Why You Should Steer Away From Flip Flops

Spring is here but don’t jump into your flip-flops just yet! We know they are cheap, quick to get on and one of the most popular hot weather shoes out there. Just read on for a bit of flip-flop information you may not be aware of.

How can flip-flops hurt my feet?

Dr. Jeff Bowman, foot specialist in Houston, TX knows all too well how poor, unsupportive shoes can affect feet. He treats patients regularly who come in hobbling with pain and problems from bad shoes. Flip-flops are one type of shoe that can really do a number on your feet. Most flip-flops can literally be folded in half. They are flimsy and a thin layer of rubber is not going to cut it. Some of the common problems our podiatric office sees as a result of wearing flip flops include:

• Blisters

• Plantar Fasciitis

• Heel pain

• Neuromas

• Ankle Sprains

• Fractures

If you know that you are going to spend the day shopping, walking or playing tourist around a vacation spot, keep your flip flops packed. Choose a good supportive shoe instead that will keep your feet comfortable and supported. The last thing you want at the end of the day is a foot full of pain. Look for a sandal that has good arch support, straps that will keep the shoe snugly in place, a firm sole and a lower heel that won’t put added stress on your feet.

You do want to protect the bottom of your feet. It is generally ok to slip on a pair of flip-flops to go from the pool to the beach or while in a public pool or shower area. Other than that, put your feet first by putting them in a proper pair of shoes. If you have foot pain from wearing a flimsy pair of flip-flops, contact us today for treatment. Call our podiatric office at (713) 467-8886 or visit www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

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BOLO Watch - Be On Lookout, Signs of Skin Cancer

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There are concentrated areas of pigmentation of the skin called freckles and moles. However, there is a difference between the two. A freckle is a pigmentation of the innermost layer of the epidermis, which is the top layer of skin. Freckles occur as a result of exposure to the sun and most often appear on the shoulders or face and the tendency to develop freckles may be inherited. Freckles are benign and do not usually require any treatment. Freckling is not associated with cancer, but people with fair complexions are more susceptible to skin cancer.

A mole is a cluster of cells called melanocytes (cells that produce melanin, the skin pigmentation) which is located in the top layer of the second skin layer (dermis). Moles are usually visible at birth and become more noticeable as you grow older. Moles tend to be small, but occasionally can grow large. They are most often benign, but sometimes can become cancerous.

You should watch moles carefully for changes and see your doctor immediately if concerns develop.  Be observant for changes in:

• Size
• Shape
• Color
• Painfulness

Moles may be isolated or appear in clusters. People who have moles should examine their bodies carefully for changes. A mole that you have had may change, others may develop or become painful should have careful attention paid to them.

You can remember this by remembering A, B, C, D and E.

• Asymmetry, when half of the mole changes in size
• Border, when the edges of a mole are jagged
• Color, if color is uneven and changes from tan, brown, black, blue, red or white
• Diameter, if it is larger than a pencil eraser
• Elevation, when height variation is present

There are several different types of skin cancer and most are treatable if detected early and treated quickly. The real lesson here is, don’t forget to consider your feet when it comes to sun protection. The skin on the top of your feet is delicate and has not been sun exposed all winter. Make sure you don’t forget SPF 50 and rub it in! Skin cancers can be removed by cutting them away and closing the skin with a stitch or two. Or your doctor may use a treatment where they freeze the area. Regardless of the treatment, you will have a more clear idea of what to look for in the future. Dr. Bowman knows exactly what to look for. If you have suspicious moles or other spots on your feet, contact him at (713) 467-8886 and get his professional advice. Don’t let these spots go unchecked.
 
References:

http://www.everydayhealth.com/info/v1pt00/skin-cancer?s_kwcid=TC|21765|skin%20cancer||S|e|9570087974&xid=g_dlp-v1pt00
http://www.medicinenet.com/skin_cancer/article.htm

Related articles

• Take exposure to sun seriously

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• Keep your skin safe

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• Slathering on Sunscreen, Early and Often

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Invest A Little In Your Summer Shoes, It Can Pay Off Big!

Now that the sun is shining, you may be eager to spend more time outdoors and shed the excess clothing and heavy footwear. Just spend a little bit of time people watching and see how many have given up shoes and socks and are now baring all (well, at least all of their toes). The winter boots and shoes have been relegated to the basement or back of the closet, and you’ve pulled out the sneakers and sandals. However, before you go shopping for the new summer shoes, get a grip on some shoe standards.

Flat, rubber, plastic and foam flip-flops might be tempting. They are bright, colorful, cheery, and inexpensive, but they do not allow your foot to function as it’s meant to. The foot strikes the ground with the heel and transfers weight through the arch and mid-foot into the big toe where the push off begins. If you examine the bottom of a flip flop, you see it is flat and non-supportive. It forces the foot to do all of the work, and the effort is transferred then to the ankle, lower leg, knee, hip, and lower back, which can lead to fatigue and pain.  All flat-soled sandals are going to have the same effect on the body.  High heeled or platform sandals are just as impractical, maybe more so. The unnatural stance forces all of the weight forward onto the ball of the foot and can lead to neuromas, hammertoes, and bunions.

Well-formed sandals can alleviate pain and help prevent the arthritis that develops in the mid-foot as you age. You should look for sandals that have well-formed arches and a heel cup. This allows for shock absorption in the mid-foot and support in the heel area that prevents the foot from over-pronating. The sandal that provides arch support and appropriately cradles the foot can also help relieve the pain of plantar fasciitis. Sandals similar to flip-flops are available which provide a better made, arch-supportive and heel-formed shoe. For more information concerning the proper selection of sandals, go to:  http://www.kintec.net/kintec_approved.php.

If you need assistance selecting a sandal style appropriate for your foot health, call Dr. Bowman at (713) 467-8886. He can provide you with tips for sandal selection that will help keep your feet in the pink.

References:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Lr2aF5Ngo8&feature=related