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Advice From
the Framingham Board of Health:
Helping Your Feet Help You
By Jim Gordon,
Chairman of the Framingham Board of Health
Good
foot care is important for all - the young and the elderly, those in
good health and those with medical issues. By following a few simple
steps, one can give much extra protection to foot care. We recently
spoke to Dr. Brian Wascavage who is a graduate of Temple University
and a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine and has a Podiatry practice on Lincoln
Street in Framingham.
Dr. Wascavage says, "It is most important to fit feet to shoes, rather
than fit shoes to feet. For example a wide foot put into a narrow shoe
can cause problems such as ingrown toenails and blisters, and corns.
Specialty shoe stores with experienced employees usually do a better
job in fitting the customer with the appropriate shoe."
In some cases Wascavage advises using orthotics, which is a customized
insert based on the shape of the individual's foot which fits inside
the shoes and may help in improving support for those with flat feet
or major problems with bunions or heel spurs. In a comment which should
be a delight to school children Wascavage says " Sneakers are generally
better for the feet than dress shoes as they have a larger base and
better support for both sports and general walking. Young children have
bones in their feet which are much softer than adults and changes in
their feet can occur relatively quickly. Sneakers help provide the feet
with good support," Wascavage added.
For winter shoe support Wascavage recommends a rubber sole which gives
more traction than leather shoes. He also said, " One should not cram
his feet into boots, as the boot should fit properly. Winter boots can
cause feet to sweat and this could possibly lead to Athletes Foot."
Athlete's Foot which is a fungus caused from sweaty feet, can usually
be controlled by powdering the feet, keeping the feet clean and dry
and changing socks regularly. Many diabetics have complications with
their feet and toenails, including neuropathy (which is numbness in
the feet) and circulation problems in the feet. Diabetics should check
their feet daily for any cuts, bruises, athletes foot and ingrown toenails
. Wascavage recommends diabetics change their socks and shoes once or
twice a day to lessen the pressure on the feet. Diabetics should regularly
discuss with their personal physician a regular preventative program
in order to help provide good foot care. Wascavage says "Walking helps
to strengthen muscles."
For exercise walking is not only great for cardiovascular health but
it helps keep the feet in shape. Stretching before exercise is very
important as if one does not stretch he may be more likely to receive
an injury. Wascavage has some reservations about treadmill use as he
says treadmills are hard on the feet. The Doctor said "Treadmills should
not be used on an incline level."
He recommends taking short strides. Of course each individual should
discuss his exercise program and foot care situation with his own physician
and podiatrist. Keep your feet in good shape. See you on the track!
Jim
Gordon is chairman of the Board of Health in Framingham
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