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Saturday, September 28, 2019

Podiatrist Recommended - Nike Air Huarache and Nike Monarch!

Podiatrist Recommended

Nike Air Huarache
and 
Nike Monarch
Nike Air Huarache


Nike Air Huarache

Nike Monarch

Nike Monarch

What makes these Nike shoes so good are that they meet the 4 criteria required to make a shoe Podiatry approved:

1. They have a thick, rigid and non-flexible sole which is the most important thing to consider when you are shopping for comfortable shoes. Less motion through painful joints means less pain, less inflammation and less damage to those joints. A soft or flexible soled shoe is horrible for your feet because it offers no support and allows excessive motion through your joints, which can cause degenerative joint disease, bunions, hammertoes, fractures, tendon injuries, and many more foot maladies. 

2. A wide toe box, which is important because any pressure on the toes can cause bunions, hammertoes, corns, ingrown toenails, toenail fungus, blisters, and Morton's Neuromas. 

3. Rearfoot control, which is important because less motion through the rearfoot structures decreases your risk of injury and strain. Flip flops, which have no rearfoot control, forces the wearer to grip down with the toes and this promotes hammertoes as well as a multitude of other foot and ankle issues. It can also increase strain on the knees, hips and lower back.

4. Although this shoe doesn't have arch support, it will accommodate a custom-molded orthotic or a good over-the-counter insert, which you should be able to get from your local Podiatrist. 

These shoe are recommended for people with:
*Plantar Fasciitis (heel pain)
*Hallux Limitus (limited motion through the 1st toe joint)
*Functional Hallux Limitus (limited motion through the 1st toe joint when you are functioning/weight-bearing)
*Hallux Rigidus (No motion through 1st toe joint)
*Morton's Neuroma
*Metatarsalgia
*Sesamoiditis
*Mild Tailor Bunion 
*Mild Bunions
*Mild Hammertoes
*Osteoarthritis
*Mild to Moderate Degenerative Joint Disease 
*Mild Over-Pronation (wear arch support)
*Mild Hypermobility (try a Nike high-top basketball shoe with a rigid sole, which they usually have)
*Mild Tendonitis
*Mild Achille's Tendonitis

These shoes are not recommended for people with: 
*Charcot Foot
*History of Foot Ulcerations
*Lymphedema 

Check with your Podiatrist if you have:
*Diabetes
*Peripheral Neuropathy (nerve damage)
*Peripheral Arterial Disease (poor circulation)
*Previous Lisfranc's Joint Injury 
*Ankle Instability 

I hope this was helpful and thank you for reading the blog! 

For more information about comfortable shoes, please check out my other articles:

My Feet Hurt! Top 10 Things to do to Alleviate Foot Pain Today.

Shoe Recommendations for Patients Recovering from Lisfranc Injuries. 


Have a great day!

Dr. Cathleen A. McCarthy

:)





Thursday, September 5, 2019

Autumn 2019 Podiatrist Recommended Shoes at Dillard's!

Autumn 2019

Podiatrist Recommended Shoes at Dillard's.



Did you see me cruising through Dillard's yesterday? I was the woman walking around checking all the shoes and even taking pictures of some of the shoes on my cell phone. Actually, I am quite surprised that they don't kick me out of there on the off chance I am was an industrial spy! 

Here are some recommendations from my latest trip to Dillard's at Fashion Square in Scottsdale where a lovely salesperson names Charles helped me. 




Gentle Souls
Kenneth Cole
Noa Leather Flats


This shoe might not look like it, but the sole is very rigid and, therefore, much more supportive. The most important thing about a shoe is that it must have a thick, rigid and non-flexible sole because less motion means less pain, less inflammation and less "wear and tear" of the joints. The shoe is not perfect as it has no arch support and the toe box is a bit too tapered for my taste, but this may be a good choice for some patients. 




Jambu
Naomi Wedge Sandal

Going into Autumn, this may only be a good choice for those of us in Arizona and the warmer climates who don't have to worry about rain, slush and snow. I really liked this Jambu because it has the thick, rigid and non-flexible sole which is what makes a shoe more comfortable and protective of foot structures such as joints, ligaments and tendons. 





Dr. Marten's
Farrah Chunky Glitter Boots

The Dr. Marten's boot is a great choice for students heading back to school. They are uber-comfortable, sturdy and even sort of cool. I love that Dr. Marten's are coming out in creative colors and even with some bling. I also love that this is a boot that will accommodate a functional or dress orthotic for better arch support. 




Kork-Ease
Shirome

Obviously, the Kork-Ease Shirome will not be for everyone, but if you know that you can wear a heel of the height comfortably, then this may be a good choice for a dress boot.


Michael Kors
Cosmo Leopard Print

I purchased this shoe and love it! I can wear my dress heat-molded insert with it for better arch support and I find it is very comfortable. I was pleasantly surprised to see that Dillard's has many different designers who have their own versions of what I call these "blinged-out sneakers." 


Antonio Melani

I love that the sole of this dress shoe is so rigid (and therefore supportive and protective). The only issue I have with these shoes is that the toe box is tapered and a bit narrow, but this may be a good choice for someone with a narrow foot. 

Uggs
Fluff Yeah Neon Slides

I love that these Uggs come in so many bright and cheerful colors. The thick, rigid and non-flexible sole makes them a very supportive and comfortable choice for bedroom slipper. 


Cole Han
American Classic

This is an excellent choice for a men's dress shoe as they have a rigid and non-flexible sole and they can also accommodate a men's dress orthotic for better arch support. 



Dansko 
Paisley Suede Waterproof Sneakers


I think that this is a great looking shoe and it has an excellent and supportive sole with a wide toe box. It will accommodate a custom-molded orthotic for better arch support. 



Alegria
Paloma

The Alegria Paloma is an oldie but a goodie! It has a supportive sole and wide toe box and will accommodate a thinner dress orthotic. They also come in creative colors and designs.


Antonio Melani
Airla Casual Slip-On


This is another example of one of the fancier "sneakers" that are coming out this Autumn. I love the thick, rigid and non-flexible sole which is what makes the shoe so comfortable. This may not be the best choice for anyone with a high instep or a "bump" on the top of the middle of their arch as the strap will cause too much pressure which will be uncomfortable. 




Birkenstock 
Buckley
(for bedroom slippers)

If the Rx Crocs don't work for you as a bedroom slipper, this Birk Buckley is another great option for a slipper to wear around the house. 



Gianna Bini
Troye Rainbow Rhinestone Embellished 
Chunky Lace-Up Sneakers

What's not to love about this shoe? It's funky, chunky and cool and more importantly - it's comfortable!





Patricia Nash
Milano Leather Wedge Sneakers

This is another great option for someone who is looking for a slightly dressed-up look for their sneakers. It will also accommodate a dress or functional orthotic. 


These are just a few of the great choices I found at Dillard's at Fashion Square in Scottsdale this past weekend. I hope you have good luck finding a shoe that is suits your aesthetic taste AND feels great!

Thank you for reading the blog!

Dr. Cathleen A. McCarthy

:)



For more information, check my other articles:

My Feet Hurt! Top 10 things to do today to alleviate foot pain:

Shoe recommendations for patients recovering from Lisfranc's joint injuries. 















Sunday, July 7, 2019

Excellent Shoes for Girls & Women with Small Feet!

Excellent Running Shoe 
for Girls and Women with Small Feet!

New Balance 860 V9




This is an excellent shoe that fits a women's size 5 up to size 13, which makes it a good choice for girls who need a supportive shoe as well as for women with unusually small feet. 

What makes this shoe so good is that it meets the 4 criteria of what is required for a shoe to be good enough for your feet:

1. It must have a thick, rigid and non-flexible sole for more stability and biomechanical protection. Less motion through foot joints means less inflammation, pain and damage. It also gives the runner a mechanical advantage, which should improve her running speed and decrease the risk of injury. 
2. It must have a wide, soft and square toebox so there is less pressure on the toes, which decreases the progression of bunions and hammertoes.  
3. It must have rearfoot control for more biomechanical control of the ankle and foot, which means less strain of the knees, hips and lower back.  
4. It should be able to accommodate arch support whether it's over-the-counter inserts or custom-molded orthotics. 

This Shoe is Recommended for Patients with:
* Hallux Limitus (limited range of motion of the 1st toe joint)
* Hallux Rigidus (no range of motion of the 1st toe joint because it has been surgically fused or degenerative joint disease)
* Functional Hallux Limitus
* Osteoarthritis 
* Rheumatoid Arthritis
Metatarsalgia 
* Morton's Neuroma
* Capsulitis
* Tailor's Bunion
* Bunions
* Hammertoes
* Corns and Calluses
* Plantar Fasciitis (heel pain)
* Mild Achilles Tendonitis
* Mild Posterior Tibial Tendonitis 
* Mild Peroneal Tendonitis 
* Previous history of Lisfranc's Injuries 
* Mild Ankle Instability 
* Tired Leg Syndrome
* Muscle Weakness
* Parkinson's Disease 
* The Elderly 

Check with your Podiatrist to see if the NB 860 V9 is appropriate for you if you have any of these conditions:  
* Diabetes
* Peripheral Neuropathy (Nerve Damage)
* Peripheral Arterial Disease (Poor Circulation)
* Severe Ankle Instability 
* History of Foot Ulcerations 

This Shoe is Not Appropriate if you have:
* Charcot Foot


I hope that this was helpful! For more articles, check out:

My feet hurt! Top 10 things to do to alleviate foot pain today. 
http://podiatryshoereview.blogspot.com/2012/05/my-feet-hurt-top-ten-things-relieve.html

Shoe recommendations for the patient's recovering from Lisfranc's injuries.
http://podiatryshoereview.blogspot.com/2012/04/podiatrist-shoe-recommendations-for.html


Have a great day!

Dr. Cathleen A. McCarthy 

:)



 








Thursday, July 4, 2019

Clarks's Sandals - Podiatry Approved! !

Clarks Reedly Salene Wedge Sandal
Podiatrist Recommended


This Clark's sandal is my new favorite summer shoe! What's great about this sandal is that it meets the 3 of the 4 criteria required for a shoe to be excellent. Most importantly, it has a thick, rigid and non-flexible sole, which is the most important aspect of a shoe. It's counterintuitive, but less motion through joints means less pain, less inflammation, and less damage. It also has a relatively wide toe box and decent (but not excellent) rearfoot control. The one thing this sandal doesn't have is arch support but despite that I still find this to be an incredibly comfortable shoe.  

This Sandal is Recommended for People with:
* Hallux Limitus (limited range of motion through the 1st toe joint)
* Functional Hallux Limitus (if you're my patient, you probably know what this is!)
* Hallux Rigidus (no motion through the 1st toe joint)
* Mild to Moderate Osteoarthritis 
* Mild Rheumatoid Arthritis (check with your podiatrist first)
* Mild Metatarsalgia
* Mild Sesamoiditis
* Mild Capsulitis
* Mild Morton's Neuroma
* Plantar Fasciitis (heel pain)
* History of previous Lisfranc's Injury (check with your podiatrist first)
* Achilles Tendonitis 

This Sandal is Not Recommended for Patients with:
* Diabetes
* Peripheral Neuropathy (Nerve Damage)
* Peripheral Arterial Disease (Poor Circulation)
* Lymphedema
* Severe Over-Pronation 
* Ankle Instability (you need more ankle support than this shoe offers)
* Drop Foot
* History of Foot Ulcerations
* Severe Hammertoes
* Moderate to Severe Bunions & Tailor's Bunions

I hope that this was helpful! For more information, please refer to these articles:

Shoe Recommendations for Patients Recovering from Lisfranc's Injuries:


My Feet Hurt! Top 20 Things to do to Alleviate Foot Pain Today:


Hope you have a wonderful day!

Dr. Cathleen A. McCarthy

:)