How hard can it be to trim your toenails? I guess for a lot of folks, it’s a huge deal and something they never do. In all the years I have been patching feet, I have observed that untrimmed toenails are the number one cause of problems leading to toe blisters and black nails. Socks will catch on nails that are too long or that have rough edges. This puts pressure on the nail bed. Nails that are too long are also prone to pressure from a toe box that is too short or too low. …
Trying New Footwear – Bite Sandals
Every once in a while, we have to step out and try something new. I did that today—literally. I stepped out in a pair of Bite Xtension 2 sandals. These sandals are made for walking and running, whether on pavement or trails. I used them today on a morning run while on vacation on a old mountain road that is a mix of asphalt and gravel and dirt. I ran without socks. The result? I love the freedom of my toes open to the air. Bite’s sandals have a wide base, which makes footing …
The Insole Test
Insoles are funny little things. Most of our walking and running, and boots, come with removable insoles. Typically, we buy a pair of shoes and wear them until they wear out—without ever thinking about the insoles under our feet. You may think insoles are similar but they differ quite a bit. They range from rigid to flexible, cushioned to hard, no arch to high arches, low to high heel cups, one material to multiple substances, cheap to expensive, and in a multitude of coverings. …
Size Matters
We all have heard the adage that, “Size matters.” I know what you’re thinking and I don’t mean that! I am talking about shoe size. A common problem when buying shoes and boots is that people will tell the salesperson, “I wear a size 9 1/2.” Well that may or may not be true. Over time, our feet change—typically getting larger. The fat pads on the bottom of our feet become thinner as we get older. We may get bunions or our calluses may thicken and affect fit. You may have been a 9 1/2 but now you …
Healthy Skin and Toenails = Healthy Feet
It’s relatively easy to tell how healthy someone’s feet are—for me anyway. I just run my hands up and down their feet, and over and between their toes. That’s as up close and personal as you can get. The skin on healthy feet will feel soft and supple. The skin feels somewhat smooth and moist as opposed to feeling dry and flaky. I’ll allow only one or two patches of small calluses per foot—if any at all. Many people treasure their calluses and do everything to keep them while others can’t get rid …
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Be Careful Out There (Buying Shoes)
Yesterday I was looking through the ads in the Sunday paper and my attention was drawn to a Mervyns ad. On the front of their glossy 36-page flyer were photos of Nike women’s Air Alvord, the new women’s Air Dual D, and the men’s Air Run Dual D. Nike what? Who has heard of these shoes? They’re Nike’s sales effort aimed at department stores. They may be good shoes but I wouldn’t buy them for running. In fact, they are not even on Nike's web site for running shoes! While most …
Do One Thing For Your Feet
I would like to challenge you to do one thing for your feet. Nothing drastic. It doesn't even have to cost anything--and if it does--it'll be cheap. Since you know your feet better than I do, you'll have to pick the one thing. First, take off your shoes and socks. Secondly, take a good look at your feet. Run your hands over your feet, between the toes, and feel the skin--especially on the heels and balls of your feet. Do you feel any thickened skin or calluses? Is the skin dry? Is it soft and …
Starting off on the right foot…
So why Happy Feet? Do I obsess about feet? Truth be told, not really--it just seems that way. By nature, I am a helping person and years of experience providing foot care to athletes has taught me that people want current and relevant information about their feet. That's what this blog will strive to do in an interesting and fun sort of way. But, why me? Let me start off on the right foot by giving my credentials so you know I'm for real. In June of 1997 I self-published …
