Podiatrist Recommended
Summer Sandals for Summer 2020
First, the most important thing to remember is that any shoe that you wear must have a thick, rigid and non-flexible sole. The concept is counterintuitive but the idea is that if you have a painful joint then the last thing that you want to do is wear flexible shoes that force motion through joints that can’t handle it. When it comes to the foot, less motion equals less pain, inflammation, and joint damage. A sturdy sole with no motion will also stop or slow the progression of bunions, hammertoes, stress fractures, and osteoarthritis.
Second, it is important that it has a soft, wide toe box, which will put less pressure on toes, which helps to prevent corns, ingrown toenails, and will even decrease the risk of developing toenail fungus. Obviously, sandals are a perfect option for decreasing pressure on the toes.
Third, all shoes that you wear should have rearfoot control (strapping) because shoes without rearfoot control force you to scrunch down your toes to stay in the shoe, which promotes hammertoes and mechanical strain on your tendons and ligaments, which can cause tired leg syndrome.
The fourth thing is to wear shoes that can accommodate a custom-molded orthotic or an excellent over-the-counter insert for better arch support, which will help with preventing knee, hip, and even lower back pain. These sandals do not accommodate arch support, so if you know that you need to wear your custom-molded arch support you are better off wearing enclosed shoes that will accommodate them.
Hello, Everyone! I hope that you are all having a healthy, safe, and fun summer. Here are 4 sandal selections that are great for all-day comfort and will help to decrease the risk of developing foot problems as they each meet 3 of the 4 criteria for what a shoe must have to be Podiatrist approved.
To review, for any shoe to be good enough for your feet it must meet the criteria:
First, the most important thing to remember is that any shoe that you wear must have a thick, rigid and non-flexible sole. The concept is counterintuitive but the idea is that if you have a painful joint then the last thing that you want to do is wear flexible shoes that force motion through joints that can’t handle it. When it comes to the foot, less motion equals less pain, inflammation, and joint damage. A sturdy sole with no motion will also stop or slow the progression of bunions, hammertoes, stress fractures, and osteoarthritis.
Second, it is important that it has a soft, wide toe box, which will put less pressure on toes, which helps to prevent corns, ingrown toenails, and will even decrease the risk of developing toenail fungus. Obviously, sandals are a perfect option for decreasing pressure on the toes.
Third, all shoes that you wear should have rearfoot control (strapping) because shoes without rearfoot control force you to scrunch down your toes to stay in the shoe, which promotes hammertoes and mechanical strain on your tendons and ligaments, which can cause tired leg syndrome.
The fourth thing is to wear shoes that can accommodate a custom-molded orthotic or an excellent over-the-counter insert for better arch support, which will help with preventing knee, hip, and even lower back pain. These sandals do not accommodate arch support, so if you know that you need to wear your custom-molded arch support you are better off wearing enclosed shoes that will accommodate them.
I understand that these shoes can be expensive, but think of them as medical equipment and an investment in your body. If proper shoe gear can help alleviate foot, knee, hip, and lower back pain and ensure that you stay active as you get older then your money will be well spent.
Mephisto Tarino
These shoes are carried at the Mephisto Store in Scottsdale,
which you can find at:
Mephisto Dominica
Mephisto Store in Scottsdale:
Alegria Bailee Luggage
I recommend that you go to your store that carries this brand
so that you can try them on to ensure a good fit.
SAS Relaxed Sandal
I recommend that you go to your local SAS Store
or any other store that carried this brand
so that you can try them on to ensure a good fit.
These sandals are recommended for patients with:
*Hallux Limitus (limited range of motion of the 1st toe joint)
*Functional Hallux Limitus (limited range of motion of the 1st toe joint when functioning)
*Hallux Rigidus (No range of motion of the 1st toe joint)
*Rheumatoid Arthritis (the Mephistos and the SAS are better options than Alegria because they have more cushioning)
*Osteoarthritis (same)
*Plantar Fasciitis (In general, Mephistos are best for anyone under 65 years old but SAS are better for anyone over 65 years old)
*Morton's Neuroma
*Capsulitis
*Metatarsalgia
*Mild Tailor's Bunions
*Mild Bunions
*Hammertoes
*Ingrown Toenails
These sandals are not recommended for patients with:
*Diabetics with history of Ulcerations
*Peripheral Arterial Disease (poor circulation)
*Peripheral Neuropathy (nerve damage)
*Charcot Foot
For more information about shoes, please refer to my previous articles:
Shoe recommendations for patients recovering from Lisfranc's Injuries.
Top 10 reasons why your feet hurt -- and how to alleviate the pain!
Thank you for reading and I hope this was helpful!
Dr. Cathleen A. McCarthy
:)
