Saturday, June 11, 2016

Comfortable Wedge Heels for Summer 2016 - Pikolinos - Podiatry Recommended

Pikolinos

Two great choices for Summer 2016

Podiatrist Recommended


Pikolinos Mykonos



Pikolinos Madeira

Much thanks to my stylish patient who found these sandals! Both of these wedge heels are great choices for wearing on smooth, concrete surfaces. I would not recommend them for significantly uneven pavement or cobblestone. If possible, I recommend that you try on these shoes at the store so that you can get a good fit and make sure that they are comfortable. What makes both of these wedges so good is that they meet the criteria of what makes a good shoe. 

The four criteria required for a comfortable shoe:

1. A thick, rigid and non-flexible sole, so that there is no motion through the foot joints. Eliminating motion through foot joints decreases the progression of bunions, hammertoes and arthritic joint changes as well as decreasing inflammation, swelling and pain of tendons, muscles and ligaments. If you have arthritis or any joint issues in your feet (degenerative changes, history of a fracture or injury, ect) then wearing a shoe that is flexible will cause more wear and tear on the joints, which will cause more damage and pain. If you are recovering from a foot injury and are trying to transition from your below-the-knee walking boot into normal shoes -- the trick is to ease into shoes that do the same thing that the CAM walker did -- stop motion through the area of pain so that you can continue to heal and be comfortable. 

2. Wide toebox. A wide, soft toebox will decrease the progression of hammertoes, bunions, corns and calluses and other issues such as Morton's neuromas. If water can slowly wear down boulders into sand, then what do you think the pressure from pointy-toed shoes are doing to your joints throughout your lifetime? 

3. Rearfoot Control. In my opinion, there are no flip-flops that are good enough for anyone's feet! If you are not wearing a strap around the rearfoot, then you are forced to grip down with your toes, which helps promote hammertoes, mechanical strain and tired-leg syndrome.  

4. Arch Support. Although there is no significant arch support in these two sandals, you can get an over-the-counter cushion from the pharmacy that will adhere to the top of the footbed to give added arch support.  

These shoes are recommended for patients with:
*Mild to moderate Hallux Limitus
*Mild to moderate Functional Hallux Limitus 
*Hallux Rigidus (Mykonos)
*History of a 1st toe joint implant or fusion (Mykonos)
*Mild Osteoarthritis
*Mild Rheumatoid Arthritis (clear with your podiatrist) 
*Mild to Moderate Metatarsalgia
*Morton's Neuroma
*Plantar Plate Injury
*Capsulitis
*Over-Pronation (try to add a self-adhesive arch support and only wear for social occasions and not for all day walking)
*Plantar Fasciitis (heel pain)
*History of a previous Lisfranc's injury or fracture that has healed (please check with your podiatrist to see if this shoe is appropriate for you)
*Mild Hammertoes
*Mild Bunions
*Mild Tailor's Bunions 
*Mild Achilles Tendonitis
*History of healed tendonitis (check with your podiatrist)


These shoes are NOT recommended for patients with: 
*Diabetes
*History or Ulcerations
*Charcot foot
*Balance Issues
*Moderate to Severe Hypermobility or Ligament Laxity 
*History of Falling
*Instability
*Peripheral Neuropathy (nerve damage)
*Charcot-Marie Tooth
*Neurological Issues
*Peripheral Arterial Disease (poor circulation)
*Excessive swelling
*Moderate to Severe Lymphedema

For more information, please refer to my other articles on this blog:

My Feet Hurt: Top Ten Things to do to Alleviate Foot Pain.


Shoe Recommendations for Patients Recovering from Lisfranc's Foot Injuries.


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



Have a wonderful day,

Dr. Cathleen A. McCarthy

:)




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