to correct any number of foot injuries or deformities. A podiatrist may deem surgery necessary for conditions as varied as bunions, chronic ingrown toenails, hammertoe or a broken ankle. No...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Educational Requirement for a Podiatrist

For basic foot problems that require the expertise of a doctor (infected ingrown toenails, fungal toenail infections, hammertoes and bunions, to name a few) it can be difficult to know whether you should stick with your gener...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Complications of Ingrown Toenails

If left untreated, ingrown toenails can lead to serious medical issues. The biggest concern is, of course, infection. The swelling that accompanies the infection only adds more pressure to the nail. Sometimes a spear-shape...
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04-14-2009, KentB: How to Prevent Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when the nail grows into the soft skin of the nail bed (or the skin of the nail bed grows over the toenail). They usually affect the big toe, although ingrown nails can occur on any of the toes or finge...
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04-14-2009, KentB: How to Treat Ingrown Toenails

To non-surgically treat ingrown toenails, follow the procedure below. � Start by soaking the foot regularly in warm water. You will want to do this 3 to 4 times a day. Be sure to dry the feet thoroughly after soak...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Foot Injuries Associated with Low and High Arches

Q: Is it better for runners to have flat or arched feet and why? A: When it comes to healthy arches, the extremes are what you want to avoid. Flat feet and feet with high arches are more likely to promote foot and leg injur...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Flat Feet Versus Fallen Arches

Q: What is the difference between flat feet and fallen arches? A: Though some people use flat feet and fallen arches interchangeably, they can and should be distinguished. Medically speaking, a person with flat feet has no a...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Converting Shoe Sizes

Navigating shoes sizes can be tricky business � especially if you are attempting to purchase shoes overseas or if you are buying shoes sized for the opposite gender. This article will take you through all the necessary con...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Knowing Your Athletic Shoes Inside and Out

All athletic shoes have a least four basic parts: the outsole, the insole, the midsole and the upper. The outsole is the part of the shoe that touches the ground. It is usually made out of some kind of rubber material that ...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Tips for Purchasing Athletic Shoes

1. When purchasing athletic shoes, you will probably need to go 1/2 size bigger than your regular size. Feet tend to swell when you run. Be warned. Not all brands of athletic shoes are sized the same. 2. If you use...
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04-14-2009, KentB: All You Need to Know About Fitting Shoes

It is always a good idea to try shoes on before you buy them. This is especially true for athletes or for individuals with foot problems. People with diabetes, lymphedema or any number of foot deformities (bunions, corns, h...
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04-14-2009, KentB: The American Shoe System: Why are shoes sized differently for men and women?

Americans start their sizing system at 1 (unlike the Europeans who begin at zero) and use a formula to arrive at sizes for men�s, women�s and children�s shoes. The heel-to-toe length of the foot (in inches) is multipli...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Long-Term Consequences of Clubfoot

Clubfoot is a congenital defect that occurs in roughly one out of every 1000 births. Most people who are born with the deformity and have access to medical care are successfully treated as infants. Some people have even bee...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Home Remedies for Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis is a condition that causes extreme foot and heel pain. It is mostly found in middle aged adult men and women and is particularly problematic for people who have jobs where they are on their feet all day (te...
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04-14-2009, KentB: What Do I Do to Make Heel Spur Pain Go Away?

Despite what you may think, heel spurs do not cause pain. These “bony hooks” that attach themselves to the heel bone are simply a sign that something is not right. They usually indicate a condition known as plantar fasciiti...
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04-14-2009, KentB: How to Safely Remove a Splinter from Your Foot

Most splinters are harmless enough, and you can remove them quickly and efficiently in the privacy of your home. Be on the look out for redness, swelling, pus or pain, which could indicate an infection is present. If you ha...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Foot Problems for Dancers

Everyone suffers from foot problems. Corns, calluses, blisters, bunions, foot injuries, warts and ingrown toenails – these are just a few of the aches and pains we can expect our feet to suffer throughout our lifetime. But ...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Q: Could it be possible that I am getting bunions? My grandma had them and yesterday I was noticing that my feet looked a little asymmetrical.

-Bente G. New Haven, CT There is no way to know for certain whether or not you have a bunion without a doctor’s diagnosis. A podiatrist will give you a thorough medical exam, go over your medical history and, in some cases, ...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Exercises to Help Improve Weakened Arches

Collapsed arches can be present at birth or develop at a young age. They are especially common among athletes who have put a lot of stress on their foot and calf muscles, and they also tend to develop among the elderly or w...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Help! How Do I Treat Plantar Warts that Will Not Go Away?

Plantar Warts are a common problem. Some studies estimate that as many as 10 percent of Americans are infected. These warts, which form on the sole of your feet, are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Most people pi...
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04-14-2009, KentB: How Do I Treat Plantar Warts?

There are a variety of ways to treat plantar warts. But before you consider treatment, ask yourself the following questions: Is my plantar wart causing me any pain? Do I find it difficult to walk, or play a sport? Is ...
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04-14-2009, KentB: To Treat (Or Not To Treat) Plantar Warts

Q: What happens when plantar warts go untreated for a really long time? A: Plantar warts are benign epithelial tumors that form on the bottom of your feet. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which enter...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Tips for Preventing the Spread of Toenail Fungal Infections

Fungal infections in the toenail are a difficult problem to treat. Even if you get a prescription medication from your doctor, an infection may not clear up for 8 to 10 months. Moreover, fungal infections are extremely con...
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04-14-2009, KentB: The Basics of Spotting, Treating and Preventing Fungal Toenail Infections

Q: How do I spot fungal toenail infections? A: You can normally spot a fungal toenail infection by a change in the nail’s color. The toenail can become yellow, green, white, brown or black. Sometimes the discoloration wi...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Fungal Toenail Infections

Fungal toenail infections are known by their scientific name onychomycosis. Males are twice as likely to get infected toenails as females. Other factors that increase your risk include age, diabetes and exposure to shared ...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Keeping Your Feet Happy

Do you have happy feet? And no! I am not talking about the movie with the tap-dancing penguins. Our feet may be on of the most neglected and abused parts of our body. How can two such seemingly small and fragile appendages...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Dictionary of Common Foot Ailments

· Athlete’s Foot. A skin disease caused by a fungus and characterized by dry, itchy, flaky skin. Prevent athlete’s foot by washing the feet regularly and wearing sandals in public showers. · Bunions. A here...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Treatment for Cavus Foot

Q: What is the best way to treat Cavus Foot? A: Cavus Foot can usually be treated using a combination of orthopedic devices that protect the foot from pain and provide the foot with extra support, especially when it comes t...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Cavus Foot: A Symptom of Charcot Marie Tooth Disease

Charcot Marie Tooth disease (CMT) is a hereditary disorder that affects the nervous system. It is also known as Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathy (HMSN), Hereditary Sensorimotor Neuropathy (HSMAN) and Peroneal Muscular...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Foot Anatomy

“The foot bone is connected to the ankle bone and the ankle bone’s connected to the leg bone...” If only it were that easy! The foot, which is made up twenty-six distinct bones, is not nearly as simple as our childhood anat...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Foot Ulcers and Preventative Care

Foot deformities are common among diabetic patients suffering from chronic complications of the disease such as neuropathy (decreased neural sensation). The atrophy of muscles in the foot (due to neuropathy and poor circulati...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Wound Care for Foot Ulcers

Foot ulcers are open sores or wounds on the feet that can be very shallow or very deep. They are associated with diabetics who suffer from diabetic foot (a condition caused by decreased sensation and poor circulation in the ...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Finding the Right Pair of Shoes to Prevent Foot Injury and Foot Deformity

A surprising number of Americans have feet that are two different sizes. Some studies estimate the number is upwards of sixty-percent. Many of these people can get away with fitting both feet into the same size shoes. If t...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Amputations: Caring for the Remaining Limb

Amputations of a lower limb mean extra stress (and higher risk) for the remaining limb that now must support the entire weight of the body. This is especially true in amputations related to diabetes, where the conditions tha...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Lower Limb Amputations

Amputations may be necessary for different reasons. For some amputees, missing a limb is a congenital condition. Roughly sixty percent of child amputees are simply born that way. Amputations required after birth or later i...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Toe Amputation: Are Prosthetics Necessary?

The oldest prosthetic device belonged to an Egyptian woman around approximately 1000 B.C.E. It was a wooden toe, and archeologists claim that scratch marks on its sole provide evidence that it was in fact functional. Today ...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Toe Amputation: Causes and Consequences

Q: What are the most common reasons for toe amputation? A: Toes may need to be amputated for a variety of reasons. One of the most common reasons is infection. A toe may be removed to prevent an infection from spreading ...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Buying Shoes for Amputees

Amputation is a complicated procedure requiring several steps to ensure that further damage is not done to the patient during the surgery. The surgeon’s first task is to tie off the major arteries and veins to prevent hemorr...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Increased Amputees in the United States Due to the Iraq War

In World War II approximately thirty percent of wounded soldiers died. The Vietnam War’s fatality rate was also high with twenty-four percent of wounded soldiers dying in battle. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan seem to hav...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Foot Problems Associated with Polio

Though the polio vaccine has nearly eradicated the polio virus among the populations of industrialized nations, people whose lives were affected by paralytic polio before the vaccine became largely available in the late 1950’...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Long Term Affects of Polio: What’s the Difference Between Flat and Flaccid Feet?

The quick and crucial answer to the question, “What’s the difference between flat and flaccid feet?” is that flat feet, though they have fallen arches, retain mobility whereas flaccid feet have lost the ability to move at all...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Polio and Foot Deformity

Polio is an extremely contagious virus that swept through the US during the earlier half of the twentieth century and now has largely been eradicated by the polio vaccine, created by Jonas Salk in the 1950s. It is transmitte...
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04-14-2009, KentB: How Does Diabetes Affect My Feet?

People commonly think of Diabetes as a disease that interferes with glucose levels in the blood stream. What they may not realize is that this disease has several chronic complications including, among others, diabetic foot....
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04-14-2009, KentB: Diabetes and Foot Ulcers

Diabetes leads to foot problems in about twenty-five percent of the population suffering from the disease, and one of the most troublesome of these foot problems is foot ulcers. A foot ulcer is an open wound on your foot. I...
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04-14-2009, KentB: How to Take Care of Your Feet if You Have Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease that has serious long term implications. One of these complications is the development of diabetic foot. Diabetic foot results from decreased sensitivity in the foot due to neuropathy and poor circulat...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Maggot Debridement Therapy and Treating Foot Ulcers in Diabetics

Foot ulcers pose a serious chronic problem for people suffering from diabetes and diabetic foot. These open sores on the foot are very difficult to heal, and they often reappear again and again in the same areas of the foot....
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04-14-2009, KentB: How Do I Know if the Shoe Fits?

Finding a pair of shoes that fits properly may seem like a no-brainer. You go to a department store, sit on one of those benches with the mirrors below the sitting area (if you ever wanted to know what the world looks like t...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Shopping for Shoes of Different Sizes

Different sectors of the apparel industry have finally gotten smart about people�s bodies. When buying a swimsuit, for example, women are able to shop for tops and bottoms separately in order to find a suit that fits the s...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Mismatched Feet

It�s easy to look to the body as an example of perfect symmetry. Everything comes in twos: two eyes, two ears, two arms, two hands, two legs, two feet. And we expect these �partners in crime� to work together in a way...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Orthotic Devices for Your Foot Condition

Orthotics are insoles that you can slip into your shoes in order to correct common foot ailments, or to provide extra support when recovering from foot surgery. Whether orthotics are custom made or purchased at the local phar...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Proper Footwear for People with Lymphedema

Lymphedema is a condition that causes swelling in the arms and legs. It occurs when the body retains interstitial fluid (usually due to a blockage in the lymphatic system) instead of draining the fluid properly. In rare cas...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Lymphedema Treatments

There is no known cure for lymphedema. This condition, which is characterized by swelling in the limbs caused by blockages in the lymphatic system, can be either congenital or acquired. In the US lymphedema is commonly asso...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Lymphedema: What Remains After the Cancer is Gone

Most people who survive cancer are eager to move on with their lives. Unfortunately, the emotional and physical stress caused by cancer and its treatment can leave scars behind that last for a lifetime. One of these scars i...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Complete Decongestive Physiotherapy (CDP) for Lymphedema

Most doctors agree that the most successful treatment for lymphedema is something called CDP (complete decongestive physiotherapy) or sometimes CDT (complete decongestive treatment). This treatment requires a two step proces...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Clubfoot Celebrities: Lord Byron

Thank goodness we were not born at the time of Lord Byron! The great poet was born with a misshapen right foot, which most scholars now attribute to a common foot deformity known as clubfoot. This physical defect greatly af...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Clubfoot: A Correctable Condition

The good news about clubfoot is that when the condition is caught early, it is treatable. And clubfoot can be diagnosed very early � even before a baby is born. Once doctors realize a fetus shows signs of clubfoot, they c...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Clubfoot Treatment: Freddy Sanchez, A Success Story

When Freddy Sanchez was born, the doctor told his mother he would never walk. His right foot was smaller than his left and turned inward (a condition known as Clubfoot) and his left foot was pigeon-toed. Twenty-three years ...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Clubfoot Treatment: Kristi Yamaguchi, A Success Story

Clubfoot Treatment: Kristi Yamaguchi, A Success Story When Kristi Yamaguchi first took to the ice it wasn’t in hopes of an Olympic Gold Medal. The future Olympic Champion (1992) and World Figure Skating Champion (1991 and 19...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Help! My Feet Hurt! Shoes You Should Buy if You're Suffering from Bunions, Corns, Calluses or Hammertoe

Help! My Feet Hurt! Shoes You Should Buy If You’re Suffering From Bunions, Corns, Calluses or Hammertoe. That pair of stiletto heels might look great with your new dress, but wearing shoes that hurt your feet can have seri...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Ouch! What's that bump on my foot?

Ouch! What’s that bump on my foot?! I remember discovering my grandmother’s collections of high-heels one afternoon when I was playing a secret game of dress-up in her closet. For as long as I had known her, my grandmother ...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Debridement and Callus Foot Tissue

Debridement and Callus Foot Tissue Debridement is a method for ridding the foot of callus foot tissue. This callus tissue can include foot tissue with scales, foot tissue with fissures (cracked heels, etc.), corns, foot tiss...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Getting Rid of Your Calluses (With and Without Fish!)

Getting Rid of Your Calluses (With and Without Fish!) Put down that pumice stone ladies! There is a new way to tackle even the nastiest of calluses. A spa in Tokyo, the Ooedo Onsen Monogatari, is now using fish to clean the...
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04-14-2009, KentB: How to Treat Hallux Valgus

How to Treat Hallux Valgus Hallux Valgus is a deformity that occurs when the big toe (known as the hallux) points inward (towards the direction of the baby toe). The big toe can deviate inward to such an extent that the seco...
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04-14-2009, KentB: How to Treat Hammertoe

How to Treat Hammertoe Hammertoe is a foot deformity that usually results from wearing ill-fitting shoes. The condition is sometimes referred to as claw toe, crooked toe or mallet toe. It occurs when the second joint of the...
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04-14-2009, KentB: What to Expect from Hammertoe Surgery

What to Expect from Hammertoe Surgery Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs when the first interphalangeal joint (the joint just before the tip of your toe) becomes permanently bent. The tendon that controls the toe tigh...
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04-14-2009, KentB: I have Diabetes. How Do I Know If I'm at Risk for Amputation?

I Have Diabetes. How Do I Know If I’m At Risk for Amputation? Chronic complications arising from diabetes often lead to the formation of foot ulcers (open wounds on the foot) that increase a diabetes patient’s risk of amputa...
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04-14-2009, KentB: Neuropathy and Foot Ulcers in Diabetes Patients

Neuropathy and Foot Ulcers in Diabetes Patients Approximately fifty-eight percent of diabetes patients have a chronic complication known as neuropathy, which causes decreased sensitivity in the nervous system and occurs fre...
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01-19-2009, janet@thelivingstongroup.com: Caught by polio outbreak of the 50's

Even though polio is practically non-existent today I have worn a leg brace ever since the 50's because it is the only way to get around. I wonder if any of the readers have experienced similar lifestyles and if there are...
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11-18-2008, KentB: Top 7 Tips to Treat and Prevent Ingrown Toenail

Top 7 Tips to Treat and Prevent Ingrown Toenail Author: Raymond Lee It seems the nail on your big toe has a very bad sense of direction. Instead of growing out straight, like a good nail should, it has taken a wrong turn into...
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11-18-2008, KentB: Foot Corns - Bothersome - Painful - Preventable

Foot Corns - Bothersome - Painful - Preventable Author: Jeff Foster Foot corns develop as a result of increased pressure on a particular area of skin causing it to become thickened and hard. Corns often appear on the tops of ...
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11-18-2008, KentB: Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis Author: Allan Tan Appropriate footwear are the most important element against pain from plantar fasciitis, with every step pressure is constantly put on the plantar fascia. When the plantar fascia...
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11-18-2008, KentB: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Hammertoes

Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Hammertoes Author: Dave Stringham People of all ages can have toe problems, from infants born with deformities, to older adults with acquired deformities. The major culprit of toe deformitie...
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11-18-2008, KentB: Foot Ulcer – Types and Treatment

Foot Ulcer – Types and Treatment Author: peterhutch A skin ulcer is where an area of skin has broken down and you can see the underlying tissue. Most skin ulcers occur on the lower legs or feet. The skin normally heals quickl...
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11-15-2008, KentB: What is Plantar Fasciitis?

What is Plantar Fasciitis? Author: TheInsoleStore.com Plantar Fasciitis (pronounced plan-tar fash-ee-eye-tis) is a common cause of heel and foot pain in adults often diagnosed by physicians. The classic symptoms of planta...
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11-15-2008, KentB: Should You Consider Orthotics For Your Foot Pain?

Should You Consider Orthotics For Your Foot Pain? Author: Dave Wilson Many people with arthritis foot pain benefit from orthotic inserts. Orthotics is the science of constructing or custom designing foot appliances such as a...
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11-15-2008, KentB: Foot Info You Should be Aware of

Foot Info You Should be Aware of Author: Mia Linx, Sr. What is Podiatry and what do Podiatrists do? Podiatry or podiatric medicine is a field of healthcare devoted to the study and treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle, ...
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11-12-2008, KentB: Foot Care Rules For Diabetics

Foot Care Rules For Diabetics Author: Gary Gordon Do You Know the Foot Care Rules for Diabetics? More and more patients like yourself are learning and implementing the foot care rules for diabetics in their life. While they ...
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11-12-2008, KentB: The Risks and Benefits Associated With Calf Implants

The Risks and Benefits Associated With Calf Implants Author: Tiffany Bradford Although breast augmentation is still the most popular type of cosmetic implant surgery performed, there are many other types of implants that a pe...
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11-12-2008, KentB: 10 Wilma Rudolph Quotes to Commemorate Her June Birthday

10 Wilma Rudolph Quotes to Commemorate Her June Birthday Author: Noel Jameson If you want sports quotes that aren't just about athletics, but are about overcoming adversity and overwhelming odds, then Wilma Rudolph quotes...
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11-12-2008, KentB: Poliomyelitis � Information on Poliomyelitis

Poliomyelitis � Information on Poliomyelitis Author: peterhutch Poliomyelitis is a communicable disease caused by infection with the poliovirus. Transmission of the virus occurs by direct person-to-person contact, by contac...
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11-12-2008, KentB: A Brief History of Clarks Shoes

A Brief History of Clarks Shoes Author: Megan Hazel A family business for over 179 years, Clarks Shoes has led the way in shoe manufacturing, becoming one of the leading brands of shoes in the world. The success of Clarks Sho...
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11-12-2008, KentB: Casual Walking Shoes-a Comfortable Fashion Statement

Casual Walking Shoes-a Comfortable Fashion Statement Author: Megan Hazel Quite often, most women and some men believe that comfortable shoes are not synonymous with fashion. Mephisto Shoes can prove them wrong. With almost 20...
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11-12-2008, KentB: Quality Shoes-what Traits to Look for

Quality Shoes-what Traits to Look for Author: Megan Hazel Ben Franklin probably didn't say "show me a grumpy man and I'll show you a man with bad shoes", but he should have. They say that shoes make the man, and they&...
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11-12-2008, KentB: Tips for Maintaining Leather Shoes

Tips for Maintaining Leather Shoes Author: Megan Hazel One of the best investments you can make is on quality leather shoes. The only catch is that you must take care of those shoes religiously. A quality pair of shoes will l...
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11-12-2008, KentB: How to Buy Tennis Shoes

How to Buy Tennis Shoes Author: Roberto Sedycias Tennis shoes, which are technically known as athletic shoes too, are shoes designed for physical and sporting activities. The other kinds of shoes are called dress shoes and te...
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11-12-2008, KentB: Pw Minor and Aetrex Shoes - Orthopedic Shoes With Style

PW Minor and Aetrex Shoes - Orthopedic Shoes With Style Author: Jeff There was a time when orthopedic shoes were not exactly great looking things to see, or much less, to wear out in public. The original patent for such shoes...
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11-12-2008, KentB: Tips For Tennis Shoes Maintenance

Tips For Tennis Shoes Maintenance Author: Roberto Sedycias Tennis shoes are now used extensively in other sports such as basketball, jumping and running even though it was originally designed for Tennis. A bit more expensive ...
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11-11-2008, KentB: All About Tennis Shoes

All About Tennis Shoes Author: Blair Stephens Tennis is a game that requires constant movement: forward and backward, side-to-side, running, jumping, lunging, and quick pivots. A good tennis shoe will help you comfortably end...
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11-11-2008, KentB: What Parents Should Know About Children's Feet Development, Shoe Selection and Maintenance

What Parents Should Know About Children's Feet Development, Shoe Selection and Maintenance Author: Peter Abatan The aim of this guide is to help parents make an informed decision about the type of children's shoes t...
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