Your Health Matters
By Claudia Parks, R.N.

The "wear and tear" and "abuse" we put our bodies through-each day! It's next to sinful! Let's start at the floor- our FEET! Americans spend nearly $5 billion on specialized foot-care treatment. Women have four times the foot problems men do, largely because of the design of our shoes.

In one study in Los Angeles, 80 percent of the women's feet hurt, which is no wonder, since 88 percent of them wore shoes that were too small. In another group, 98 percent of women interviewed agreed that having healthy feet is important, yet 32 percent of them reported having shoes that were uncomfortable but looked good. Even my 100year-old mother-in-law prefers shoes that look good rather than comfort! "I don't want to wear those old ladies shoes!"

There are more than 300 foot ailments, which is not surprising considering that your two feet have 52 bones, 230 ligaments and 38 muscles. Though a tendency toward some foot problems like

bunions and ingrown toenails is hereditary, they may not appear until you tempt fate with ill-fitting shoes or gain weight.

Don't ignore problems with your feet. Often the consequences of doing that can be serious. People whose feet hurt carry themselves differently to avoid pain, but this can throw joints out of alignment and lead to problems in the ankle, knee, hip and back. Besides, when your feet hurt-you hurt all over.

Several common foot ailments are:

Corns: If shoes are tight and rub, the body responds by thickening the skin over the bones. Hard corns usually appear on the little toes, and soft corns occur between toes. Put lamb's-wool between your toes to absorb moisture and prevent toe-to-toe pressure for soft corns. Check for proper shoe fit.

Bunions: Coping with a Curving Joint. Bunions occur when the big toe angles toward the little toes instead of straight forward. A bump forms on the large joint of the big toe. It can rub against the shoe, causing pain and swelling. Although the bone structure that predisposes people to bunions is inherited, women get them at four to five times the rate men do, mainly from wearing high heels with pointed toes. Comfortable footwear or bunion shields that you can buy at the drugstore ease many bunions. Try changing your shoes before taking stronger measures. If walking and wearing shoes are too painful, corrective surgery may be necessary.

Ingrown Toenails: Instead of growing straight out of the nail bed, ingrown toenails curve downward, into tender skin. The wounds that result open the door to bacteria, which can lead to painful-and potentially dangerous infections. While improper nail cutting and shoes that press on toes didn't start the problem, which is generally hereditary, both exacerbate ingrown toenails. Most people make matters worse by cutting their nails too short at the corners, leaving sharp edges that pierce the skin. Soak your foot in an Epsom salts bath if you suspect infection- very warm for 20 minutes every two hours. See a podiatrist if all is not well in 24 hours!

How To Buy Really Good Shoes

Don't buy shoes and expect to break them in; usually the shoe breaks the foot in!

Don't go by the numbers. Even if you usually wear a size 8, if a particular shoe feels tight, try on the 81/2, and if that feels comfortable, buy that size instead.

Buy Long! Allow a thumb's width (about 1/2 inch) between the end of your longest toe and the end of shoe.

Buy Late! Buy shoes at midday (2:00 to 4:00 P.M.), when your foot has had a chance to swell from walking around.

Take off EXTRA weight! Being overweight puts more pressure on foot tendons, ligaments and joints.

Remember, COST DOESN'T guarantee a good fit!

Buy more than one. If you find a pair of shoes you love, and they fit, buy a pair in every color you like. You'll thank yourself later.

Many individuals suffer for years with foot pain and often let the "condition" get so bad that it is difficult for the doctor to "fix-it"! You have several choices: An orthopedist who specializes in foot and ankle conditions. Or you can see a podiatrist, which is the specialist in foot problems. If you are a diabetic or have poor circulation- YOU need to be very careful with your feet at all times!

Claudia Parks, RN, is a former doctor's office and emergency room nurse and retired as an educator from Fulton County Schools. She writes Your Health Matters as a public service; the information here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of your physician. Claudia and her husband make their home in the beautiful north Georgia Mountains, near Blairsville. You may contact Claudia at yhm@windstream.net.