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Spring Shoe Shopping Shouldn't Spell Foot Pain

By Dr Christopher Segler

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 31May2009 Word count: 602 Viewed: 260 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

A gentle breeze in your hair and the feeling of bright rays of sunshine warming your shoulders mean that spring is here. The grass is turning green under a clear blue sky. Thoughts of new outfits dance in your head. It all tells you that it is time for some springtime shoe shopping!

And this is when podiatrist offices start to open the doors for the rising tide of foot pain caused by spring and summer shoe styles. As long as you know what to look for, you won't have to let your fashion sense lead to foot problems.

Worse yet, don't be the one in that fabulous new spring outfit, but with ugly band-aids crisscrossing battered and blistered heels. You only need to know the pitfalls of summer shoe problems to stay in style, and injury free.

The first thing that you need to know is that for most women, spring attire means a radical shift in the types of shoes you will wear. Suddenly you go from well-padded, warm, cushioned shoes to open toe sandals with tiny straps.

These skinny little straps can create huge pressure points and lead to irritation of feet that have been tenderized from a full season in winter shoes. That doesn't mean you can't wear them. It just means you have to break them in gradually.

The best way to ease into the spring shoe season is by choosing three or four different summer shoe styles. Just make sure that each of the shoes has a slightly different heel height. They should also have straps that run over different parts of your feet. This will spread out the pressure and decrease the chance of any irritation.

If you have ever felt guilty about buying several pairs of shoes in one day, this is your lucky day. You now have doctor's orders to go out and buy a few pair of new shoes! Yes, you may even tell your husband it will be good for you.

When selecting summer shoes, you need to think about function. Obviously if you are going to the beach, you don't want four inch heels. If you are going for long walks you don't want gladiator sandals. In those situations, think comfort. Think lower heels and more cushioned support.

Having said all that, it is okay for you to wear some platform shoes or wedge heels on occasion. In my opinion, you should feel free to wear the prettiest should you want anytime you are going to a function requiring evening wear, or when little wakling is required. You don't have to go ugly just to be healthy.

Keep in mind that the single most common problem foot doctors see related to summertime shoes is not from the super high-heeled shoes. It is actually heel pain causes by flimsy flip flops. This type of heel pain is called plantar fasciits. It actually accounts for 40% of all visits to podiatrists annually.

When selecting flip flops they need two characteristics. First, they must have a slight heel. Flat is bad. Second, they should have a little bit of support. This can mean that they are slightly rigid and difficult to bend, or they should have some built-in arch support. Spend a few extra dollars on good sandals, and you will avoid the most common cause of foot pain.

Although colors and styles change with the seasons, you should look forward to spring and the fun warm-weather styles. Just keep in mind that alternating your spring shoes will help you stay stylish and injury free. After all, its hard to limp and look pretty!

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