Top Tips

Shoes: choose for fit and comfort

Many of the painful problems people come to see us about could have been prevented with proper fitting shoes.  Most people buy shoes that are too short and too narrow. Finding the right pair of shoes takes time, so allow plenty of time to try on different brands and styles until you find a pair that feels comfortable. Experiment until you find shoes that feel fantastic as soon as you put them on.

Close your eyes and take a test stride around the store. If you think you can walk home in them, then do. Otherwise, leave them in the store. Forget sales talk of stretching and ‘giving’ over time.Any reputable shoe shop will happily let you buy shoes ‘on apro’ to be checked by your podiatrist before you start wearing them. We are happy to refer to several retailers we trust. If your new shoes are not supremely comfortable when you first put them on, take them off and walk away without them.

Tips For Fitting Shoes

 

  • Shop at the end of the day. Your feet may be up to a full size larger at the end of the day.
  • Take the socks or stockings you intend wearing with your new shoes.
  • Always have length and width measured for both feet.
  • Ignore the size on the box as shoe sizes vary with style and brand.
  • Avoid slip-on styles. Look for adjustable fastening such as straps, laces or velcro.
  • Natural leather uppers are best.
  • There should be 12 -16mm (a thumb’s width) between your longest toe and the front of the shoe. Your toes should NOT touch the end of the shoe when you are standing or walking.
  • Heels should fit snugly into the heel cup.
  • Toes should have plenty of room to wriggle and move.

Extra Tips for Fitting Children’s Shoes

  • Children may not complain of pain, even if the shoe is too tight, too narrow or too short, so careful fitting is essential.
  • Bare feet on safe surfaces such as sand and grass is important for development.
  • Well fitting shoes and sandals are important for protection (heat, cold and sharp objects)
  • Complaints of pain should never be ignored.

Toenails

Lots of painful problems could be prevented with correct nail trimming…

Correct Nail Trimming Tips

  • Always trim your toe nails straight across.
  • DON’T trim down the sides of your nails.
  • Use a file to gently smooth and round the corners.
  • If you have nails that are highly curved or difficult to cut, it’s best to have them trimmed by a podiatrist.
  • If you have diabetes, you should have your nails trimmed by a podiatrist at least once a year. Diabetes Australia recommend regular podiatry visits to monitor circulation and nerve function that may be affected by diabetes.

Diabetic foot care

Diabetic Foot Care Tips

Daily care for diabetic feet will help you avoid some of the long-term problems that diabetes may cause.

  • Check your feet visually every day.
  • Check the inside of your shoes each day for worn, rough edges or stones.
  • Use lotion on your feet every day
  • Wear shoes that fit well with plenty of room for your toes to wriggle inside the shoe.
  • Wear socks with loose tops. Change your socks every day.
  • Exercise regularly
  • Maintain your blood sugar level
  • Trim your nails straight across. Do not trim down the sides of your nails.
  • Have your feet checked by a podiatrist. Diabetes Australia recommends people with diabetes  visit a podiatrist at least once a year.